The Toyota Land Cruiser ROX concept reimagines the open top iconic Land Cruisers of the past. ROX stands for Recreation Open Experience. The open top Toyota Land Cruiser ROX concept has a true off road killer personality.
Revealed at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the design of the Toyota Land Cruiser ROX concept was undertaken by Toyota’s North American design studio, the Calty Design Research in Michigan USA which was contributed in designing the Toyota Land Cruiser 250.
According to Adam Rabinowitz, Exterior Chief Designer “Open air concepts have been a part of Land Cruiser’s heritage, particularly the topless version”
Performance and specifications
Not much has been revealed by Toyota regarding the performance and specifications of the Land Cruiser ROX concept. Being based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 250, we expect it to have the same petrol 2.4 liter turbo hybrid engine with 8-speed automatic transmission producing 243 kW and 630 Nm of torque.
According to Kevin Hunter, President at Calty Design “Using Land Cruiser 250 as a base, we modified the body to open it up, expanding the usability, functionality and overall fun outdoor experience.” The Toyota Land Cruiser ROX concept vehicle has been raised by 4 inches and is 8 inches wider as compared to the Toyota Land Cruiser 250. Over 50% of the vehicle had been modified.
Design
The Toyota Land Cruiser ROX concept looks off road ready with its open-air cabin, custom-fabricated “skeleton” doors, high-clearance rocker panels, integrated triple-bar roof rack, roof-mounted auxiliary lights, custom made high-lift front and rear steel bumpers with toe-rings, customized independent suspension by TRD, massive tires, high ground clearance and a wider stance.
There is a sliding soft top for passengers to enjoy the open environment. The Spring Green exterior body color is inspired by old iconic Land Cruisers.
According to Adam Rabinowitz, Exterior Chief Designer “As our design team was sketching this open-top derivative, there was definitely an emotional connection to the Land Cruisers of the past.”
The interior layout comes from the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 on which it is based using Heritage Orange leather. The open rear section of the vehicle can also serve as a pickup truck bed.
The interior uses all weatherproof materials and door panels also has a built-in safety kits.
In Short
With the Land Cruiser ROX concept, Toyota has tried to showcase an open top vehicle that is not only capable but also has a unique go anywhere off road appealing looks. With its high and broad stance, the vehicle does look intimidating.
Toyota has always lacked a pure off roader and is probably looking to gauge the response of those adventurous Toyota enthusiasts looking for the ultimate off-road experience.
If the Land Cruiser ROX concept does see the light of the day, it would be moving into the Jeep Wrangler market. And if Toyota can price it well, it can definitely make the Wrangler run for its money.
We would definitely like to see Toyota make some pure off road model designs, something that the FJ Cruiser could have evolved into.