In 2021, Toyota revealed its concept car, the Toyota Compact Cruiser, as part of its preview of battery-electric future vehicle concepts. The new concept car indicates the brand’s interest in creating a new Mini SUV for the global market.

In mid-August, the Japanese automaker applied for a trademark for the name “Land Hopper” in Japan, indicating that it could be the new name of the small crossover. The name trademarking also coincided with the launch of the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser, indicating the brand’s interest in making more SUVs.

Fast forward to September, and reports from Japan’s Best Car and Mag X have stated that a downsized Toyota Land Cruiser is coming into production as early as 2024, which could be the Land Hopper, given that the Japanese brand has already trademarked the name.

Reports from the Japanese outlets also indicate that the new Land Hopper won’t just be a battery-electric vehicle. Instead, it may come with gasoline, diesel, and hybrid power options. It could also come with an EV model, but further down the line. 

No exact measurements have been specified regarding its size, but reports put the Land Hopper to be around the same size as the Toyota Corolla Cross but will be around five inches shorter than the crossover.

The Land Hopper will reportedly ride on a shortened version of the GA-F body-on-frame chassis in the Land Cruiser 300 and 250 series. As for its engine options, many are being considered, ranging from a 1.5-liter hybrid to a 2.5-liter gasoline power plant, similar to what's available with the Toyota Corolla Cross and Toyota RAV4.

Diesel engines are another powerplant to consider, with the 2.8-liter from the Hilux being eyed as a possible candidate. However, more information about its final engine configuration still needs to be finalized. 

Toyota may display the Land Hopper at the Japan Mobility Show towards the end of October.