Toyota Australia will put its hand up for electric LandCruiser and ute

Update: Toyota Australia is interested in eventual production versions of the electric LandCruiser and EPU ute, but they won't be for everyone...

Speaking to 4X4 Australia at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, Toyota Australia vice president sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley said the electric LandCruiser Se and HiLux-sized EPU ute are on his radar.

“If they ever go into production we’ll certainly put our hand up", he said when questioned about the LandCruiser Se and EPU concepts.

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Though Hanley communicated his excitement for the BEV concepts, he's adamant that until these vehicles are able to tow 3.5 tonnes and have loaded ranges above 700-800km, they won't suit the "silent majority" of Australians.

"There may be a market that says: ‘I'm happy about that Land Cruiser BEV, I'm happy to do the town run, fantastic!' But, if I want to do towing and I want long range, I've got a hybrid LandCruiser", said Hanley emphasising Toyota's multi-powertrain strategy.

The silent majority Sean is talking about is indeed a huge market in Australia. Sales of large off-road capable SUVs and utes remain strong in 2023 despite advances from Tesla and Chinese EV-makers.

Our original story, below, continues unchanged.

22 October: LandCruiser Se and EPU ute teased ahead of unveiling

Ahead of their official debut at the Japan Mobility Show, Toyota has revealed pictures and details of electric LandCruiser and ute concepts.

There aren't many details, but we do know the electric LandCruise Se concept is of monocoque construction, rather than body-on-frame like the existing 300 Series LandCruiser.

Toyota's literature describes the concept as one that "further broadens the LandCruiser brand's appeal with a three-row SUV that caters to the world's diverse needs."

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The concept has a lower and more menacing look than the typically tall and blocky LandCruiser models, suggesting the Range Rover Sport might've had some influence on its design.

The windscreen is raked back and the designers have gathered the weight over its rear wheels for a clearly performance-oriented appearance.

With Toyota pushing that the concept's quietness and plush cabin improves its luxury feeling in "urban areas and other on-road situations", it's easy to view the LandCruiser Se as the Range Rover Sport to the 300 Series' full-size Range Rover.

It measures 135mm longer, 10mm wider and rides on a 200mm wheelbase than the existing 300 Series. However, the LandCruiser Se concept's roof is a significant 200mm lower for a sportier look.

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EPU electric ute concept

Presumably sharing a platform with the LandCruiser Se is a new monocoque ute that Toyota hinted at previously.

It's a long way off a Corolla Cross ute but the new concept is still a rival for the likes of the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick – though Toyota's version will be all-electric.

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The four-door body accommodates five seats and is relatively long compared to the overall length yet because the wheelbase is so long, the rear wheel is stuck right at the end of the which should be good for load-lugging.

Toyota says the concept supports "a wide range of mobility lifestyles, including outdoor activities", with the battery pack making for a low centre of gravity as well as car-like handling and ride comfort.

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Compared to Australia's typical dual cab, the Toyota HiLux, the EPU is nearly 300mm shorter with a little more width to improve occupant comfort, and a lower roof for better handling. It also rides on a longer wheelbase than the combustion-engined ute.

Inside it features a yoke-style steering wheel and shows the direction Toyota is heading in the future.

Toyota is yet to reveal details on driving range, power, or what platform these two concepts are sitting on – or whether there will be production versions.