Toyota's new concept, unveiled at the New York auto show, explores the idea of a compact SUV capable of going from an urban commute straight to offroad adventures.
Toyota built a new concept for the New York auto show, the FT-4X. In Toyota-speak, that means Future Toyota - Four-wheel-drive.
The concept was designed at Toyota's California studio, and the company specifically called out millennials living in the San Francisco Bay Area as a target audience.
The FT-4X is roughly comparable in size to the Jeep Renegade.
The step-side seems unnecessary, given the car's height, but it can help with stowing cargo on the roof.
The interior is designed with versatility in mind.
At the New York auto show unveiling, the concept was shown with no rear seats, although we can assume seats would be available.
Integrated hot and cold storage is designed for camping or picnics.
The FT-4X builds on Toyota's experience with serious offroad vehicles, such as Land Cruiser and FJ Cruiser. However, its small dimensions make it suitable for an urban environment.
Toyota designers embraced the mechanical in the FT-4X's design as a departure from the screen interfaces people use daily.
The glove box sits separate from the dashboard.
Toyota partnered with The North Face for this concept, integrating a combination arm-rest and sleeping bag.
Yellow bands throughout the cabin serve as quick tie-downs for items brought into the car.
Toyota says the FT-4X would be powered by a four cylinder engine.
Instead of a built-in screen for navigation, the designers envisioned a smartphone mount and a dedicated app for the car.