Toyota Removes Land Cruiser Roof for ROX Concept
While it's not unusual to see a Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler with the roof off on the trail, Toyota's newest SUVs, the Land Cruiser and 4Runner, don't see this, even though it was an option in previous generations.
Next week at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Toyota will explore open-top versions of two rugged SUVs with two concept cars. The 4Runner TRD Surf Concept, designed as an ideal beachcomber, was unveiled on Thursday, and the Land Cruiser ROX Concept was unveiled on Friday.
ROX here stands for “Recreation Open eXperience,” and Toyota cites safari trips, navigating off-road trails, and hanging out at campgrounds as ideal spots.
The Land Cruiser ROX was designed and built at Toyota's design studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and according to Toyota, over 50% of the vehicle had to be redesigned. According to Toyota, more than 50% of the vehicle had to be redesigned. One of the challenges was making sure everything was designed to be fully functional and reproducible as a production model. The designers even developed the stamping tools needed to manufacture the body panels and components.
The frame surrounding the passenger compartment remains, but the cabin roof is gone, replaced by a sliding soft top, and the rear roof and rear side windows have been removed. To maximize the open-air feel, the lower doors were also cut out. In a nod to early open-top Land Cruisers, the concept was painted in a vintage Land Cruiser color called Spring Green.
The interior is made of materials that can withstand the elements. Many of the custom parts were also 3D printed. A functional midgate was also added, allowing a pass-through from the cabin to the rear storage area where the tailgate seat is stored.
Other upgrades to the concept include 18-inch wheels machined from a single billet and forged aluminum control arms that increase the vehicle's track by 8 inches. In addition, a lift kit with TRD suspension parts raises the vehicle's height by 4 inches, allowing it to handle rougher surfaces.
