Toyota Likely To Re-enter Sub-4 Metre SUV Segment Again With Rebadged Fronx

• It is expected to feature the same dashboard layout as the Fronx, but with a different colour scheme and upholstery.

• The upcoming crossover SUV from Toyota could boast features such as a 9-inch touchscreen system, heads-up display and a 360-degree camera.

• Likely to use the same powertrains as the Maruti Fronx, which gets a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1-litre turbo petrol and a 1.2-litre petrol-CNG engine.

• Likely to be priced in the same ballpark as Fronx, which starts from Rs 7.46 lakh.

Toyota is likely to launch its rebadged version of the Fronx crossover SUV in 2024. This development also means Toyota will re-enter the sub-4m SUV segment after the Urban Cruiser (rebadged Brezza) was discontinued. Like other Toyota-Maruti cars, its differentiators should be minor, so let’s have a look at what to expect from the Fronx-based Toyota.

Changes To Expect

Based on other shared products between the two carmakers, the changes to Toyota's version of the Fronx will be minor, limited to just tweaks to the grille, bumpers insignias in the DRLs, and tail lamps and alloy wheels. Apart from these alterations, the Fronx-based Toyota crossover SUV will look similar to the Maruti Fronx.

A Similar Cabin Too

The upcoming crossover SUV from Toyota is expected to feature a similar cabin layout as the Maruti Fronx. Interior alterations should be limited to the colour scheme and upholstery. 

Speaking of amenities, things should be largely similar, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a heads-up display, cruise control, and automatic climate control.

In terms of safety, the crossover SUV will likely be equipped with up to six airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), hill-hold assist, a 360-degree camera, ISOFIX child seat anchors and ABS with EBD.

Also Read: The Toyota Innova Hycross Petrol Is Much More Feature Loaded In The Malaysian Market

Similar Powertrains

Toyota's upcoming crossover SUV will likely use the same engine options as the Fronx. For reference, the Maruti SUV gets a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (90PS and 113Nm) mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT, as well as a 1-litre turbo petrol engine (100PS and 148Nm) paired with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

We suspect the CNG option, which gets the 1.2-litre engine that churns out 77.5PS and 98.5Nm in CNG mode and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, to be carried forward.

Expected Launch & Price

The Fronx-based Toyota crossover SUV is expected to be launched sometime in 2024. It could be priced in the same ballpark as Fronx, which starts at Rs 7.46 lakh. It will compete with other subcompact SUVs such as Tata Nexon, Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Kia Sonet, Renault Kiger, Hyundai Exter, and the Maruti Brezza.