Blog Posts
By Nathan Adlen -March 19, 2021
Could this be what the name “Trailrunner” is referring to? (All images via the Instagram account @nikhilstories)
Toyota submitted the name Trailhunter to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. What could it mean?
A United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) filing made on March 10, 2021 indicates that Toyota may be using the name Trailhunter in an upcoming model. Now, this could be either the name of a new trim, or something else entirely. Many insiders believe it may be the name of an all-new off-road vehicle.
Thanks to Nikhilstories on Instagram for posting these renderings. They call it the “FJ Junior” project, and even if it isn’t close to what Toyota may be planning here, they still look cool.
A next generation Toyota FJ Cruiser Trailhunter – perhaps?
Many fans have flooded Toyota’s various consumer and fan sites begging for a replacement. Or, at least, a reintroduction of the much-loved Toyota FJ Cruiser. Over the past few years, we’ve seen several concepts of Toyota off-road vehicles that bare an uncanny resemblance to the FJ’s design.
Many of these concepts, like the Toyota FT-4X concept from the 2017 New York Auto Show, shine a light into what Toyota may be thinking. There are other possibilities to be sure, but the idea of an FJ replacement sounds good to us. Hell, TFL Studios owns a 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser – and we love it.
Land Cruiser 300 Series?
There may be a big clue about how the name Trailhunter could be part of a trim package belonging to an upcoming Land Cruiser 300 Series. I know, the current series is being pulled from our market, but there may be enough interest in the 200 to warrant a return to a simpler model. That was one of the rumors from the past, including the sharing of the Tundra’s upcoming modular platform.
There may also be a clue in Toyota’s official statement about removing the Land Cruiser from North America.
“The Toyota Land Cruiser has been a legendary name for more than 60 years. While it will be discontinued in the United States after the 2021 model year (Here’s the important part). We remain committed to the large SUV segment and will continue to explore future products that celebrate the Land Cruiser’s rich off-road history. We encourage loyal enthusiasts and intrepid adventurers to stay tuned for future developments.“
Toyota has made no additional announcements at this point. The last part, including “stay tuned” makes me think that Toyota has a project coming up that may satisfy 4×4 fanatics, and Land Cruiser lovers as well.
Or, I could be complete wrong and this could end up a new trim on a Highlander.
