Toyota dazzles at Japan Mobility Show 2025

AutoTrader was privileged to be invited by Toyota South Africa to attend the 2025 instalment of the Japan Mobility Show, also known as the Tokyo Motor Show, a biennial auto show held in October–November at the Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo, Japan.

This show features a large number of manufacturers from around the world presenting their latest products and concepts for the coming years. This year, Toyota presented not only some key models, some of which will be making their way to our shores, but also concepts from Toyota, Lexus, Century, and Daihatsu, along with a mission statement that carries a strong message about Toyota's outlook on the future of mobility.

On the Toyota stand was the new FJ Cruiser, a vehicle that has captured the imaginations of people around the world. It included the new RAV4 as well as concepts for the Corolla, IMV Origin, and Hi-Ace.

A people-first approach

President and CEO of Toyota, Koji Sato, delivered a poignant address, highlighting the Toyota philosophy of creating cars that are not only reliable but also environmentally friendly. 

Drawing back to the origin of the company, before Toyota was called Toyota, and when they were still playing in the textiles industry, and reminding us how it started with Sakichi Toyoda looking at ways to make the weaving loom more efficient and effective, to help his mother. This led to the creation of an automatic loom as well as a host of innovations that would kick-start the Toyota journey. At their core, they wanted to help people and offer life solutions, no matter what that looked like. “What we have always had is the desire to do something for someone. This has been, and will continue to be, the starting point for our challenges,” said Sato.

He continued, explaining the IMV Origin, a base that Toyota envisions will be shipped around the world in knock-down format. It’s little more than four wheels, a base, and a rudimentary control unit. From there, the customer can decide whether this vehicle needs to transport people, cargo, produce, livestock, or offer services in third-world countries.

The KAYOIBAKO is a vehicle that Sato likened to cardboard boxes, because they come in different sizes. The KAYOIBAKO is intended to be available in a variety of sizes, with compact car specialists, Daihatsu, creating the smaller offerings and Toyota creating the larger ones. A mobility solution for all demands.

He then continued to showcase personal mobility concepts from Toyota, including tools and offerings designed to help those who struggle with personal mobility, allowing them the freedom to lead a rich and fulfilling life.

The FJ Cruiser

The star of the show was undoubtedly the new FJ Cruiser. Seen for the first time in the metal, this addition to the Land Cruiser lineup complements the 70-series, 300-series, and Prado. Aimed to be the ‘fun and energetic’ option, the FJ carries retro styling, a more compact form, but retains the rugged, go-anywhere features that Land Cruiser owners demand.

A deceiving vehicle, the FJ looks small in its proportions but actually stands tall. We particularly enjoyed the tweaked “export” model that was on display, featuring all-terrain tyres, a snorkel, round headlights, and body protection trims that made it look far more purposeful.

Toyota appears to be committed to retaining the 2TR-FE 2.7L petrol engine, with no confirmation of a diesel alternative. We believe it would be well-suited to the 2.4 and 2.8 GD-6 options locally. The 2.7 is rated at 120kW and 246Nm.

RAV4

The sleek and stylish new Toyota RAV4 was presented in several different variations, including a Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, and in GR Sport trim. The Robust Architecture Vehicle with 4WD is now in its sixth generation and has always embodied the spirit of being fun to drive in the city and ready for adventure away from it.

The new PHEV version utilises Toyota’s latest sixth-generation propulsion system, which boasts an improved EV range of 150 km and 12% more power output, making off-road activities even easier than before. This new system also supports V2H (Vehicle-to-Home), allowing you to backfeed into your house or run larger accessories and appliances while overlanding.

Three styles, Core, Adventure, and GR Sport, allow you to choose a design approach that best suits your personal preferences. Core features an integrated grille that complements the hammerhead styling, making it perfect for the urban environment. The Adventure variant features wider arch trimmings and a Prado-like grille, creating a sense of robustness and outdoor readiness. The GR Sport trim is the sportiest of the three, featuring a matrix grille and enhanced aerodynamics, along with a wider track and lightweight alloy wheels.

Concepts

Toyota showcased several concepts at its booth. The most intriguing was the Corolla concept, a car that Toyota places a lot of emphasis on. This sleek sedan carries a modern, slimline design with extensive use of LED lighting in both the front and rear. The wide bonnet leading edge seems to be a design approach that we can expect to see from Toyota in the years to come. The interior remains distinctly Toyota, with function prioritised over form; it features clean lines and an uncluttered approach to interior design. The display example showcased the PHEV example with an energy bar on the sides and a matrix lighting rear panel.

The Hi-Ace concept is pretty far from what we recognise as a Hi-Ace. This sleek MPV has a vast, spacious interior with seats that rotate (in this example) and slide down to provide easier access for those who struggle with personal mobility.