Do you recall the Toyota X-Van Concept that debuted at the Japan Mobility Show last year? In this proposal, the tough appearance of SUVs was merged with the comfort and functionality of minivans. Toyota has trademarked this vehicle in its native market causing curiosity about its possible release.
Patent for Toyota X-Van Concept
The X-Van Concept, which was showcased at the Japan Mobility Show last year, appears to be moving towards a potential production model. Toyota Auto Body, a subsidiary of Toyota, revealed the X-Van Concept at the Japan Mobility Show alongside its X-Van Core, X-Van Tool, and X-Van Gear variations.
Toyota Auto Body has now filed a patent for the production version of the X-Van with the Japan Patent and Trademark Office. The division is responsible for the assembly operations of Land Cruiser vehicles as well as MPVs and Minivans like Alphard, Noah, Voxy, and the iconic Hiace.
In terms of design, there are no noticeable differences from the concept, except for the wheels. The design still appears quite radical and may be challenging to replicate exactly in mass production. The final production version is expected to be slightly more toned down, but the boxy and quirky design theme is likely to remain.
Key exterior features of this patented design include body cladding all around, boxy proportions, unique pillar designs, sliding doors, and high ground clearance and the goal of these features is to satisfy the increasing global demand for tough, high-riding automobiles.
X-Van Gear, X-Van Core & X-Van Tool
Regarding design, the X-Van Concept boasts a rugged yet futuristic front fascia. Sleek LED DRLs enhance the van’s face, complemented by vertically arranged and split headlights. The prominent front fascia is characterized by black trims. Notably, there is no large grill for air intake, hinting that this could be a fully electric vehicle upon launch.
The sliding doors ensure easy entry and exit while the large greenhouse area provides excellent visibility. Toyota used the Japan Mobility Show to display various interior seating arrangements and configurations for the X-Van.
The X-Van Gear, X-Van Core, and X-Van Tool are the three iterations of the X-Van Concept that are linked to these interior configurations. Each variation features several exterior changes. X-Van Gear is more lifestyle-oriented, with a slight off-road DNA evident in its rugged roof rails and other features.
If launched, the X-Van is expected to be similar in size to the Voxy or Noah, slightly smaller than the Alphard. It is likely to be available for sale in Japan and a few ASEAN nations, with limited possibilities for a launch in India.