Millennials Personal Concept- the FT-4X

Toyota released a new 4WD crossover concept at the New York Auto Show the other day that received mixed reception. The reception of the vehicle may have been more neutral or even resoundingly better had it not been for the cringe-inducing annotations directed towards millennials. Toyota conducted research on the outdoor habits of Generation Y aged professionals and concluded that they enjoy impromptu excursions that involve no planning and normally dont last too long. These results couldn’t be more ambiguous, but they certainly sound valid. So, they get a pass.

Forgetting the disconcerting marketing that accompany the vehicle, Toyota genuinely created something commendably unique and worthwhile here. Taking a look at the side, you can clearly see the body was designed in ‘X’s, and is abound in bulky geometric angles that emanate a rugged appeal. Contrary to the FT-4X’s rough design; the suspension and powertrain would be less hardy than one might anticipate, as this is decidedly a ‘casual-core’ oriented vehicle over a performance vehicle.

The rear bumper has two tie-down loops, as does the front. The roof is flat, and sports four additional tie downs and an electrical outlet at each corner. The rear is where the FT-4X starts to satiate our outdoorsy expectations.  The large, rear encompassing hatch opens itself both horizontally and vertically, featuring a nifty handle that rotates to select the preferred mode of opening. Inside the hatch are two boxes- a cold box for perishable foods and a warm box for things like blankets and wet gloves.

The inside offers a useful layout, where everything you see likely serves a secondary purpose. Theres a mounted light that detaches and works as a flashlight and the dashboard detaches to be used as a boombox. All compartments are color coded based on whether they are lidded or open; hence the water bottle door handles are blue and the waterproof, mesh compartments are all orange. The best hidden gadget in the FT-4X cabin is within the armrest- a North Face sleeping bag!

The convenience and neatness of the FT-4X could easily be utilized and enjoyed by anyone who takes part in impromptu camping trips or outdoor escapades of the sort. Being able to settle into your vehicle after work and ask yourself whether youre going home or on an outdoor excursion would be quite emancipating! Fingers crossed that the FT-4X makes it to production!