Toyota Tj Cruiser Concept is a cross between a Van and an SUV. A SUVAN, perhaps?

The Toyota Tj Cruiser Cruiser will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show as a hybrid of a Van and an SUV, complete with a hybrid powertrain.

You expect odd concepts to turn up to the Tokyo Motor Show as Japanese car makers look to make a statement at their home shows, and this Toyota Tj Cruiser Concept certainly fits the bill.

You may not have realised, but the world has been waiting for a vehicle which offers the best of the Van world combined with the best of an SUV. And this, according to Toyota, is exactly what the Tj Cruiser is.

It seems Toyota are pitching the Tj Cruiser in the same way as makes of double cab pickups do – a vehicle for work and play – with the ‘T’ in the name standing for ‘Toolbox’ and the ‘j’ for ‘Joy’. The ‘Cruiser’ bit clearly ties in the concept to Toyota’s SUVs.

Inside there’s the possibility of a three metre long load area (for work stuff or, perhaps, surf boards and bikes) when the seats are folded, with lots of tie-down points to keep stuff secure, with a van-like opening at the back and sliding side doors for ease of access.

It’s a big boxy thing with a bluff front and rear and flat sides, with SUV style big alloys and tyres and specially coated bonnet, roof and bumpers to resist scratches.

Under the skin is an unspecified 2.0 litre hybrid powertrain which can work as a FWD or 4WD vehicle.

Has the world been waiting for a SUVAN?