No MR2: Toyota reveals two modified mid-engine kei trucks
Toyota reveals GR Hijet Morizo K-Trail, Daihatsu Hijet Jumbo Star Climber at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026
As far as November 2024, Toyota gave hints about the possible revival of the MR2 and the Celica, with the latter seemingly being confirmed by an executive. The all-new Celica will reportedly come with a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four that could generate upwards of 400 PS and may likely be paired with the brand's GR-Four AWD system.
The MR2 is not far behind when it comes to rumors about Toyota possibly bringing it back for the 21st century. Heck, they even teased something for the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, which further fanned the flames for the MR2's rumored return. However, Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda (AKA Morizo) had other plans.
At the recently concluded Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota, together with Gazoo Racing and Daihatsu, revealed not one but two modified vehicles. But if you thought it was the all-new MR2, Morizo pulled off one heck of a surprise by revealing something else entirely. It has a mid-mounted engine with two seats, but it couldn't be farther from what enthusiasts were hoping to see.
First up is the Toyota GR Hijet Morizo K-Trail that was done by Gazoo Racing. Instead of being built to take on the track, this particular Hijet has been modified to take on harsh trails. It gets a suspension lift kit, front dampers that were derived from the GR86, and huge off-road tires.
It also has a reworked front fascia that appears to have been inspired by the Land Cruiser 300, roof-mounted auxiliary lights, a bull bar at the front, a custom roll bar in the back, and side-mounted exhausts borrowed from the GR Corolla. Last but not least, the GR Hijet Morizo K-Trail comes with four bucket seats (two mounted on the rear bed), which makes the kei truck into a four-seater.
Next is the Hijet Jumbo Star Climber by Daihatsu, which was designed for both work and play. It has a unique green exterior finish that can change hues, depending on where the light is hitting it. It also has a new tubular frame that replaces the windshield and A-pillars of the kei truck. A large bull bar, along with auxiliary lights are placed in the front to highlight its capabilities off-road.
Other key features present on the kei truck include a lockable cargo box in the back, a roof rack with integrated auxiliary lights, a kangaroo bar, a suspension lift kit, all-terrain tires, an air snorkel, and a turbocharged 660cc engine.
Both modified kei trucks were built specifically for the show and are part of the company's in-house competition to see which of the two will be driven away by Morizo. After public voting was done, the GR Hijet Morizo K-Trail won with 3,579 votes, beating the Daihatsu by just 59 points.
While it seems we're still far away from the MR2 revival, we're hoping that the stunt Toyoda pulled off at this year's Tokyo Auto Salon is to generate buzz about the possible revival of the MR2 later in the year. Combined with the fact that the Celica is also rumored to return as a GR model, we're keeping our hopes up that both cars will eventually make a comeback soon.
