As stated by the car's developer, the Japanese company Mitsuoka Motors, 545 buyers have shown interest in the Mitsuoka Buddy – this is much more than expected (and this is only in Japan – in other countries the new product is not yet available). Initially, the Japanese planned to produce 150 such crossovers per year, but in the end, the plan was doubled.
The manufacturer reported that the queue has stretched two years ahead. If you order a Buddy right now, the car will at best reach its owner in spring 2023.
The Mitsuoka Buddy debuted in autumn 2020; it is a retro conversion of the regular RAV4: the new product differs from the latter mainly in the redesigned front and rear – they are styled after American SUVs of the 1970s-1980s (such as the Chevrolet Blazer). The car draws attention with its "vintage" optics, radiator grille, chrome bumpers, and even wheel hubcaps (indeed, the amount of chrome on this car literally goes off the scale).
It is noteworthy that Mitsuoka's original body panels are made of polypropylene and ABS plastic. They were directly "sewn" into the Toyota's metal body.
But as for the interior and technology, this is a regular RAV4. Buyers are offered versions with a 2.0-liter petrol engine and a hybrid setup (based on the 2.5 engine), with front and all-wheel drive. The Mitsuoka Buddy costs from $25.2 thousand in Japan. First deliveries are scheduled for the end of June.
