Should Toyota Motor PH bring in the Tamaraw's SUV version?

MANILA: As far as 2025 goes, there’s no doubt that Toyota Motor Philippines’ (TMP) most hyped-up new nameplate is the all-new Tamaraw.

In Indonesia, however, the Hilux-based revival of the legendary nameplate is set to gain a three-row sports utility vehicle variant (SUV), and that’s something Filipino car buyers might want. 

Dubbed the Toyota Hilux Rangga Cruiser, it is currently a concept car. Nevertheless, it was revealed to Oto.com by PT Toyota-Astra (TAM) Marketing Director Anton Jimmi Suwandy, that the company is indeed planning to launch a production version of the aforementioned vehicle. 

Suwandy was a bit scant on details, but the executive disclosed the production version’s estimated retail pricing for the Indonesian market. 

“Even though the official name of this SUV has not been decided, we already have a price range. For example, the automatic diesel price is around IDR 490 million to IDR 500 million, roughly. The petrol one might be a little under IDR 400 million,” Suwandy said. 

At current exchange rates, the future Indonesian-spec diesel version will be priced at around P1.738 million-P1.774 million. The gasoline model, on the other hand, will sit at around P1.419 million. 

Again, not much is known about the exact specifications of the prototype, but it sports a seven-seater configuration, more doors, and an SUV-like body. It is also likely that the SUV-style version will use the same powertrains from the base versions (drop-side, cargo, utility) of the Rangga/Tamaraw. 

For reference, here are some of the mechanical specifications currently available Philippine-spec Toyota Tamaraw, specifically the GL Dropside DSL AT (long wheelbase)  trim:

Model	Toyota Tamaraw GL Dropside DSL AT
Engine	2.4-liter 2GD-FTV inline-4
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel-drive
Transmission	Six-speed automatic
Horsepower	147
Torque	400 Newton-meters
Front suspension	Double-wishbone
Rear suspension	Leaf spring
Brakes	Front discs, rear drums

To note, TAM also indicated that the production version of the Rangga Cruiser would be produced by an Indonesian-based vehicle coachbuilder named New Armada. So, if TMP decided to bring it in as the “Tamaraw SUV,” Toyota’s local arm could likewise tap its coachbuilding partners, which are currently lending a hand to produce the locally available versions of the Tamaraw. 

For now, though, TMP has yet to say if it will follow TAM’s direction regarding the Rangga/Tamaraw. Otherwise, a three-row SUV-type version might be a good continuation of the legacy built by the once-popular Toyota Revo. 

We would not be surprised that in the near future, body/coach builders in the Philippines would create something similar to this —  using the already-available single cab option. After all, Toyota created the Tamaraw/Hilux Rangga with versatility in mind.

With report from Ruben Manahan IV

Also read:

TMP starts delivering next-gen Tamaraw units to customers

TMP eyes to produce next-gen Toyota Tamaraw ‘as much as it can’

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