No, it’s no longer called the Tokyo Motor Show, but the Japanese Mobility Show is still in Tokyo and it’s still about engines. In fact, with the advent of electric vehicles, it has become more than just that engine Show up ever. There were a surprising number of engines (and motors) to be seen, or at least concepts to have virtually. Truly, we haven’t seen such great turnout since before the pandemic.
As such, the 2023 Japan Mobility Show featured a slew of machines that could, and did, counterpoints from our editors. However, even with the huge pitch, one car definitely stole our hearts. Read on to see our favorites.
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
5. (tie) Toyota Land Cruiser Se
Although this concept isn’t an off-road model like the Land Cruiser is known for, the street-focused electric SUV seems like a good fit for Toyota’s lineup. It’s hard to imagine that we won’t see an electric Land Cruiser go into production one day, filling the hitherto underrepresented three-row EV segment. “Give us a more robust version, and we’ll be happy.” —Senior Editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
5. (tie) Subaru Sport Mobility
I’m still waiting for a fun electric sports coupe, and as much as I enjoy cars like the rear-wheel-drive BRZ, I could have some serious fun in something like a year-round all-wheel-drive Subaru Sport Mobility. I can fill that hole in my heart left by my ’04 WRX. -Senior Editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
4. Toyota EBU
You know what I like? Useful and unconventional small vehicles. The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz fit this bill well, and a lot of other people seem to like them too, based on demand. You know what else I like? Electric vehicles. Do you know what these two things have in common? Toyota EPU. Assuming it’s fairly reasonably priced (well under $40k is what I’m thinking), I would seriously consider getting one. I also seriously hope Toyota seriously considers releasing this, because it sounds like a really cool package. seriously. – News Editor Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
3. Mitsubishi D:X concept
We sure wish Mitsubishi sold the Delica here in the United States. We’ve long been fans of the truck, which was initially sold rear-wheel drive but adopted all-wheel drive in the early 1980s, and based on the numbers we’re seeing imported to the U.S., we’re not the only ones. While the D:X concept isn’t actually a Delica, it certainly previews the direction Mitsubishi plans to take the truck. We liked the overall design, especially the front, which isn’t quite a cabin but has a boxy look with aplomb. We love the wide-open panoramic view the interior offers, and even if it had to be toned down for production, the side-mounted steering wheel and gauge console are genius. Having a powertrain similar to what’s already been offered in the Outlander makes sense, providing around-town driving efficiency while allowing for all the off-roading a tank of gas allows. – Senior Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
2. Honda Prelude concept
Honda gave us the surprise of the show by revealing a new introduction. At first, we all thought it was electric and toyed with the idea of a battery-powered two-door sports coupe. Very stylish, isn’t it? Then, a day later, Honda clarified that the Prelude is a hybrid electric car, giving us another theoretical model to think about. Powertrain aside, the return of the Prelude name on a Honda product is exciting news. It looks like a two-door sports car, and while it may shirk the dimensions of the previous Prelude, it’s still a look in its own right. For now, I’m cautiously excited and hopeful that Honda can pull off this comeback like they did with the Integra. -Road Test Editor Zach Palmer
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
Image credit: Joel Stocksdale
1. Mazda Iconic SP
In a sports car-themed offering, the Mazda Iconic SP stole our hearts as a modernized take on the RX-7. With pop-up headlights, a rotary-hybrid powertrain, and even weight distribution, the Iconic shows what the future RX-7 could look like. Production seems improbable, but we say: please build it! – Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore
