The Mitsuoka Buddy was unveiled in 2020 as a stylish combination of American retro charms and a modern Toyota RAV4 platform underneath. It had stayed on the market for four years and sold 1,200 examples before being pulled from production over supply issues. Now that these are finally over, the Buddy is slated for a comeback in May 2026.
For the time being, the Japanese tuner plans to put together 150 units. The production scope will be expanded if there is enough demand. Every SUV will get all-new bodywork shaped like some Chevrolets from the 1970s, chrome grille and bumpers, stacked headlights and Cadillac-style taillights. The exterior finish palette has been expanded to five options, including Iceman Gray, Beach Greige, and an exclusive pearlescent white shade limited to just 30 examples.
In the technical department, the car corresponds to the RAV4 Hybrid X spec. This means a 2.5-liter engine working in conjunction with an electric motor, a battery that charges itself, eCVT and AWD.
Orders in Japan are already running. Prices start from ¥7,260,000, which is roughly equivalent to U.S. $47,600. The donor SUV starts from the equivalent of $25,300, so that’s quite the premium.
