On October 23, 2025, Mitsuoka Motors announced that it would be reproducing a limited run of 150 units of its first SUV model, the Buddy. This popular model was sold out and discontinued in September 2024, but in response to passionate requests from users for a resale, Mitsuoka was able to procure 150 vehicles from the final production lot of the current Toyota RAV4, leading to the decision to revive the model.
Mitsuoka Motors’ “Buddy” is back in stock due to overwhelming demand! Limited to 150 units.
Pre-orders will begin on October 24, 2025 at Mitsuoka dealers nationwide, with the price at 7.26 million yen (including consumption tax). Production and shipping is scheduled to begin in May 2026, with all units expected to be produced and shipped by the end of 2026.
What is Mitsuoka Buddy? An SUV with an attractive American retro style
The Mitsuoka Buddy is the Mitsuoka brand’s first SUV model, with pre-orders beginning in November 2020 and officially released in June 2021. Based on the Toyota RAV4 and featuring Mitsuoka’s signature American retro-style design, the vehicle has gained popularity as a unique and appealing vehicle.
The concept was “a companion that you can ride naturally and effortlessly.” As a bike that matches a variety of lifestyles, from comfortable outdoor activities and leisure time with friends to stylish city riding, the bike recorded a total of approximately 1,200 orders over the four-year sales period. This was an extremely exceptional sales result even for the Mitsuoka brand.
Initially, annual production was planned at 150 units, but due to demand far exceeding expectations, production was quickly increased to 300 units. Even in the difficult situation of unstable supply of base vehicles due to a global semiconductor shortage, the car continued to be supported by many fans.
The equipment content of the final model is significantly improved! Standard equipment is luxurious
The final model being resold this time will be available in just one grade: the hybrid grade “HYBRID DX.” As a limited-production vehicle, the equipment has been significantly enhanced, and the following features, which were previously available as manufacturer options, are now standard equipment.
Major equipment that came as standard
- Panoramic moonroof: Realizes an open-air driving experience
- Digital inner mirror: Ensures rear visibility and improves safety
- Accessory outlet: Allows you to use electrical appliances inside the car
- Side chrome molding: Creates a luxurious appearance
Compared to the price of the previous model, the same grade “HYBRID DX,” which was priced at 6,472,400 yen, this is an increase of 787,600 yen, but considering the luxurious equipment that comes as standard, it can be said to be a good value price.
Two new colors added! A total of five carefully selected body colors
The final model is available in a total of five carefully selected colors.
Monotone colors
- Globe One White Pearl II (limited to 30 units): Special paint color, 121,000 yen extra
- MJ Black Mica
Two-tone color (manufacturer option, additional 506,000 yen)
- North Carolina Blue: A popular color from the previous model.
- Iceman Gray (new color): A new color that conveys the meaning of weaving a new story for Buddy.
- Beach Greige (New Color): A trendy, calm color
In particular, the new colors “Iceman Gray” and “Beach Greige” are special colors exclusive to the final model, expressing the new charm of the Buddy. White Pearl is limited to 30 units, so early reservations will be required.
An attractive exterior with a retro, exclusive design
The biggest feature of the Mitsuoka Buddy is its exclusive retro design, which is finished by skilled craftsmen. The overall length has been extended by 130 mm to 4,730 mm from the base model Toyota RAV4, achieving a more relaxed style.
The exclusive design of the front grille, headlight area, and even the rear section gives it a unique presence that is completely different from the RAV4. The design, reminiscent of American classic cars, is a one-of-a-kind style that combines nostalgia and modernity.
Main body size
- Total length x width x height: 4,730 x 1,865 x 1,685mm
- Wheelbase: 2,690mm
- Minimum ground clearance: 195mm
For reference, the base Toyota RAV4 is 4,600mm long, so the Buddy is 130mm longer. This extension gives it a longer nose and more elegant proportions.
High-quality interior and class-leading cabin space
The interior of the Mitsuoka Buddy is enhanced with a special design, enhancing the quality of the interior. The special leather seats and interior trim are color-coordinated to match the body color, creating a unified, high-quality space.
The standard electric panoramic moonroof allows for a sense of openness while driving. The natural light streaming in through the sunroof will enhance the enjoyment of your drive, whether outdoors or around town.
With class-leading rear seat space and luggage space, the Buddy can be used for a wide range of occasions, such as family outings or carrying hobby equipment. The Buddy’s greatest strength is its combination of practicality as an SUV and the appeal of a retro design.
Equipped with a powerful 2.5L hybrid system
The powertrain installed in the final model will be a combination of a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder “Dynamic Force Engine” and a hybrid system.
Powertrain details
- Engine: Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L Dynamic Force Engine
- Engine output: 178ps/22.5kgm
- Front motor output: 120ps/20.6kgm
- Rear motor output: 54ps/12.3kgm
- System maximum output: 222ps (E-Four)
- Drive system: E-Four (electric 4WD)
Toyota’s new generation engine, the Dynamic Force Engine, has achieved a maximum thermal efficiency of 41%, one of the highest in the world, and combines high fuel efficiency with powerful driving performance.
The “E-Four” system, which uses an electric motor to drive the rear wheels, allows for stable driving even on rough or snowy roads. The highly responsive and fuel-efficient driving makes it comfortable for everyday use and long drives.
Toyota Safety Sense ensures complete safety
The safety equipment is equipped with the second-generation “Toyota Safety Sense.” Thanks to improved performance of the monocular camera and millimeter-wave radar, the following advanced safety features are available.
Major safety equipment
- Pre-crash safety: Detects bicycles during the day and pedestrians at night
- Radar cruise control: with full-speed tracking function
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA): Helps you stay in your lane
- Road Sign Assist (RSA): displays traffic signs on the screen
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM): Detects vehicles on the sides and rear
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): Warns of approaching vehicles when reversing
- Digital inner mirror: with recording function (standard equipment)
The digital inner mirror is also equipped with a recording function, which can be used as evidence in the event of an accident, achieving a high level of both safety and convenience.
Fully equipped with comfortable features such as display audio
Improvements for 2022 include enlarged display audio and multi-information displays for improved visibility and operability.
Comfortable equipment
- Large display audio
- Large multi-information display
- ETC2.0: Standard equipment on all vehicles
- TV (full-seg): Standard equipment on all vehicles
- Communication type navigation: Standard equipment on all vehicles
- Seat ventilation: Standard equipment
- Back guide monitor: Standard equipment
These features make for a comfortable environment for long drives.
How to make a reservation and delivery time
Pre-orders begin : Friday, October 24, 2025
Sales volume : Limited to 150 units (30 units for Globe One White Pearl II)
Production and shipping period : Shipments are scheduled to begin in May 2026, with all units scheduled to be shipped by the end of 2026
Price : 7.26 million yen (including consumption tax, plus a recycling fee of 13,690 yen)
As the number of units is limited, sales will end once the planned number is reached. This model has sold out previously, so if you are interested, we recommend that you make your reservation early.
Reservations are being accepted at Mitsuoka dealerships nationwide. For details, please visit the Mitsuoka Motor official website (https://www.mitsuoka-motor.com) or contact Mitsuoka Call (0120-65-0022).
Why was Buddy re-released? A passionate fan’s voice
The Mitsuoka Buddy was sold out and discontinued in September 2024, but even after it was sold out, there were many voices expressing their desire for a resale, saying, “I really want to get my hands on one.” Mitsuoka Motors has been exploring the possibility of reproducing the car in order to respond to the voices of these users.
With the announcement of a full model change for the Toyota RAV4, which serves as the base vehicle, this summer, Toyota was able to procure 150 units from the final production lot of the current RAV4. Taking advantage of this rare opportunity, the decision was made to resell the car as the final model.
The manual bodywork that Mitsuoka specializes in requires the skills of highly skilled craftsmen. The decision to reproduce the car despite the difficulty in securing the base vehicle is a sign of their gratitude to users and their confidence in the Buddy model.
Summary: Last chance! Mitsuoka Buddy final model
Since its launch in 2020 as the Mitsuoka brand’s first SUV, the Mitsuoka Buddy has attracted many fans with its unique retro design and high practicality. With cumulative sales of approximately 1,200 units, this is a huge success for Mitsuoka Motors, a niche manufacturer.
This final model, limited to 150 units, is particularly attractive for the following reasons:
The appealing points of the final model
- Luxury equipment becomes standard: Previously available options such as the panoramic moonroof are now standard.
- Two new colors added: Special color settings only available for the final model
- Last chance to buy: Last production model based on the current RAV4
- Rare value: Limited to 150 units, it is expected to have great value in the future
With the Toyota RAV4 due for a full model change, this is your last chance to own a Mitsuoka Buddy based on the current model. This retro-designed SUV has a unique presence that is sure to attract attention even on the streets.
For those who love the outdoor lifestyle, those seeking a unique vehicle, and those who appreciate Mitsuoka Motor’s craftsmanship, this final model will be an unmissable choice.
If you are interested, please contact any Mitsuoka retailer nationwide as soon as possible.
Reference information
