SsangYong's Prado predator spied undisguised! 2022 SsangYong J100 electric SUV targets Toyota LandCruiser Prado with rugged design - with ute version to follow

SsangYong’s future may have only just been secured by a new owner, but it’s been pushing ahead with the development of a box-fresh all-electric SUV that seemingly has the Toyota Prado in its sights.

The model in question is currently known as the J100. Of course, it could go by a different name by the time it’s launched later this year. Either way, SsangYong announced its impending arrival last June.

At the time, the South Korean brand described the J100 as a “medium-size” model that would slot in between the mid-size Korando (4450mm long) and large Rexton (4850mm) in its SUV line-up, but to what degree is still unknown.

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What is known, though, is the J100 sketches SsangYong published in 2020 are not the stuff of fantasy. Instead, they are very faithful to the near-production prototype that Woopa TV just published by a half-camouflaged spy image of.

That means the J100 is set to get a rugged exterior that wouldn’t see it out of place in a head-to-head with the all-conquering Prado. The former’s design signature appears to be its distinctive tailgate, which has a half-tyre cover and a proper handle.

Aside from the rear three-quarter angle seen above, no other images of the revealing J100 prototype have been published, but fully camouflaged examples that have been spotted on South Korean roads indicate the front end should be familiar, too.

As reported, the J100 is all but confirmed to get a body-on-frame chassis as one of SsangYong’s other upcoming all-electric models is a likely related ute that could target the best-selling Toyota HiLux.

Neither all-electric model is confirmed for Australia at this stage, but a SsangYong Australia spokesperson previously told CarsGuide they are “on our radar”, so stay tuned.