Our bonkers pals from Japan with a heart, Mitsuoka has done it again in merging the joys of retro Americana with the reliability of modern Japanese tech. Following a few attempts with the Mazda MX-5, Mitsuoka is now looking at the Toyota RAV4 and turning it into a lovable American.

In this case, the popular SUV is transformed into a Chevrolet K5 Blazer from the 1980s albeit looking smaller than the original. In fact, this is the first time Mitsuoka has turned an existing crossover or SUV into one of its creations.

Mitsuoka calls this the Buddy. The Toyota RAV4 is by all means, not an intimidating-looking vehicle to start with but by adding on panels to transform it into an American beast and calling it a “Buddy”, it is quite cute.

The changes are so far more on the exterior cosmetics. There are chrome trims all over the place, evoking the style of the eighties while the front mirrors the K5 Blazer from the grille down to the vertically-placed headlamps.

The Chevy bowtie is replaced by Mitsuoka’s badge and the whole grille gives the RAV4 a more squarish-look at the front.

Those who are interested could also swap the regular RAV4 alloys for chunkier steel wheels on BF Goodrich All-Terrains for that original American off-road look.

The whole rear is also transformed with the license plate now on the rear bumper as opposed to being on the tailgate. Speaking of the tailgate, there’s now a panel with the word “Mitsuoka” placed on it. Wonder if there’s a wood panel option for this?

Those who expected a V8 engine underneath will be a bit disappointed, however. It is still a standard Japan-spec Toyota RAV4 with either a 2.0-litre petrol or a 2.5-litre hybrid offered. At least you’ll be greeted with fuel-efficiency instead of a literal gas guzzler.

There are no interior pics released yet. This being Mitsuoka, it would be unsurprising if they added an Americanized interior with chrome trims, brown leather upholstery, and a double cheeseburger in the glove box.

Prices have yet to be announced too but according to Mitsuoka’s website, the Buddy will be fully unveiled on 26-November 2020. So, if you ever wanted a RAV4 that goes well with your 10-gallon cowboy hat and those slick cowboy boots, here’s the right answer just for you.