But that's not necessarily a bad thing. After all, full-size pickups are pretty conventionally styled overall. Sure the Dodge Ram delivers a big rig grille and each model offers styling details characteristic of their respective brand identities, but behind the few inches of plastic and metal out front all is much the same. It is quite possible this new sporty shape could either be where full-size pickups are going on the whole, or possibly, and more likely, a sign of diversification in the category. Maybe the future will offer conventionally designed work trucks, like the Tundra, and alternatively styled sport trucks like this FTX.

The FTX's grille is intimidating to say the least, a toughness its refined Tundra lacks. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

I particularly like Toyota's new concept, especially head on. Its grille is intimidating to say the least, a toughness its refined Tundra lacks. Its bold grille with thick chrome surrounding rim looks capable of boring its own tunnel through the face of an opposing mountain. The integrated hood scoop is racy and narrow headlamp clusters menacing. This is not the Toyota I've become accustomed too.

From the side profile the bumpers of the FTX take on a battering ram appearance. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

I like the way the designers created a battering ram effect on the bumpers, visually hooking them in C- and D-patterns around front and rear ends respectively - especially noticeable from profile view. The orange side marker/turn signal lamps mirror each other front to back too, adding to this truck's cohesive design statement.

The C-pillars are thick too (or are they B-pillars being that the FTX incorporates pillarless doors), with a raked angle creating that sporty look. The side glass cants upward as it progresses rearward too, breaking up the boxiness common in pickup cab design. Continuing toward the back, Toyota adds a crease in the sheetmetal to depict bulging rear fenders, adding to the vehicle's roughrider image.