Toyota was once known for tough little trucks at reasonable prices, often simply sold under the name “Toyota Pickup” in the U.S. The compact Toyota pickup will make a comeback, according to a new report.
Compact Trucks a Growing Segment
A common stereotype says that Americans love nothing more than an oversized pickup. Reality is more nuanced.
Yes, the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado are America’s two best-selling vehicles. But Americans are increasingly choosing smaller vehicles. We buy more compact SUVs than any other type of vehicle. And, since the arrival of the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz for the 2022 model year, we’ve rediscovered our love for small trucks, too.
Toyota has noticed. A new report says the world’s largest automaker will roll out its own compact pickup soon.
Cooper Ericksen, head of planning and strategy for Toyota Motor North America, told Motor Trend, “Decisions have been made. The question is when we can slot it in. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ at this point.”
Unibody, and Possibly Hybrid
Motor Trend reports, “The would-be truck’s platform and powertrain are pretty much locked in.” Like the Maverick and Santa Cruz, it will use SUV-style unibody construction rather than a traditional body-on-frame truck platform. However, Toyota will aim for true truck usability, the report says, and could offer a hybrid model.
This project appears separate from the small electric pickup concept Toyota has previously shown to media.
Interested shoppers, however, should be prepared to wait.
“Because of all of the need now to completely level up our EV [electric vehicle] portfolio and at the same time we are developing fifth and sixth generation hybrid systems, it’s difficult to find the engineering resources to dedicate to a project like a compact pickup truck,” Ericksen told MT.
However, the company thinks it benefits from waiting and watching what works for competitors. That means a dual focus on affordability and function. “It needs to be a workhorse,” he said.
We’re glad to see chatter about new mini trucks begin again. In 2023, both Chevrolet and Ram appeared to be working on Maverick rivals. But buzz about both projects faded quickly in a tumultuous period for the auto industry.