Compact trucks cemented Toyota’s reputation for quality, durability and reliability. But Toyota has been out of the small pickup game for quite a while. The classic Toyota pickup became the Tacoma, which grew into a mid-size truck for the second generation in 2005. But Toyota execs have not ruled out building a competitor for the Ford Maverick to slot below the Tacoma.
Here’s what we know about the new Toyota small pickup so far.
Toyota’s small pickup could be a lot like the Maverick
Toyota execs said that it would make “more sense to use the TNGA unibody platform” for a small truck designed for urban use. They also noted that Toyota would probably need more of an “SUV with a bed” format. According to Automotive News, the new compact pickup would likely be based on the Corolla if approved and built alongside the Corolla in Mississippi. The small pickup would almost undoubtedly have a hybrid option; Toyota plans for all vehicles to have one by 2025.
Toyota’s small pickup could be called the Stout
There has been speculation Toyota would revive an older pickup name for the new vehicle. One prominent option is Stout, not to be confused with VW’s Scout brand. Toyota notably filed to register that name for use in Argentina. Though trademarking a name does not guarantee it will be used. And Toyota could decide to use a different name for the American market.
We may see the new Toyota small pickup in 2027
According to Automotive News, the Ford Maverick competitor is under discussion but has not been approved yet. The report says that 2027 would be the earliest time for its arrival.
Why Toyota needs to compete with the Maverick
The Maverick has proven immensely popular. The only constraint for Ford right now is how many of them they can build. Pre-orders for the 2023 model year sold out in about a week before Ford closed the books. And the Maverick is a particular issue for Toyota because it’s proving to be a formidable conquest vehicle, attracting customers from other brands. Sixty percent of Maverick buyers are coming from outside Ford. And the second most traded-in vehicle for a Maverick is the Toyota RAV4.
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