We've known that Toyota has been contemplating a compact-sized pickup for a while, but now we likely know its foundation. Toyota might be known for fuel-sipping cars like the family-friendly Camry and the iconic hybrid Prius, but the Japanese automaker also has a long history of building pickup trucks. Look no further than the mid-size Tacoma and size-up Tundra, both of which feature a sturdy body-on-frame construction. However, those trucks are overkill for people who don't go off-roading or tow stuff, and they command higher prices too. But what about a compact-sized unibody pickup that could rival the sought-after Ford Maverick? That could lead to an untapped market share, and Toyota is reportedly considering a version based on the bestselling RAV4 SUV.
During an interview with Automotive News, Tetsuo "Ted" Ogawa, Toyota Motor North America president and CEO, was asked about dealers wanting Toyota to bring back a compact pickup. The exec said that there's definitely demand for a compact-sized truck. "A RAV4-based pickup is an opportunity for us, and the dealers are waiting," said Ogawa, adding, "but it takes time."
View Price on AmazonThis isn't the first time we've heard about Toyota planning to reintroduce a small truck to the U.S. market. Back in 2023, AN reported that a Corolla-based pickup was under consideration, with both compact models to be built at Toyota's Mississippi assembly plant. However, more recently, Cooper Ericksen, TMNA's head of planning and strategy, told MotorTrend that a new small truck is definitely happening. "It's not a matter of 'if' at this point," he said, "We're dedicated to it. We're going to figure out how to make it work."
While Ogawa's comments come after the company has clearly already made plans to move forward with a Maverick competitor, they provide new insight into the mini truck's platform and potential powertrains. The new sixth-generation RAV4 uses Toyota's modular TNGA-K architecture, and it's only available with gas-electric powertrains, either a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid with up to 236 horsepower or a 324-hp plug-in hybrid setup. Could one or both of these power a forthcoming RAV4-based pickup truck? Only time will tell.
Source: caranddriver.com
