- Toyota is entering the small pickup market with a truck set to compete against the Ford Maverick and other small trucks by 2027.
- Expect the Toyota compact pickup truck to feature hybrid-only powertrains, advanced tech, and a price range starting at around $30,000.
- The truck’s platform and design will be similar to Toyota’s current models like the RAV4, offering both street and off-road variants.
Toyota’s Upcoming Compact Pickup Truck: A Rival to the Ford Maverick
Toyota is finally entering the world of small trucks with a new Toyota small pickup set to launch in 2027. This compact Toyota truck is expected to directly rival popular models like the Ford Maverick, the Hyundai Santa Cruz, and others in the compact pickup truck segment. The new Toyota mini truck promises to be a cheap Toyota truck that delivers great value while meeting the needs of modern truck buyers. This is an exciting development, as Toyota’s small pickup trucks have long been a staple in international markets, and now, they are aiming to bring that expertise to the United States.
While Toyota’s compact pickup truck won’t arrive until 2027, there are a few things we already know about the model, including its platform, hybrid options, and pricing expectations. Here’s everything you need to know about this new Toyota small truck that’s sure to make waves in the small truck USA market.
What Will Toyota Call Its New Small Pickup?
Although the name for Toyota’s new small truck hasn’t been officially revealed, there are a few possibilities based on trademarks and past models. One option could be the Toyota Hilux, a well-known nameplate in global markets that has always been synonymous with rugged, durable trucks. However, this name may not be used, as it is often associated with mid-sized trucks rather than small Toyota trucks.
Another name being speculated is the Toyota Stout, a name trademarked in 2022. The Stout was first introduced in 1954 as a light-duty truck and could be a fitting choice for Toyota’s return to the compact pickup market. With its historical roots, the Stout could make a strong comeback as the name of this upcoming Toyota compact pickup truck.
What Platform Will the Toyota Small Pickup Be Built On?
Toyota’s upcoming compact truck will likely be built on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, which is a shared platform used across several of Toyota’s most popular models. However, the exact platform choice for the Toyota small pickup truck is still under wraps. Early rumors suggest that it could be based on the TNGA-C platform, which is used by the Toyota Corolla and Toyota C-HR. However, this might be too small for a pickup truck, considering the need for towing and payload capability.
A more likely candidate is the TNGA-K platform, which underpins larger Toyota models such as the RAV4, Highlander, and Camry. The TNGA-K platform offers superior capability and would better suit the needs of a Toyota small pickup, especially when it comes to towing and payload capacity. For reference, the Toyota RAV4, which uses the TNGA-K platform, is capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. This kind of capability would be crucial for a Toyota compact truck to compete with the Ford Maverick and other similar small pickup trucks.
What Will the Toyota Compact Pickup Look Like?
The Toyota compact pickup is expected to feature a rugged design that incorporates elements from Toyota’s larger, body-on-frame trucks like the Tacoma and Tundra. Expect a Toyota small pickup truck with a trapezoidal grille, large fender flares, bold wheel arches, and a robust appearance that will appeal to both urban and off-road enthusiasts alike.
There may also be multiple variants within the lineup, including a street-oriented version and a more off-road-ready model, possibly branded under the TRD Pro moniker. Inside, the Toyota small truck is expected to have a more refined and car-like cabin, similar to what’s seen in the RAV4 and Corolla. This means Toyota’s smallest truck will likely feature modern technology, including advanced safety systems and infotainment options, unlike the more utilitarian cabins found in traditional trucks like the Tacoma.
Powertrain and Performance: What Will Power the Toyota Small Pickup?
Toyota’s new small truck will likely be hybrid-only, with both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations available. This aligns with Toyota’s broader strategy of prioritizing hybrid and electric vehicles in their lineup. The Toyota small pickup truck could share its powertrain with the Toyota RAV4, which is shifting to an all-hybrid model by 2026.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 226 to 236 horsepower depending on the configuration. Toyota might even offer a more powerful plug-in hybrid option from the RAV4 Prime, which produces up to 320 horsepower. If the Toyota compact truck adopts this powertrain, it would make the Toyota small pickup one of the most powerful trucks in its segment, outpacing rivals like the Ford Maverick.
What Will the Toyota Small Pickup Cost?
To compete with the Ford Maverick and other small pickup trucks, Toyota will likely price its new Toyota small truck in the $30,000 range for the base model. The Ford Maverick starts at just below $30,000, and the Hyundai Santa Cruz comes in slightly above. To ensure it remains competitive, Toyota will need to keep the price of its compact truck lower than the Toyota Tacoma, which starts at $33,085. We expect the top-end model of Toyota’s small pickup truck to top out around $45,000 when fully equipped.
When Will the Toyota Compact Pickup Truck Arrive?
While Toyota has not yet confirmed the exact launch date, the Toyota small pickup is not expected to arrive until at least 2027. There could be a concept reveal or an early production preview in 2026, but all signs point to a 2027 release for the Toyota compact pickup truck. This gives Toyota plenty of time to finalize the Toyota small pickup truck details and ensure it’s a strong competitor against the Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz, and other upcoming small trucks in the market.
Toyota’s Future Compact Pickup: A Worthwhile Rival to the Ford Maverick
As compact trucks like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz become more popular, Toyota is stepping up with its own small Toyota truck that promises to offer hybrid powertrains, modern features, and competitive pricing. Whether it’s called the Toyota Stout or something else, this Toyota mini truck is poised to be one of the best small pickups in the segment. With its combination of style, performance, and affordability, the Toyota small pickup truck will be an exciting addition to the Toyota compact truck lineup and is definitely one to watch as small trucks new start to dominate the market.
Stay tuned for more updates on Toyota’s compact trucks, as this highly anticipated model will certainly make waves in the world of small pickup trucks when it launches.
