Toyota is perhaps at last being really serious about making a small pickup truck, and this time the plans seem more solid than previous discussions. Ted Ozawa, who heads Toyota North America, recently said to Automotive News that a pickup based on the RAV4 is a possibility and dealers would like it. This is probably the clearest indication yet that Toyota is seriously thinking about a truck smaller than the Tacoma.
If they do build it, a Toyota pickup using the RAV4 as a base would directly compete with the Ford Maverick.
The Maverick is uncomplicated: it’s small, drives a lot like a car and is very economical on gas, helped by its hybrid engine being standard. Buyers really like this combination and, until now, Toyota has largely overlooked this type of truck.
However, that might be about to change.
Toyota has looked at a smaller pickup before. In 2023, there were stories saying the company was looking into a truck based on the Corolla, and it would have been aimed at the same type of buyer.
But using the RAV4 as the foundation makes a lot more sense now. The RAV4 isn’t only one of Toyota’s best sellers, it already has the versatility and ability needed for a smaller pickup.
Toyota hasn’t given specifics, but a RAV4 based truck will probably use a lot from the SUV as it is now.
This almost certainly means a hybrid engine only, as the newest RAV4 is now only made with a hybrid powertrain.
Toyota has been hesitant to enter the small truck area, but there’s obviously a demand for them. The Maverick’s success, and increasing interest in trucks that are smaller and use less fuel, give Toyota a good reason to finally do something.
As of this moment, there’s no official word or date, but what company leaders have said suggests this isn’t just guesswork.
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