Toyota is rumored to be developing a small car-based pickup truck that would slot below the Tacoma in their lineup. According to a report from Automotive News, this new vehicle would target buyers looking for an affordable entry-level pickup. The average price of new vehicles, especially trucks, has increased significantly in recent years, making a more affordable option attractive to many customers.
Toyota COO Mark Templin confirmed that the company is “looking at it,” but emphasized that nothing is official at this time. Engineers from Toyota were allegedly spotted benchmarking the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz at the company’s testing grounds in Michigan last year, although it’s not uncommon for manufacturers to analyze competitive vehicles.
If Toyota does decide to proceed with this project, it could be a strategic move. However, it’s worth noting that Toyota has a broader range of options in their lineup compared to Ford, which has seen significant success with the Maverick. The Maverick is one of Ford’s most affordable models, and customers drawn to that price point are often directed to it. Toyota, on the other hand, has multiple options in both the car and crossover segments that could satisfy similar customers.
While there’s no confirmation on the release of this new pickup, Toyota’s consideration of entering this market segment highlights the growing demand for affordable pickup trucks. The automotive industry is known for its long product planning cycles, so any potential new vehicle from Toyota is likely still far from production.
Key Points
- Toyota is considering a small car-based pickup truck
- The new vehicle would compete with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz
- Toyota COO Mark Templin confirmed the company is “looking at” the concept
- Engineers were spotted benchmarking the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz
- Any decision to proceed is still in the early stages
As the automotive market continues to evolve, Toyota’s potential entry into the compact pickup segment could shake up the competition. The company’s existing lineup and customer base will likely influence the success of such a vehicle if it does materialize.
