There is a sudden influx of compact pickup in the U.S. market what with the very popular Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz carving out a niche. Now, Toyota is already to be a part of the hottest car segment this season. Toyota has confirmed that it plans to launch a new small pickup that will slot below the Tacoma, and its main competition being Maverick with a hybrid powertrain and SUV-like versatility.
While still a couple of years away, Toyota sees unibody pickup as a major opportunity to expand its already deep truck portfolio.
Toyota compact pickup
By 2027, Toyota is planning to launch a small pickup truck to compete directly with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Toyota small pickup is yet-to-be-named and will slot under the Tacoma and will be the entry-level pickup.
Expectation of Toyota from the pickup
With the compact truck release, Toyota estimates it could sell 100,000 to 150,000 units every year in the U.S. alone. There has been a rising demand for small trucks, and the automaker wants to eat into it. Toyota has been the popularity of Maverick and would like to compete in this segment. As per Cooper Ericksen, Toyota Motor North America’s head of planning and strategy the automaker is building the truck. “Decisions have been made,” he said. “The question is when we can slot it in. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ at this point.”
Toyota small pickup features
Toyota’s upcoming small pickup will most probably share engineering DNA with the compact RAV4 and other SUVs in the lineup. It could possibly come up with a hybrid option being a direct competitor to the Ford Maverick’s popular hybrid base model.
Next is capability. Maverick hybrid can tow 2,000 pounds, whereas EcoBoost version pulls up to 4,000. Toyota is expected to match those numbers closely, with utility features like a versatile bed, smart storage solutions, and multiple tie-down points. For Toyota, which already has decades of truck-building credibility, this new model is a chance to combine its reputation for durability with modern hybrid efficiency.
Toyota small pickup release date
With a timely entry, Toyota can use its reputation to full advantage and avoid pitfalls by learning from Ford and Hyundai’s initial strategies.
Toyota is planning to launch by 2027, hoping the demand for small pickup will be more stronger giving the company a chance to thrive in a competitive market.
Toyota compact pickup price
The company is targeting an entry price around $30,000, making it competitive with the Maverick and Santa Cruz while undercutting the Tacoma. As the brand’s entry-level truck, it will appeal to buyers who want pickup utility without the size or price tag of mid- and full-size models. The challenge will be balancing affordability with the features and durability that buyers expect from a Toyota truck.
Toyota small pickup name
Though no name has been announced by Toyota speculations are that it could be anything from a return of historic badges like Stout, Hilux, or T-100. Toyota understands that naming a truck is a weighty decision, shaped by its heritage at home and abroad.
Though the on-sale-date in 2027 seems far away there is an excitement about a new Toyota truck taking on the competition in the market.
