Toyota was as soon as identified for powerful little vans at cheap costs, usually merely bought beneath the title “Toyota Pickup” within the U.S. The compact Toyota pickup will make a comeback, in response to a brand new report.
Compact Vans a Rising Phase
A standard stereotype says that Individuals love nothing greater than an outsized pickup. Actuality is extra nuanced.
Sure, the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado are America’s two best-selling automobiles. However Individuals are more and more selecting smaller automobiles. We purchase extra compact SUVs than another kind of car. And, for the reason that arrival of the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz for the 2022 mannequin 12 months, we’ve rediscovered our love for small vans, too.
Toyota has observed. A brand new report says the world’s largest automaker will roll out its personal compact pickup quickly.
Cooper Ericksen, head of planning and technique for Toyota Motor North America, advised Motor Pattern, “Choices have been made. The query is after we can slot it in. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ at this level.”
Unibody, and Probably Hybrid
Motor Pattern experiences, “The would-be truck’s platform and powertrain are just about locked in.” Just like the Maverick and Santa Cruz, it is going to use SUV-style unibody building fairly than a standard body-on-frame truck platform. Nonetheless, Toyota will goal for true truck usability, the report says, and will provide a hybrid mannequin.
This mission seems separate from the small electrical pickup idea Toyota has beforehand proven to media.
customers, nonetheless, ought to be ready to attend.
“Due to all the want now to utterly stage up our EV [electric vehicle] portfolio and on the identical time we’re growing fifth and sixth era hybrid programs, it’s troublesome to seek out the engineering sources to dedicate to a mission like a compact pickup truck,” Ericksen advised MT.
Nonetheless, the corporate thinks it advantages from ready and watching what works for opponents. Which means a twin deal with affordability and performance. “It must be a workhorse,” he mentioned.
We’re glad to see chatter about new mini vans start once more. In 2023, each Chevrolet and Ram seemed to be engaged on Maverick rivals. However buzz about each tasks light rapidly in a tumultuous interval for the auto trade.
