The landscape of compact pickup trucks is rapidly evolving, especially in regions outside the United States. While models like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are making waves in the US, markets in South America and Asia have long embraced smaller, more practical trucks. Brands like Chevrolet, Dodge, and Fiat have already established their presence with models tailored to these markets. These “Toyota Small Pickup Truck” alternatives often leverage existing car platforms, modifying them to incorporate a cargo bed, enhancing utility without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
Toyota’s Entry into the Compact Truck Segment with a Focus on Brazil
Toyota is making a significant $2.22 billion investment in Brazil by 2030, signaling a strong commitment to the South American market. A key part of this investment includes the development and production of a new “toyota small pickup truck” slated for launch in 2027. This information, initially reported by Motor1 Argentina from a dealer meeting, highlights Toyota’s strategic move to capture a share of the burgeoning compact truck market.
This new “toyota small pickup truck” will be built on a unibody platform, potentially derived from the platform used in the Brazilian-market Toyota Corolla. It’s anticipated to utilize an updated version of Toyota’s TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, known for its adaptability and efficiency. Positioned below the robust Hilux in Toyota’s lineup, this smaller pickup is designed to offer a more accessible and fuel-efficient option for consumers.
Design Inspiration from the Toyota EPU Concept
The styling of this upcoming “toyota small pickup truck” is expected to draw heavily from the Toyota EPU Concept. The EPU Concept, showcased as a forward-looking electric pickup, features a streamlined front fascia with a short overhang, contributing to a modern and agile appearance. Notably, the sculpted C-pillar design element adds visual appeal and a sense of robustness to the vehicle’s rear profile.
While the EPU Concept is purely electric, the production “toyota small pickup truck” for Brazil is rumored to be a plug-in hybrid. This powertrain is anticipated to be flexible, capable of running on both gasoline and ethanol, catering to the fuel preferences in the Brazilian market. Furthermore, it’s projected to offer a practical electric-only range of approximately 46 miles, enhancing its appeal for daily commutes and urban driving.
Size Comparison and Market Positioning
Interestingly, the Toyota EPU Concept shares similar dimensions with the Ford Maverick in terms of overall length, being only marginally shorter by 0.1 inches. However, the concept boasts a significantly longer wheelbase, exceeding the Maverick’s by 10.8 inches. Additionally, the EPU is wider than the Maverick by 2.6 inches. Whether the production “toyota small pickup truck” retains these dimensions remains to be seen, but it indicates Toyota’s intention to compete directly in the compact pickup segment with a vehicle offering comparable size and potentially enhanced interior space due to the longer wheelbase.
Distinguishing the New Model from the Toyota Hilux Champ
It’s crucial to differentiate this forthcoming “toyota small pickup truck” from the existing Toyota Hilux Champ (also known as Hilux Rangga, Hilux Stout, and Tamaraw in different regions). While the Hilux Champ is also a compact truck, it is built on a body-on-frame IMV platform, a more traditional truck construction. The Hilux Champ offers a range of engine options, including a 2.0-liter gasoline engine producing 137 horsepower and a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine with 147 horsepower, paired with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the new “toyota small pickup truck” will utilize a unibody construction and a plug-in hybrid powertrain, representing a distinct vehicle in Toyota’s global lineup.
US Market Unlikely Due to Import Tariffs
Despite the growing popularity of compact pickup trucks in the United States, it’s improbable that this Brazil-bound “toyota small pickup truck” will be offered in the US market. The primary obstacle is the “chicken tax,” a 25-percent tariff on imported light trucks. For Toyota to viably sell this model in the US, manufacturing would likely need to occur within North America, specifically in Canada, the United States, or Mexico, to circumvent this significant import tax. As of now, there are no indications of such manufacturing plans, suggesting that US consumers eager for a “toyota small pickup truck” will have to wait or look towards other models already available in the domestic market.
