The pickup truck market in the United States is about to get a little more competitive—and a little more affordable. Toyota has officially confirmed that it is working on an all-new compact pickup truck, designed to sit below the popular Tacoma and go head-to-head with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
This will be Toyota’s entry into the growing small-truck segment, a market that has exploded in recent years thanks to buyers wanting the utility of a pickup without the size or high price tag of a full-sized model. The vehicle, which is still unnamed, is expected to carry a starting price around $30,000, making it one of the most affordable pickups Toyota has ever offered in the U.S.
Why Toyota Is Entering the Compact Truck Market
The success of the Ford Maverick has reshaped how automakers think about trucks. When the Maverick launched in 2021, it was a surprise hit, offering a hybrid engine as standard, excellent fuel economy, and a starting price under $25,000. In its first full year, Ford struggled to keep up with demand as thousands of buyers lined up for a truck that was both budget-friendly and practical for daily use.
Hyundai also made waves with its Santa Cruz, a stylish compact pickup that combined SUV comfort with light truck capability. While the Santa Cruz got attention first, it was the Maverick that cemented the segment as a long-term winner.
Toyota, a company with decades of pickup truck heritage, has been watching carefully. Cooper Ericksen, Toyota Motor North America’s head of planning and strategy, told MotorTrend that development is already underway. “Decisions have been made,” he confirmed. “The question is when we can slot it in. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ at this point.”
Toyota estimates that once it hits the market, the compact truck could sell 100,000 to 150,000 units per year in the U.S. alone—a figure that demonstrates the significant demand for smaller, more affordable trucks.
What We Know About Toyota’s Upcoming Small Truck
Although Toyota has not revealed the official name, speculation has already started among enthusiasts. Some fans hope Toyota will revive classic truck names like the T-100, Stout, or the legendary Hilux (which is sold internationally). Others joke that a fun name like Taquito would be a refreshing twist.
What we do know for certain is that the truck will ride on Toyota’s TNGA platform—a unibody architecture that underpins vehicles like the RAV4 and Highlander. Unlike the body-on-frame Tacoma, this truck will be more car-like in construction, which should result in a smoother ride and improved fuel efficiency, similar to the Maverick and Santa Cruz.
Powertrain details are still under wraps, but Ericksen confirmed that a hybrid option will be available. Considering Toyota’s leadership in hybrid technology and the success of the RAV4 Hybrid, buyers can expect strong fuel economy without sacrificing too much capability.
Expected Features and Performance
If Toyota’s new compact truck follows the playbook of the RAV4 and Tacoma, buyers can expect:
- A starting price of around $30,000
- Hybrid powertrain options for better fuel efficiency
- Towing capacity close to the Maverick’s 4,000-pound rating
- Practical features like multiple tie-downs and cargo hooks in the bed
- Interior comfort and tech borrowed from Toyota’s SUVs
- Off-road-inspired trims to appeal to adventurous buyers
Toyota has built a reputation for trucks that last—many Tacomas and older Hilux models are still on the road with hundreds of thousands of miles. The challenge for Toyota will be to deliver that same durability and toughness in a smaller, more affordable package that also appeals to urban buyers who need a practical vehicle for commuting and light hauling.
When Will It Arrive?
The biggest downside for eager truck fans is the timeline. Toyota has confirmed that the truck is in the works, but it will likely be at least two years before it reaches dealerships. That means buyers may not see it until 2026 or later.
Still, the confirmation alone is big news. For years, Toyota has dominated the midsize pickup market with the Tacoma, but it has had nothing to offer to buyers looking for a truly compact truck. With this move, Toyota will finally have a player in every major pickup category.
Final Thoughts
Toyota’s entry into the compact pickup market is huge news for truck fans and budget-minded buyers alike. The Maverick proved that a small, hybrid-powered, affordable pickup can be a runaway success. Hyundai added a stylish twist with the Santa Cruz. Now, Toyota—the brand with one of the strongest reputations in truck reliability—is stepping into the game.
It may take a couple of years before we see this new model on the streets, but one thing is clear: Toyota’s compact truck could shake up the market in a big way. With a price tag around $30,000, hybrid efficiency, and Toyota’s reputation for quality, it might just become the next must-have pickup in America.
FAQs
Is Toyota making a small pickup for $30K?
Yes. Toyota has confirmed it’s building a compact pickup truck that will cost around $30,000. It’ll sit below the Tacoma, competing with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. Cooper Ericksen, Toyota’s planning chief
When will Toyota’s small truck be on sale?
Toyota expects the new compact pickup won’t arrive for at least two more years. That means we likely won’t see it in U.S. showrooms until 2026 or later, as the company continues working out timing
Will Toyota’s small truck be a hybrid?
Yes. Toyota confirmed the new compact pickup will offer a hybrid powertrain. It will ride on the TNGA unibody platform—like the RAV4—and will pair hybrid efficiency with useful towing and cargo features.
How many units might Toyota sell yearly?
Toyota estimates the new compact truck could sell 100,000 to 150,000 units per year in the U.S. That shows high demand for smaller trucks that are affordable and efficient.
What platform will this new Toyota truck use?
Toyota says the compact pickup will use its TNGA unibody architecture—a lighter, car-like frame also used by models like the RAV4. This should mean better ride comfort and fuel economy.
What names might the truck have?
No official name’s been given yet, but fans have speculated on names like Stout, T-100, Hilux, or even Taquito. Nothing is confirmed, so it’s still wide open for speculation.
Leave a Reply