This Is What Toyota's Answer to the Ford Maverick Might Look Like
The world's largest carmaker is preparing to jump into the compact pickup market. The small lifestyle pickup will take on the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, with a potential launch window in 2026 or 2027. And unlike the Hilux, this one's not being built to pull tree stumps out of bogs — it's aimed squarely at young urbanites, daily drivers, and maybe even your neighbor who already owns three camping chairs and a roof box. Thanks to rendering artist, Theottle, we have some idea of what it might look like.
A Properly-Sized Pickup For America (And Maybe The World)
The new model will most likely be based on either the RAV4's TNGA-K platform or the smaller Corolla-based TNGA-C, meaning this ute is more crossover than crawler. The size is expected to be slightly shorter than a RAV4, and powertrains will likely be hybrid-first, including a plug-in hybrid variant capable of over 60 miles (100 km) of EV-only range.Not only would this make it Toyota's most efficient pickup ever, but it comes at a time when the company is doubling down on reliability and sheer road presence. Toyota claims over 150 million of its cars are still on the road today — a handy fact when you're trying to win over budget-conscious buyers who don't want to own a disposable trucklet.
Ford's Sales Surge May Be Forcing Toyota's Hand
Although Toyota still holds the overall U.S. sales crown, it's now under pressure from all angles. According to recent Q2 data, Ford is catching up fast. Ford's year-over-year gains are outpacing Toyota's, and with the Maverick continuing to be a runaway success, it's no wonder Toyota sees the need to respond. A hybrid ute that undercuts the Tacoma and gives buyers something between a crossover and a proper truck would fill a glaring gap in their lineup.
Built In America, Sold Back To Japan?
It's not just the U.S. market Toyota is eyeing. There's also growing speculation — including recent comments from Chairman Akio Toyoda himself — that American-made Toyotas may soon be sold in Japan. This follows new trade agreements that make it easier to import U.S.-built vehicles to Japan by removing complex certification barriers. If Toyota does choose to build this pickup in North America, it could be among the first models to benefit.
What To Expect: Specs & Strategy
While Toyota hasn't confirmed specifics yet, early reports suggest the new ute will be based on either the RAV4's TNGA-K platform or the smaller Corolla-based TNGA-C. That means a car-like ride, excellent hybrid integration, and a front-wheel-drive layout with optional all-wheel drive. Powertrains are expected to include both a regular hybrid and a plug-in hybrid, with the latter capable of over 60 miles of electric-only driving. That figure would place it at the top of its class in terms of efficiency. If Toyota's internal timelines are accurate, the truck could launch in North America in late 2026 or early 2027, with other markets to follow. Expect it to slot below the Tacoma in price and size, aimed squarely at buyers who want the rugged look of a pickup without the fuel bills or size penalties.
This Is What Toyota's Answer to the Ford Maverick Might Look Like first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 2, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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