Our friends at Motor1 Argentina have learned that Toyota has confirmed to its Brazilian dealers that an electrified compact truck is part of its future plans, and that it would be introduced in 2027.
The publication has learned that the compact truck will be built with a car-like monocoque frame and powered by a hybrid powertrain. It will sit below the Hilux in Toyota’s local lineup, drawing design inspiration from the EPU Concept which was unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show in October 2023.
The pickup will share the same platform as the new Corolla and feature an updated hybrid powertrain. This project is apparently part of Toyota’s USD 2.2 billion investment in Brazil, announced in March 2024. The new pickup will compete with other small, car-based pickups like the Fiat Toro, Chevrolet Montana, Ram Rampage, and Ford Maverick.
Upgraded Platform & Hybrid Powertrain
Motor1 Argentina reports that the Toyota compact truck will ride on an improved version of Toyota’s TNGA platform, the underpinnings used in the Corolla (TNGA-C). The new iteration, which also supports pure-electric variants, will be adapted for hybrid to better meet the customer needs of Latin America, where charging infrastructure for EVs is simply inadequate.
The new hybrid powertrain, called PHEV-FFV, will include both hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. The system is reportedly based on the 2.5L Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine from the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid. Currently, the combined output of the system stands at 302 hp, and with its 18.1 kWh battery, the plug-in hybrid setup can run up to 42 miles on electric power alone. We expect to see improvements to all aspects with the new system.
The report adds that the compact truck will receive an optional 4×4 system, which could be similar to the layout of the Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD, introduced for MY2025. While the Argentinian publication has not provided additional details, we expect the Toyota compact truck in a dual-cab format, with a max payload of 1,500 lbs, and max towing of 2,000 lbs.
What’s coming to the U.S.?
Toyota’s U.S. executives have hinted at the potential for a compact pickup in the future. Back in June 2022, Motor Trend sat down with Robert Carter, the then-executive vice president of sales for Toyota Motor North America, and Cooper Ericksen, senior vice president of product planning, mobility and strategy, where the compact truck was discussed.
While the Tacoma currently dominates the midsize pickup market, it evolved from being a compact truck itself decades ago. Ericksen mentioned that if studies show demand for a rugged, smaller body-on-frame truck, Toyota would consider it. However, if the inclination is for a truck focused on urban use and less extreme off-road needs, then they would prefer to do it on the TNGA unibody platform.
While there’s no official confirmation, it’s likely that Toyota will develop and locally manufacture its own version of the TNGA-C compact truck to meet the demands and regulations of the U.S. market. We feel that the Ford Maverick rival could be introduced as part of the progression toward the next-generation Corolla and Corolla Cross by 2027-2028.
Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s illustration of a Toyota compact truck.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
