- Toyota sees small and mid-size trucks as more suitable for electrification compared to full-size models.
- Although not confirmed, discussions about a Corolla-based electric pickup arriving sometime after 2027 remain on the table.
Ford struck gold when they introduced the Maverick as the public fell in love with the compact pickup and its $19,995 price tag. While the latter has since climbed to $23,815, the automaker sold 94,058 units in the United States last year and the model’s success has gotten competitors interested in the segment.
Toyota is among them and spy photographers recently caught the company testing the Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz in Michigan. While that would seem to suggest they’re serious about a potential competitor, it’s important to note the company regularly tests and examines vehicles from other automakers.
While Toyota Motor North America CEO Ted Ogawa told Auto News they don’t have plans for a compact pickup, he confirmed the company is “studying in that area, including the electrification movement.”
The executive went on to say small and mid-size trucks have “more electrification opportunity” than their full-size counterparts, so “it’s one of the opportunities to think about – the smaller size than Tacoma pickup in the future.” He added they’ll keep talking to their counterparts in Japan about it.
While it seems nothing is set in stone, previous reports have suggested Toyota was considering a Corolla-based pickup. The model was only said to be under discussion at the time and wasn’t expected to arrive until at least 2027 – if approved at all.
The latest report suggests Toyota hasn’t given up on the idea and might be considering a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric compact pickup. The company hinted at the latter with the EPU concept, which debuted at last year’s Japan Mobility Show.
More: Toyota USA ‘Fighting’ To Bring EPU Compact Truck To Production As A Maverick Killer
The EPU was a Maverick-sized crew cab pickup with a 10.7-inch (272 mm) longer wheelbase. The company didn’t say much about the model, but confirmed it featured monocoque construction and an electric powertrain.
While we’d gladly welcome another affordable pickup, the Santa Cruz has only been a modest success as Hyundai sold 36,675 units last year. That’s not great and Toyota is undoubtedly paying attention to that number too.
