Toyota is officially developing a new pickup truck that will slot below the Tacoma in its lineup. Designed to compete directly with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, this compact truck is still a few years away—but it's definitely on the way.
In a May 2025 interview with MotorTrend, Cooper Ericksen, Toyota North America's head of planning and strategy, confirmed the project: "It’s not a matter of 'if' at this point." According to Ericksen, the primary challenge has been timing, as the company has prioritized advancing its hybrid and electric-vehicle technology.
While details remain limited, we can start piecing together what to expect in terms of platform, powertrain options, and pricing. Ericksen offered a few early hints, but the full picture will come into focus once the truck officially debuts—whenever that may be.
In the meantime, here’s everything we currently know about Toyota’s upcoming compact pickup.
What Will Toyota Call It?
Toyota hasn’t announced a name for its upcoming compact pickup, but there are several possibilities. One option is Hilux, a globally recognized nameplate that has never been used in the US. However, given its association with rugged, mid-size trucks, it's unlikely Toyota repurposes the nameplate for a smaller, more urban-focused model.
Another possible candidate is Stout. Toyota trademarked the name in Argentina in 2022, sparking speculation about its return. Originally introduced in 1954 on a light-duty truck, the Stout name carries historical weight and could be well-suited for a compact revival.
What Platform Will the Compact Truck Ride On?
Toyota’s upcoming compact pickup will feature a unibody construction and ride on a TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform—but it’s still unclear which one.
Early rumors pointed to a Corolla-based truck using the TNGA-C platform, which also underpins the Corolla, Corolla Cross, and C-HR. But that setup might be too small for the demands of a pickup.
A more likely candidate is the TNGA-K platform, shared with larger models like the Camry, RAV4, and Highlander.
That architecture offers greater capability, which would better suit a pickup’s needs—particularly when it comes to towing and payload. For reference, the RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 pounds, whereas the C-HR is limited to just 1,233 pounds.
The TNGA-K platform would also provide more interior space.
What Will It Look Like?
Despite its unibody construction, Toyota’s new compact truck is expected to borrow design cues from its body-on-frame siblings. Look for a rugged aesthetic, including a trapezoidal grille, blocky headlights, big fender flares, and prominent wheel arches.
There’s also potential for variation within the lineup. Toyota could offer a lowered, street-oriented version alongside a more off-road-ready TRD Pro variant, and there's no reason both couldn't coexist.
Inside, if the truck shares a platform with models like the RAV4 or Corolla, its cabin will likely be more refined than rugged. Don’t expect the oversized knobs or chunky grab handles found in the Tacoma or Tundra. Instead, anticipate a more car-like interior equipped with modern technology and advanced safety features.
What Will Power It?
There’s little doubt that Toyota’s new compact truck will be hybrid-only, offered in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. It will likely borrow its powertrain options from the RAV4, which is going all-hybrid for 2026.
Toyota’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid currently delivers 226 or 236 horsepower in the RAV4, depending on the drivetrain. There’s also a plug-in hybrid from the RAV4 Prime that produces 320 hp. If Toyota decides to offer that powertrain in the new truck, it would instantly become the most powerful pickup in the class.
How Much Will Toyota's Truck Cost?
To compete with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, Toyota’s new compact truck will likely need to start at around $30,000. The Maverick starts slightly below that, while the Santa Cruz comes in just above.
The new model will need to undercut the Tacoma, which starts at $33,085 for the basic SR XtraCab. That pricing gap leaves plenty of room for a smaller, more affordable offering. We expect Toyota’s compact truck to top out around $45,000 in fully loaded form.
When Will It Debut?
Toyota’s new compact truck isn’t expected to hit dealerships until at least 2027. In his interview with MotorTrend earlier this year, Cooper Ericksen explained that the company simply didn’t have the resources to prioritize the project sooner.
We might see a concept reveal or even an early production preview sometime in 2026, but for now, all signs point to a 2027 launch.
The wait may be long, but there’s no doubt: the world is ready for a new Toyota truck.
