The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are about to get a new rival.
FUTURE Toyota Corolla Truck
Toyota is developing a $30K compact pickup to rival Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, with hybrid power and versatile design
Also Read
Toyota is developing a $30K compact pickup to rival Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, with hybrid power and versatile design.Toyota is developing a $30K compact pickup to rival Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, with hybrid power and versatile design.
What It Is
Toyota is developing a $30K compact pickup to rival Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, with hybrid power and versatile design.
Toyota is preparing to launch a brand-new compact pickup truck aimed squarely at the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. Positioned below the Tacoma, this yet-to-be-named truck will serve as Toyota’s entry-level pickup. With the Maverick dominating sales and proving strong demand in the segment, Toyota has decided it’s time to jump in.
Cooper Ericksen, Toyota Motor North America’s head of planning and strategy, confirmed the project to MotorTrend:
“Decisions have been made,” he said. “The question is when we can slot it in. It’s not a matter of if at this point.”
Why It Matters
Toyota believes it could move 100,000–150,000 units annually in the U.S. alone. The appetite for affordable, smaller trucks has grown rapidly, and Toyota doesn’t want to miss out. The catch? The truck is still a couple of years away from showrooms.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz created buzz in 2021 with its SUV-like comfort and unique unibody design. But Ford’s Maverick quickly stole the spotlight with its hybrid base engine, larger bed, and sharp pricing. Toyota’s entry will aim to blend capability, efficiency, and brand reliability to stand out in this hot segment.
Possible names have yet to surface, but fans would love to see a classic badge return—maybe T-100, Stout, or Hilux. And yes, we wouldn’t mind if Toyota had a little fun and went with Taquito.
Platform and Powertrain
The compact Toyota truck will ride on a unibody platform, derived from the brand’s TNGA architecture. That means it will be more crossover-like than body-on-frame, designed to compete head-to-head with the Maverick.
A hybrid powertrain is expected from the start, giving buyers strong fuel efficiency and modern performance. Picture a smaller Tacoma in appearance, but with capability closer to the current RAV4—practical, versatile, and urban-friendly.
Also Read
Capabilities and Features
Ford’s Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped, and Toyota is expected to hit similar numbers. Expect smart storage, bed hooks, and thoughtful design touches for both weekend adventurers and city drivers.
Toyota has decades of truck-building credibility. It knows how to appeal to off-roaders, overlanders, and everyday drivers alike. With the upcoming compact pickup, Toyota is betting big on satisfying all of them.
