- Toyota’s North American CEO has hinted at a RAV4-based pickup.
- He called the model an “opportunity for us,” but implied it’s a ways off.
- Truck would likely slot below the Tacoma and have a hybrid engine.
The truck segment has largely been limited to mid-size and full-size models. However, Ford changed everything by introducing the compact Maverick in 2021.
The affordable truck was a smash hit and the Blue Oval sold 155,051 of them in the United States last year. That was an 18.2% increase from 2024 and it means the entry-level pickup outsold the Ranger by more than 2:1.
More: Toyota’s Affordable Compact Pickup May Hang On Trump’s Decision
While Ford struck gold, other automakers haven’t been as lucky. Hyundai introduced the Santa Cruz around the same time, but it wasn’t nearly as successful as the automaker only moved 25,499 units last year. This has led to rumors that they’re ending production sooner than expected and shifting attention to their upcoming mid-size pickup.
Despite the Santa Cruz’s failure, it appears Toyota might give things a go. Speaking with Automotive News, Toyota Motor North America CEO Tetsuo Ogawa said a “RAV4-based pickup is an opportunity for us.” The executive added “dealers are waiting,” but noted “it takes time.”
How long is the million dollar question, but the implication that the truck would be based on the RAV4 is pretty interesting. The redesigned crossover was unveiled nearly a year ago and comes standard with a hybridized 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 226 hp (169 kW / 229 PS). The all-wheel drive variant throws a rear-mounted motor into the mix and increases the output to 236 hp (176 kW / 239 PS).
To put those numbers into perspective, the Maverick Hybrid maxes out at 191 hp (142 kW / 194 PS). The truck has a fuel economy rating of up to 42 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined, which is less than the RAV4’s rating of 47 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 43 mpg combined.
Toyota also offers a RAV4 plug-in hybrid, which features a 2.5-liter engine, a 22.7 kWh battery pack, and electric motors. This gives the crossover a combined output of 324 hp (242 kW / 329 PS) and an electric-only range of up to 52 miles (84 km).
