I’ve heard that Toyota is launching a compact electric truck in several Asian countries. Are there any plans for Toyota to introduce a similar small truck model in the US? The current “small” truck they offer, the Tacoma, has grown in size over the years. I’m hoping I haven’t missed any news about Toyota bringing a smaller truck to the US market.
Toyota has been exploring the idea of a compact electric truck, and there’s buzz about a potential new model that could fit the bill for those looking for a smaller option than the Tacoma. The name being tossed around is the Toyota Stout, a nod to Toyota’s history, which might be making a comeback.
What’s interesting is that this new Stout could be an all-electric vehicle, inspired by the EPU small pickup truck concept showcased at the Tokyo Auto Show. The U.S. market has shown a growing appetite for compact pickups, with models like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz gaining traction.
Rumors suggest that the Stout might arrive as a 2025 model, boasting competitive features such as a payload capacity of up to 1,500 lbs and towing capabilities in the range of 4,000-5,000 lbs. There’s also talk about the possibility of it being manufactured in the U.S., which would make sense to avoid import taxes.
While we’re all waiting for an official word from Toyota, the signs point to a positive response to the market’s call for a smaller, more manageable pickup truck. It’s an exciting prospect for truck enthusiasts and a segment that’s definitely heating up!
Based on my research, it appears Toyota is indeed planning to release a new small, affordable pickup truck in 2024, primarily aimed at markets outside the United States. The Toyota Hilux Champ, also known as the IMV 0 or Tamaraw Concept, is a basic, no-frills truck designed for functionality and affordability. With a rumoured starting price of around $10,000, it will undercut even the Ford Maverick in terms of cost. The Hilux Champ is being developed and tested in Thailand, a major pickup truck market, and is expected to launch there first before potentially expanding to other regions like Africa, the Middle East, and even Mexico. While Toyota has no current plans to sell this specific model in the U.S., the high demand for the Ford Maverick suggests there may be an appetite for a simple, budget-friendly truck option in America as well. The Hilux Champ represents Toyota’s commitment to providing basic transportation to a wider range of consumers globally.
There are speculations that Toyota will release a new small truck in 2024. If you’re thinking about buying a truck, you might want to wait for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. This new model will have a fresh exterior and interior design with upgrades for comfort and technology. Check out our new Tacoma models to experience the latest features and improvements in the 2024 Toyota Tacoma.