With the rising costs of new vehicles, why doesn’t Toyota start producing affordable, low-end pickup trucks? I’ve been reading about the Toyota Hilux’s success outside of the U.S., and it seems like a great model. Personally, I would rush to a Toyota dealership if a truck like the Hilux was available without needing to take out a second mortgage. Small trucks would be perfect for the average American to handle household tasks, get around town, or even for weekend projects. Why do we have to buy oversized trucks and spend so much money just for the sake of appearances?
What’s even more frustrating is that Ford is ahead of the curve by making the Maverick with a low MSRP, but their dealerships are notorious for price adjustments right now.
So, do you think Toyota should bring back small pickup trucks, or is that unlikely to happen?
As long as the Hilux is produced outside of North America, it’s unlikely to be sold here due to the well-known chicken tax. Instead, Toyota offers the Tacoma in the U.S., which is essentially the same vehicle as the Hilux but tailored to the North American market. This strategy has been effective, as the Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck for nearly 20 years.
I agree that the Tacoma is the top-selling truck in the U.S., but do we really have any other option from Toyota besides moving up to the Tundra? The Tacoma’s price was reasonable, though not great, before COVID.
I was thinking about a truck that’s more basic, like the Hilux, simple and practical. For example, half the glove box could be a small cooler for your sandwich, no fancy rims, or heated rearview mirrors, just nothing unnecessary that won’t be used over time.
Make it a manual (for those unfamiliar, that’s a stick shift) to keep costs down. I think if the price is right, people would learn to drive it.
Or maybe they could offer a low-end version of the Tacoma.
You can buy a no-frills Tacoma for $28k right now and get exactly what you just described. Can Toyota sell a truck here for less money? Maybe, but at $25k, most people would just step up to a Tacoma and have a better truck compared to something like a Maverick.
I would love to have a Tacoma 4x4, but the price is so steep that going with a full-size truck makes more sense. I drive a Nissan Titan because I wanted a Japanese 4x4, but there aren’t many choices, and you pretty much have to consider pre-owned if you want a decent selection of vehicles.
@Nedyra explained why the Hilux isn’t available in the U.S., but regarding your broader question about trucks being expensive, one thing to keep in mind is that the chip shortage affects all vehicles, whether luxury or budget. As long as there’s strong demand for higher-priced cars, manufacturers will keep prioritizing those models and trims because they’re more profitable.
I have owned three different Hilux models, from a 1994 version to the latest N80, and I would switch to a Tacoma in a heartbeat. It has a bigger engine, better towing capacity, a larger and more comfortable interior, the advantages are numerous. While the Hilux is easily the best all-around ute in Australia, it doesn’t quite live up to its price. I just spent 70k AUD on a dual-cab SR5, and the cost is underwhelming.
There is a truck similar to the Hilux in the U.S., as both the Tacoma and Hilux are midsize trucks. However, Toyota could consider developing a smaller truck, like the older Hilux models, for today’s market.
The Hilux and Maverick are quite different vehicles. The Hilux has a body-on-frame construction, while there are rumors that Toyota is planning to release a monocoque-constructed pickup similar to the Maverick. This new model would sit below the Hilux but be available in several markets.