Toyota, why not make a compact PHEV truck?

How about a unibody truck on a RAV4 frame? Call it the Hilux Prime. Imagine commuting on electricity and using it for fun on the weekends. The compact truck market in the U.S. is being ignored, and Toyota could dominate it by taking on the Ford Maverick.

I don’t think it would sell well. People like the idea, but when it’s time to buy, they usually go for something else.

Flynn said:
I don’t think it would sell well. People like the idea, but when it’s time to buy, they usually go for something else.

The Ford Maverick is proof there’s a market. It’s been a huge success.

@Bran
But the Maverick isn’t just a hybrid—it’s also available with a regular engine. About half of Maverick sales are hybrids, so around 70,000-80,000 out of the total 157,000 last year. A PHEV truck would cost more. The cheapest Toyota PHEV now is the Prius Prime at $33k. A truck with a plug-in system would probably start at $35k or higher. That’s a whole different price range.

@Cale
Fair point, but there’s still room for it in the market.

@Bran
The Maverick is popular because it’s affordable. The truck you’re describing would cost well over $30k.

@Bran
So basically, you’re saying the Tacoma is what you’re looking for?

Flynn said:
@Bran
So basically, you’re saying the Tacoma is what you’re looking for?

No, not at all. The Maverick is much smaller and cheaper than a Tacoma. People want something like this hypothetical Toyota Stout: https://carbuzz.com/toyota-compact-pickup-truck-maverick-santa-cruz-benchmark/

Flynn said:
I don’t think it would sell well. People like the idea, but when it’s time to buy, they usually go for something else.

I see your point, but with how expensive the Tacoma has gotten, I think there’s demand for something smaller and cheaper.

PHEV on every platform would be awesome. It’s the future.

I don’t see a PHEV truck working. 1) Most truck owners drive long distances, and a 30-mile range won’t cut it. 2) Adding a heavy battery defeats the purpose. 3) A compact truck with a big battery would lose too much cargo space. A hybrid like the Maverick makes way more sense and would sell better.

I heard Toyota might release a Corolla Cross Hybrid with a truck bed soon: https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/corolla-pickup. It’s on a smaller platform than the RAV4 but could still compete with the Maverick and Santa Cruz.

@TimothyPerez
A Toyota version of the Subaru Baja would sell like crazy.

I just want a Hilux—a simple, tough truck that lasts forever.

Flowky said:
I just want a Hilux—a simple, tough truck that lasts forever.

Why can’t we get the Hilux in the U.S.? It’s all I’ve ever wanted.

Check this out: Toyota Stout

Toyota’s too cautious to risk targeting a new market. They wouldn’t do it.

A PHEV Tacoma or 4Runner would be amazing. Add a 30kWh battery for short trips without making it too heavy.

I could haul so many plants and soil for my garden with something like this!

And then dealerships would slap on a $10k markup for ‘market conditions.’