The unibody pickup truck, whose styling is inspired by Toyota’s EPU concept, will debut in Brazil as a hybrid
- Toyota is developing a new compact pickup truck that it plans to launch in Brazil and other markets in 2027.
- According to reports, the mass-produced model will be based on the upgraded TNGA platform.
- It’s expected to feature a hybrid powertrain and optional all-wheel drive.
Toyota has reportedly shared its future strategy for the Brazilian market with its dealers, which includes plans to launch a new compact pickup truck. The truck is scheduled to debut in 2027 and will draw inspiration from the 2023 Toyota EPU concept, using a hybrid powertrain, all-wheel drive options and a unibody structure, according to attendees.
Since the all-electric EPU concept debuted in 2023, speculation has been rife about developing a hybrid version for series production. Toyota officials have publicly acknowledged their interest in a U.S.-market competitor to the Ford Maverick, though discussions are ongoing. Now it appears that the project has received approval in South America, with the truck expected to arrive in Brazilian showrooms within two years.
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It is reported Motor1 ArgentinaThe new truck is part of Toyota’s massive $2.2 billion investment in the region, which was originally announced in March 2024. The investment includes further development of the TNGA platform, as well as enhanced hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains with higher outputs and an all-wheel drive option.
In addition to the compact pickup, dealers also learned that Toyota also plans to apply the upgraded TNGA underpinnings and new hybrid system to updated Corolla and Corolla Cross customized specifically for the Brazilian market. The electrification unit is expected to be based on the 2.5-liter hybrid engine used in the Toyota RAV4, with the base engine being compatible with gasoline and ethanol fuel.
Design and competition
The design of the new truck is expected to draw inspiration from the EPU concept, but will need to be modified to suit the different underpinnings. The concept is 199.6 inches (5,070 mm) long and has a wheelbase of 131.8 inches (3,350 mm). It also features a clever rear bed that expands its cargo capacity.
The as-yet-unnamed model will be positioned below the Toyota Hilux and will compete with rivals such as the Fiat Toro, Ram Rampage, Ford Maverick and Chevrolet Montana in a crowded segment in the region. Toyota isn’t the only automaker targeting the compact unibody pickup market in South America. Renault, Nissan and Volkswagen have also confirmed plans to launch similar models in the region.
U.S. market prospects
It’s unclear whether Toyota will launch an electric compact truck in North America. However, the key challenge will be making the model affordable, according to earlier comments from Toyota Motor North America CEO Ted Ogawa. That said, for trucks to be successful in the U.S. market, they need to be built in the U.S. or Canada to avoid the infamous “chicken tax” – a 25% tariff on imported light trucks. In existence since 1964.
It looks like this might be a whole new battle for Toyota, but at least they’re making headway with hybrids now.
2023 Toyota EPU concept car
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