Toyota is officially joining the booming compact truck segment with a brand-new, smaller pickup truck aimed directly at the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. Confirmed by Cooper Ericksen, Toyota North America’s head of planning and strategy, the company is preparing to launch an entry-level unibody pickup expected to hit U.S. dealerships by Fall 2027. With rising consumer interest in affordable, fuel-efficient trucks, it is making a calculated move to expand its already extensive truck portfolio.
This Compact Toyota Truck Will Be Built To Compete
Toyota’s upcoming small pickup will ride on the brand’s TNGA unibody platform, sharing engineering DNA with the compact RAV4 and other SUVs in the lineup. That means this won’t be a body-on-frame bruiser like the Tacoma, but a truck designed to balance comfort, efficiency, and capability. Expect a hybrid option right out of the gate, making it a direct competitor to the Ford Maverick’s popular hybrid base model.
Capability will be key. The Maverick hybrid can tow 2,000 pounds, while the EcoBoost version pulls up to 4,000. It is expected to match those numbers closely, with utility features like a versatile bed, smart storage solutions, and multiple tie-down points. For it, which already has decades of truck-building credibility, this new model is a chance to combine its reputation for durability with modern hybrid efficiency.
While full specs aren’t public yet, the focus on hybrid power signals it’s intent to out-Maverick the Maverick. With its experience in hybrid drivetrains, the automaker is well-positioned to deliver efficiency without sacrificing the everyday usefulness truck buyers demand.
Why Toyota’s Entry in the Compact Truck Segment Is Timely
The compact truck market has seen explosive growth since 2021, thanks to the successful launches of the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. With buyers increasingly prioritizing versatility and fuel efficiency over raw power, these smaller trucks have filled a niche between sedans and full-size pickups.
Toyota, having watched from the sidelines, estimates it could sell between 100,000 and 150,000 units annually of this new pickup in the U.S. alone. Given the brand’s experience with hybrid technology and strong track record in truck manufacturing, it’s positioned to shake up the compact pickup space just as demand peaks.
The decision to wait until 2027 may seem delayed, but Toyota’s approach is strategic. By entering the market when it is more mature, Toyota has time to refine the design, leverage customer insights from rival products, and deliver a polished vehicle that meets both urban and overlanding demands.
When the Hyundai Santa Cruz launched in 2021, it caught attention for being unconventional. Ford quickly followed with the Maverick, which has since dominated the segment by offering affordability, hybrid efficiency, and real utility. Toyota has been watching this shift closely, and the company now estimates it could sell between 100,000 and 150,000 units of a compact pickup every year in the U.S. alone.
Cooper Ericksen, Toyota’s head of planning and strategy, confirmed to MotorTrend that “decisions have been made” and the truck is happening. At this point, it’s just a matter of timing. That confidence reflects both consumer appetite and Toyota’s recognition that it currently has no entry in a segment that’s growing fast. By entering now, the company can leverage both its reputation and the lessons learned from Ford and Hyundai’s early moves.
The timing may feel late, but Toyota is playing the long game. By 2027, demand for compact trucks should be even stronger, giving the company a chance to launch into a mature but thriving market with a polished and competitive product.
What Is The Toyota Compact Pick-up?
Toyota’s forthcoming small truck will be built on the company’s Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the same foundation used for models such as the RAV4. Unlike conventional body-on-frame pick-ups, the vehicle will have a unibody construction, giving it SUV-like handling and comfort. A hybrid powertrain is planned for launch, supporting Toyota’s ongoing push for more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Cooper Ericksen, head of planning for Toyota Motor North America, told MotorTrend, ‘Decisions have been made. It’s not a matter of “if” at this point.’ The company anticipates annual sales of between 100,000 and 150,000 units in the US market. While a UK release has not been confirmed, the move signals Toyota’s broader ambition to expand its small pick-up offering globally.
How It Compares To The Ford Maverick
In the United States, the Ford Maverick is the benchmark for compact, city-friendly pick-ups. It offers hybrid fuel economy of up to 42 miles per gallon (mpg) and a starting price under $26,000 (around £19,000). Toyota’s rival is expected to match or approach the Maverick’s towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds and provide similar practical features, including multi-functional beds and SUV-style ride comfort.
For UK readers, it is worth noting that the Maverick is not currently sold in Britain. Compact pick-ups remain a niche segment compared with larger models such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Navara. The new Toyota pick-up could signal potential for future European expansion or attract buyers seeking a smaller, more fuel-efficient truck.
Ford Is Taking on Expensive EVs and the Toyota RAV4 with Its New 'Model T'—a $30K Mid-Size EV Truck https://t.co/QAvzxHa4kE
— Car and Driver (@CARandDRIVER) August 16, 2025
What to Expect From Toyota’s Compact Truck Design and Features
Though full specs are not yet revealed, insiders expect the truck’s aesthetics to echo the styling of a shrunken Tacoma—rugged, modern, and adventure-ready. Powertrain options will likely start with a hybrid, but there could be other variants depending on regional emissions and efficiency goals.
The unibody platform will mean a more car-like ride, easier urban maneuverability, and greater crossover appeal. Think of this new Toyota as a mix between a rugged utility truck and a city-friendly SUV with a bed. That’s a combination that already resonates with thousands of Maverick and Santa Cruz buyers.
Toyota’s commitment to overlanding and outdoor adventure remains strong, and the upcoming truck will likely reflect that, offering features tailored to both everyday utility and weekend exploration.
Price and Release Date
Affordability will be one of Toyota’s strongest selling points. The truck is expected to start at around $30,000, putting it in direct competition with the Ford Maverick and slightly above Hyundai’s Santa Cruz.
Toyota has set a tentative launch window for fall 2027, meaning buyers will have to wait a couple of years before the small pickup officially hits dealerships. This timeline gives Ford and Hyundai some breathing room, but Toyota’s global reputation for reliability and strong resale value could quickly turn the market upside down once the truck arrives.
The compact pickup market is one of the most exciting automotive segments in the U.S. right now. Consumers are increasingly seeking vehicles that balance utility, efficiency, and affordability—qualities perfectly embodied by the Ford Maverick.
Toyota’s decision to jump into this space signals just how important small pickups have become. While the Maverick remains the current benchmark, Toyota’s extensive truck-building heritage, coupled with its hybrid expertise, could create a serious contender that reshapes buyer expectations.
Possible names for the new truck are still under wraps, though enthusiasts have speculated about a return of classics like the Stout, Hilux, or even T-100. Regardless of what it’s called, Toyota’s compact pickup is already one of the most anticipated new vehicles of the decade.
Also Read :
Meet Harley-Davidson Sprint’s Most Affordable Ride Yet: $6,000 Bike Launching in 2026
Tesla Launches Next-Gen Robotaxi with Smart Remote Control
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X 2026 : GM’s Most Powerful Creation Breaks Hypercar Barriers
Tata Harrier EV 2025 : All Set to Spark a New Era Launch Date, Price & Features Announced