Toyota’s new ute takes an unexpected turn
The long-anticipated Toyota compact pickup was originally expected to be based on the RAV4, though it now appears otherwise.
Toyota is edging closer to the launch of a car-based ‘compact pickup’ in the Americas, however it might be different than what we first expected.
For the past year and a half, it has been reported that the compact pickup – or ute in more traditional Australian terms – would go on sale in North America, where it would be based on the RAV4 SUV.
That may still be the case, though things seem to be panning out differently in South America, where BlogAuto journalist Fabiano Mazzeo spotted the Toyota ute in Brazil, wearing heavy camouflage.
According to BlogAuto, the ute will be built in Brazil for the South American market to take on the likes of the Ram Rampage and Ford Maverick, though it’ll be based on the Corolla Cross, rather than the RAV4.
This still means it could adopt a hybrid powertrain, though one which isn’t as powerful as that of the RAV4, and its cabin is also expected to be smaller than what the North American pickup could feature.
Last year, Motor1 Argentina reported Toyota’s Brazilian dealers were given more information about a ute (believed to be the one recently spied, rather than the vehicle for North America), which could be styled similarly to the EPU concept.
It’s expected Toyota will make a different ute for the US, Canada and Mexico, given comments made from its regional leaders in recent months.
“There is, of course, some opportunity for us in the commercial [van] area, but it is new to us. We need to study more,” Toyota Motor North America CEO Tetsuo Ogawa told Automotive News Ogawa when asked about the pickup and a new Toyota van.
Jordan Mulach
“A RAV4-based pickup is an opportunity for us, and the dealers are waiting. Maybe they say we need today or tomorrow, but it takes time.”
Previous reports have indicated the RAV4-based ute is expected to launch in the US in 2027 or beyond, giving Toyota an offering to sit below the HiLux-sized Tacoma and full-size Tundra.
With the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) underpinnings of the RAV4, the pickup will do battle with other SUV-based utes, such as the Ford Maverick (related to the Escape), though it’s likely the Hyundai Santa Cruz (sharing parts with the Santa Fe) will go out of production before its arrival.
