Toyota Looks To The RAV4 For Upcoming Compact Pickup
Toyota appears to be getting closer to building a compact pickup, and the company’s best-selling vehicle may end up supplying the bones for it.
Comments made by Toyota Motor North America CEO Ted Ogawa suggest the RAV4 could be used to underpin a small unibody pickup aimed squarely at the Ford Maverick. The compact pickup segment has quietly become one of the smartest ideas in the American auto industry since the Maverick debuted as a 2022 model.
“A RAV4-based pickup is an opportunity for us,” Ogawa reportedly told Automotive News. “The dealers are waiting, but it takes time.”
Rumors of a compact Toyota truck have been swirling since last year. It's a no-brainer for the company that basically invented the formula for compact, durable pickups Americans could drive daily.
According to Cooper Ericksen, head of planning and strategy for Toyota North America, the project has been in development for years and will ride on a version of Toyota’s modular TNGA platform, which underpins everything from the Camry to the RAV4. Hybrid power is expected to be part of the equation, like pretty much everything else Toyota sells these days. While the truck will share architecture with Toyota’s softest models, it won’t compromise on utility.
“It’s not a matter of ‘if’ at this point,” Ericksen said. “We’re dedicated to it.”
The 2026 RAV4 Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with Toyota’s hybrid system for up to 236 horsepower, while the plug-in hybrid setup pushes output north of 320 horsepower. Either would immediately give Toyota’s small truck strong fuel economy credentials alongside enough torque for light-duty truck use. And unlike some competitors, Toyota already has decades of hybrid experience that buyers generally trust.
Buyers who once might have purchased a Tacoma are increasingly looking at smaller, cheaper, more efficient alternatives. Especially younger buyers who still want truck utility but have absolutely no interest or ability to make $900 monthly payments.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, went over the wall during the Rolex 24, and wrenched in the intense IndyCar paddock.
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Why not? If Toyota keeps the price around the Maverick, it'll sell well.
Didn't know when I bought it but my 23 Rav4 has aluminum front end sheet metal as well as the fenders and hood. Really flimsy. Not right for a pickup at all.