Toyota’s Hilux midsize pickup is among the most successful nameplates in the world. But the automaker is also planning a ’Hilux Lite’ of sorts, in an effort to meet the demand for smaller and more affordable (if less capable) rigs.
Toyota is studying the possibility of a baby Hilux to retake the compact pickup segment
A report by Automotive News quotes Toyota North America Vice President Jack Hollis as saying that there is room below the midsize Tacoma model exclusive to the U.S. market. “The question is, how to fill it,” he said.
The Tacoma was previously Toyota’s contender in the compact pickup segment throughout its first and second generations, until it moved up to the midsize class with the introduction of the third-generation model in 2015. The Hilux was promoted to midsize status even earlier, in 2004.
The Toyota Tacoma moved up to the midsize segment for its third generation, alienating potential buyers in the U.S.
These days, the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz hold sway over the compact pickup category, selling more than 50,000 units combined in their first year to U.S. customers. It's this success that now has Toyota wanting a piece of the pie once again.
“Today, we have the market really well covered with Tacoma, but [a compact pickup] could be a possibility and something we continue to look at,” asserted Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) Executive Vice President of Sales Bob Carter.
The Hilux and Tacoma’s transition to midsize territory left potential customers with two less options in their quest for an entry-level pickup that won’t break the bank. If Toyota makes good on its plan, a car platform might be suited to the task.
The TNGA-C platform used by the Corolla Cross is a likely contender
One contender in that regard is the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-C) platform, already used by the Corolla Cross and engineered to accommodate both all-wheel-drive and electrified powertrains, ideal for urban romps and light trails. If a more rugged option is required, another candidate would be a shortened version of the TNGA-F ladder-frame chassis used by the current Land Cruiser 300.
Carter adds that if and when Toyota gives the green light for its planned compact pickup, the model will likely debut in 2024 or 2025.
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