Toyota may launch a RAV4-based compact pickup to take on the Ford Maverick in the US market – discover the specs, sales outlook and timeline. Read more now.
US Small Pickup Landscape
In the United States, the compact pickup segment has long been a niche market, dominated by midsize and full‑size trucks. That changed in 2021 when Ford introduced the Maverick, creating a genuine “small‑truck” playground for budget‑conscious buyers.
Ford Maverick’s Strong Performance
According to Carscoops, the Maverick sold 155,051 units last year, a remarkable 18.2% increase over the previous model year. Those numbers are roughly double the sales Ford achieved with the Ranger in the same period, underscoring how quickly the Maverick has resonated with American consumers.
Hyundai Santa Cruz Falls Short
Hyundai launched the Santa Cruz alongside the Maverick, but it failed to capture the same enthusiasm. With just 25,499 units sold last year, industry analysts are already speculating that Hyundai may discontinue the model to focus on a forthcoming midsize truck.
Toyota Signals a New Contender
Despite Hyundai’s setbacks, Toyota appears ready to test the waters. In an interview with Automotive News, Toyota North America CEO Tetsuo Ogawa hinted at the possibility of developing a compact pickup derived from the popular RAV4 SUV. He noted that dealers are eagerly awaiting a small‑truck offering, but Toyota still needs time to flesh out the project.
RAV4 Hybrid Powertrain Details
The current RAV4 comes standard with a 2.5‑liter hybrid powertrain that delivers 226 hp. The all‑wheel‑drive version adds a rear‑axle electric motor, raising total output to 236 hp. Fuel consumption is competitive, averaging 5.0 L/100 km in city driving and 5.5 L/100 km on the combined cycle.
How It Stacks Up Against the Maverick
The Maverick’s hybrid variant produces 191 hp and achieves 5.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.2 L/100 km combined. By comparison, the RAV4 hybrid is slightly more efficient and more powerful, which could translate into a compelling value proposition if Toyota adapts the platform into a pickup format.
RAV4 Plug‑in Hybrid Option
For U.S. buyers interested in electrification, Toyota also offers the RAV4 PHEV, which pairs the same 2.5‑liter engine with a 22.7 kWh battery and electric motors. This setup yields a combined 324 hp and an all‑electric range of up to 84 km (52 miles), further expanding the potential appeal of a RAV4‑based truck.
Future Outlook
While Toyota has not set a definitive launch date, the company’s expressed interest and the strong dealer demand suggest that a compact pickup could appear within the next few years. If the model materializes, it would give the Maverick a serious new rival and broaden the choices for American consumers seeking a versatile, fuel‑efficient small truck.