All-new Toyota compact ute edges closer

Toyota says it is actively exploring launching a compact ute in the North American market to poach sales from the strong-selling Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.

Confirming that the world’s largest car-maker was plotting a smaller ute to sit below the US-spec Tacoma pick-up, Toyota Motor North America boss Ted Ogawa hinted heavily that the ‘baby HiLux’ could be battery-powered.

After Toyota showed the EPU concept in Japan last October, Ogawa has now told US industry journal Automotive News: “We are studying in that area, including the electrification movement.

“For example, the full-size pick-up, [full] electrification is not good chemistry with these customers. However, in mid-size or smaller size, there is more electrification opportunity compared to the full-size area.

“So for us, it’s one of the opportunities to think about — the smaller size than Tacoma pick-up in the future.”

Ogawa said that talks were underway with Toyota back in Japan and that the biggest challenge to the introduction of a small electric ute would be the high cost of electrification.

It’s thought monocoque-chassis lifestyle utes could have a bright future in markets like Australia, with both the Maverick and Santa Cruz a chance to be offered here at some stage.

The all-electric EPU ute concept, which could revive the Toyota Stout nameplate if it reaches production, was said to have an impressive range of up to 725km.

Toyota has confirmed dimensions, which place the ute at 5070mm long, 1910mm wide and 1710mm tall, resting on a 3350mm wheelbase.

That’s considerably shorter than the HiLux (5325mm) yet is wider by 55mm and, notably, has a much longer wheelbase (+265mm).

Inside, the EPU had a Tesla-inspired yoke steering wheel and an unusual asymmetrical twin digital screen configuration with embedded gear shift and park brake toggle controls.

No timings were even hinted by Ogawa, but, if already approved, the production Toyota EPU could land in the US as early as 2026.

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