Toyota plotting smaller ute to sit below HiLux

Toyota has revealed that it is planning to introduce a new entry-level ute that will slot into the range beneath the Toyota HiLux and related models to cash in on strong demand for smaller, more affordable pick-ups.

Fuelling the desire is the success of the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz in the North American market where, combined, they’ve sold more than 50,000 units in their first year.

Earlier on in 2022, the Blue Oval brand even went as far to announce that demand was so high for the Mexican-built Ford Maverick that it had been forced to stop taking orders until supply catches up.

Speaking to Automotive News, Toyota North America vice-president Jack Hollis admitted that “there is space” for a smaller, cheaper ute to slot in below the US-specific mid-size Toyota Tacoma, before adding: “The question is, how to fill it.”

Both the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are currently only available in left-hand drive and limited to North America, but their combined success could change that.

The Ford Maverick was previously ruled out for the Aussie market, but Ford’s new right-hand drive conversion operation – which begins with the 2023 Ford F-150 full-size pick-up – has opened the door for other models, including a sub-Ranger ute and the Ford Bronco SUV – which was last weekend seen spotted testing in suburban Melbourne.

Hyundai Australia has also not ruled out the Santa Cruz for our market.

Originally, it was thought small trucks in North America wouldn’t work and in 2004 Toyota deliberately upsized the Tacoma (and the closely related, but narrower Hilux) to ensure they both compete as mid-size trucks.

Since then, they have grown in size further and been repositioned as more expensive trucks that has alienated some parts of the market that are looking for a more affordable entry-level ute.

If Toyota presses ahead with its plans it’s thought the smaller pick-up could follow it rivals and be based on a car platform. If so, the TNGA-C platform would prove an ideal basis.

Already underpinning the Toyota Corolla Cross, the TNGA-C allows for all-wheel drive and can package Toyota’s full range of electrified powertrains.

Another more rugged option would be to use a shorter version of the car giant’s TNGA-F ladder-frame chassis that is currently employed under the new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.

Adding fuel that a small truck is coming, Toyota North America’s product planning boss, Cooper Ericksen, also admitted that a sub-HiLux model was on the brand’s radar.

“It’s undeniable that those products have a place in the market. And how big is that segment going to get? I don’t know, but it’s something that we need to be looking at and figuring out if it’s an area we should play in,” he said.

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