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Possible Toyota RAV4 pickup targets Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz in the North American market, while the Brazilian truck from Project 150D, derived from the Corolla Cross, is already in testing and should debut in 2027
A Toyota RAV4 pickup is under study for the United States market, with an urban proposal, medium SUV base, and possible electrification to compete with Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. The idea was admitted by Tetsuo Ogawa, CEO of Toyota Motor for North America, while Brazil is preparing its own truck, derived from the Corolla Cross.
Pickup would enter urban competition in the United States
Toyota is considering developing a truck built on the same base as the RAV4. The possibility was mentioned by Tetsuo Ogawa in an interview with Automotive News, discussing a segment that has gained strength in the North American market.
The proposal would be different from the brand’s larger and traditional pickups. The focus would be on a unibody vehicle, for urban use, with a smaller size and appeal closer to an SUV, a path already explored by Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
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In this scenario, electrification appears as a central point. The Maverick opened space for compact pickups with a hybrid version, and Toyota could use its experience in this type of technology to compete in terms of usage cost and reliability image.
RAV4 base would give rise to an electrified truck
If the project advances, the Toyota RAV4 pickup would inherit the mechanical base of the new generation SUV. In Brazil, the RAV4 is sold in S Hybrid versions for R$ 319,620 and SX Hybrid for R$ 351,720.
The hybrid set of the sport utility delivers 239 hp of combined power. These data help indicate the type of technology that could serve as a reference for a potential truck derived from the model, although Toyota has not yet confirmed production, launch, or final specifications.
The decision depends on commercial viability, economic scenario, and strategic choices in the United States.
For now, the manufacturer is monitoring the progress of the Ford Maverick and assessing if there is room to enter this segment.
Brazilian Toyota project is another and is already in a more advanced stage
The possible Toyota RAV4 pickup is not related to the Brazilian project known internally as 150D. In Brazil, the truck under development will be based on the Corolla Cross, not the RAV4.
According to Autos Segredos, this model is already ready in terms of advanced development and is being tested on São Paulo highways. The debut is scheduled for the first half of 2027.
The Brazilian truck will be positioned as a mid-size unibody pickup. Expected rivals include Fiat Toro, Renault Niagara, BYD Mako, and Volkswagen Tukan.
National truck will have flex engine and plug-in flex hybrid
The prototypes of Project 150D have already been seen in the interior of São Paulo with the final body and zebra camouflage. The absence of rough patches indicates that the design is practically defined.
The pickup is expected to take advantage of much of the Corolla Cross’s side stampings but will have its own identity.
The front will be exclusive, while the rear may have taillights extending through the tailgate and a LED bar, depending on the version.
In the entry-level configurations, the model is expected to use the 2.0 Dynamic Force flex engine, with up to 176 hp on ethanol and 169 hp on gasoline, always with 21.4 kgfm of torque. The transmission will be automatic CVT, with a simulation of ten gears.
In the more expensive versions, the novelty will be the plug-in flex hybrid system, consisting of a 2.0 gasoline engine, two electric motors, e-CVT transaxle type transmission, and electric all-wheel drive. The technology will also be applied in a future Toyota coupe SUV.
This article was prepared based on information from Automotive News and Autos Segredos, with data, numbers, and statements preserved as per the consulted material.
This article is based on data from an Estadão article.
