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With Hybrid Flex Engine and 222 HP, New Toyota Pickup Will Be Produced in Brazil and Arrives to Compete with Segment Leaders
Toyota, already established in the Brazilian market with the Hilux leading among mid-size pickups, is preparing to launch a new mid-size truck that promises to shake up the segment currently dominated by models such as the Fiat Toro and Chevrolet Montana. The future utility vehicle will be manufactured at the Sorocaba (SP) plant and will debut a groundbreaking locally developed plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The project, revealed by the portal Autos Segredos, is expected to mark the first application of the plug-in flex hybrid technology in a Toyota model in Brazil. This system, which had already been announced by the automaker in September 2023 as part of its investment plan for the next five years, represents an important step in the electrification of the national lineup.
Production Expected for 2027 in Sorocaba
According to information from the agency Autodata, based on data from the Metalworkers’ Union of Sorocaba, production of the new pickup is expected to start in 2027. The same São Paulo manufacturing unit will soon receive the production of the Yaris Cross, consolidating Sorocaba as a strategic hub for the brand in Brazil.
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Although the union claims it has no official confirmation from Toyota about the model, representatives of the entity highlight that the factory has the capacity to produce all of the brand’s vehicles in the country. “There is indeed an expectation that this new hybrid model will be made here, provided the investments are confirmed,” the union declared, which also reported being in negotiations with the automaker to discuss the funding later this month.
Engine Based on Corolla’s Hybrid System
According to Toyota, the technology that will equip the new pickup will be based on the “full hybrid” hybrid system already used in the Corolla and Corolla Cross models. The essential difference will be the addition of a larger battery and a more powerful electric motor, typical characteristics of a plug-in system.
The mechanical set, according to Autos Segredos, will feature a 2.5 flex combustion engine combined with two electric motors, totaling an estimated combined power of 222 horsepower. The goal is to deliver energy efficiency with high performance, betting on an innovative alternative against rivals in the segment.
TNGA Platform and Shared Components
Although there are still few details about the final design of the pickup, all indications are that it will be built on the modular TNGA platform, the same used in the Corolla Cross. This implies a unibody structure, different from pickups with chassis over rails, which should favor comfort and drivability.
The future pickup is also expected to share various components with the Corolla Cross SUV, such as front fenders, hood, front doors, and parts of the sides. However, its visual style may follow a separate identity and not necessarily replicate the current design of the brand’s SUVs.
Concept EPU: A Preview of What’s Coming?
In October 2023, Toyota showcased the concept pickup EPU at the Tokyo Motor Show, measuring 5.07 meters in length—surpassing even the Ram Rampage by 5 cm. Although the prototype was conceived as a fully electric vehicle, it may offer clues about the direction the brand intends to take in design and proposal of the new hybrid model.
The introduction of a plug-in hybrid flex pickup represents an audacious bet by Toyota to lead a new phase in the light utility vehicle segment in Brazil. If the project is approved, production in Sorocaba would place the country as a world pioneer in adopting this type of powertrain in the brand’s pickup lineup.
Não gosto de camionete com monobloco.
Eu gosto de camionete com fecho de mola…