Is Toyota Thinking About Building a RAV4-Based Truck?ToyotaThe bestselling Toyota RAV4 could provide the foundation for a new compact-sized pickup, similar to the hugely popular Ford Maverick.Toyota's North American CEO Ted Ogawa reportedly said, "A RAV4-based pickup is an opportunity for us," according to Automotive News.Despite the potential for a new pint-sized Toyota pickup, the exec said that "dealers are waiting . . . but it takes time."Toyota might be known for fuel-sipping cars like the family-friendly Camry and the iconic hybrid Prius, but the Japanese automaker also has a long history of building pickup trucks. Look no further than the mid-size Tacoma and size-up Tundra, both of which feature a sturdy body-on-frame construction. However, those trucks are overkill for people who don't go off-roading or tow stuff, and they command higher prices too. But what about a compact-sized unibody pickup that could rival the sought-after Ford Maverick? That could lead to an untapped market share, and Toyota is reportedly considering a version based on the bestselling RAV4 SUV.Marc Urbano - Car and DriverDuring an interview with Automotive News, Tetsuo "Ted" Ogawa, Toyota Motor North America president and CEO, was asked about dealers wanting Toyota to bring back a compact pickup. The exec said that there's definitely demand for a compact-sized truck. "A RAV4-based pickup is an opportunity for us, and the dealers are waiting," said Ogawa, adding, "but it takes time."This isn't the first time we've heard about Toyota planning to reintroduce a small truck to the U.S. market. Back in 2023, AN reported that a Corolla-based pickup was under consideration, with both compact models to be built at Toyota's Mississippi assembly plant. However, more recently, Cooper Ericksen, TMNA's head of planning and strategy, told MotorTrend that a new small truck is definitely happening. "It's not a matter of 'if' at this point," he said, "We're dedicated to it. We're going to figure out how to make it work."AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile Ogawa's comments come after the company has clearly already made plans to move forward with a Maverick competitor, they provide new insight into the mini truck's platform and potential powertrains. The new sixth-generation RAV4 uses Toyota's modular TNGA-K architecture, and it's only available with gas-electric powertrains, either a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid with up to 236 horsepower or a 324-hp plug-in hybrid setup. Could one or both of these power a forthcoming RAV4-based pickup truck? Only time will tell.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029
