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Toyota Doesn’t Think This Ingenious Pickup Idea Is Too Far-Fetched After All

The Japanese automaker is genuinely canvassing the idea of a RAV4-based pickup.

Front view of a gray Toyota SUV with LED headlights on a dirt road with mountains in the background.Toyota
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By Chris Chin

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It seems the rumors about a Toyota RAV4-based compact pickup truck aren’t as wild as everyone thought. In a recent development, regional Toyota executives and even the RAV4’s chief engineer acknowledged that such a prospect is most certainly under consideration.

However, Toyota Australia exec, Yoshinori Futonagane, told Australia’s Drive that, while the company sees the demand for such a vehicle, there are no concrete plans in place. At least, for now.

But the prospect has been prioritized on Toyota’s list of new vehicles to consider.

A car-based RAV4 pickup is piquing interest all over

Gray Toyota SUV driving on a dusty dirt road under a cloudy sky.
It seems the idea of a RAV4-based pickup isn’t as wild as everyone initially thought.
Toyota

Just last month, Toyota North America chief Tetsuo Ogawa expressed interest in building a new, smaller and more affordable pickup truck below the ultra-popular Tacoma.

Not only would it answer the increasing demand for such a vehicle, but it would also further Toyota’s reputation and dominance in the smaller, open-bed space.

Ogawa stopped short of confirming such a project. Instead, he just openly admitted that he and his team are exploring options and considering the possibility.

“For the compact truck? Definitely, we have such demand,” Ogawa originally told media last month. Even one based on the RAV4.

Gray Toyota RAV4 Woodland Edition SUV parked on a dirt road with mountains and cloudy sky in the background.
While Toyota said there are “no official plans,” execs reportedly prioritized the concept on the list of future vehicles to consider.
Toyota

“A RAV4-based pickup is an opportunity for us, and the dealers are waiting,” Ogawa continued. “Maybe they say we need today or tomorrow, but it takes time.”

But Futonagane countered by saying that there are currently “no official plans,” despite acknowledging strong interest in it.

“I admit, you’re quite right. The market for a monocoque pickup truck is quite appealing,” Furonagane recently told Drive. “There are no official plans or anything to do with developing a monocoque pickup. But deep in our heart of hearts, we all think, wouldn’t that be fun?”

“A monocoque pickup truck is quite appealing”

Blue single-cab pickup truck parked on a light gravel surface with a beige brick wall background.
Both Toyota and small pickup fans have been clamoring for a more affordable and smaller option.
Toyota

Although this a very small and incremental update, going from pitching the idea to actively exploring the concept while admitting there’s plenty of demand for it are still noteworthy steps. New vehicles need to be backed by a substantial business case for them to become a reality.

Demand is the largest determining factor. From there, automakers can decide whether it’s worth the investment to build said model and if the ROI exists.

Red Toyota V6 pickup truck kicking up dust on a rocky dirt road with mountains and water in the background.
With today’s midsize pickups being as big as some older full-size models, demand for smaller compact ones has grown exponentially.
Toyota

With Ford dominating the small pickup segment in America with the Maverick and Slate slowly moving closer to becoming a production reality, Toyota most certainly sees the writing on the wall.

If a small, RAV4-based pickup comes to fruition, it’ll likely ride on the same GA-K modular platform. It’s the same underpinnings as the Camry and the Highlander.

What would give Toyota the competitive edge, however, is if the brand includes the plug-in hybrid RAV4’s powertrain. The Ford Maverick does come in hybrid form, but not with plug-in capabilites.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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