Toyota's Maverick-Fighting Small Pickup Confirmed, ‘Not a Matter of If' but When
The rugged Toyota Tacoma has stood proud as the best-selling midsize truck in the United States for decades. Now, the company hopes to replicate this success with a smaller, unibody model developed to take the Ford Maverick's lunch money.
'Decisions have been made. The question is when we can slot it in. It's not a matter of 'if,' at this point. We've studied it a lot. We're dedicated to it. We're going to figure out how to make it work,' said Cooper Ericksen, the head of planning and strategy for Toyota's North American division, in an interview with MotorTrend . He added that the truck, whose name hasn't been announced yet, has been in the works for years.
It sounds like Toyota has already laid the truck's foundations. The model will ride on a version of the modular TNGA platform found under most of its existing vehicles, to absolutely no one's surprise, it will be offered with hybrid power. Don't let the car-derived bones fool you, however. Toyota stressed that 'small' and 'tough' aren't mutually exclusive.
'If we do this, it is going to be a Toyota truck. It needs to have certain capabilities and attributes and functionality. It needs to be a workhorse,' Ericksen explained. Luckily, Toyota has proven time and again that it knows how to make a dependable small pickup.
It's too early to provide pricing, but taking on the Maverick head-to-head will require offering a truck with a Maverick-like base price. For context, Ford's smallest pickup starts at $30,535 including destination, while the cheapest Tacoma will set you back $33,085. We're not discounting the possibility that Toyota will try to undercut the Maverick's price by a not-insignificant margin instead of trying to match it.
After all, the brand has high hopes for its entry-level truck: Its data suggests that selling 100,000 to 150,000 units annually isn't far-fetched, and that's only on the American market. Toyota's global presence is much bigger than Ford's, so it could leverage the benefits of economies of scale to bring costs down. Perhaps tellingly, Ericksen said that 'affordability is one of the biggest headwinds' facing the car industry.
We'll need to be patient to find out how Toyota envisions a small truck for the 21st century; We won't see the truck in 2025 and we might not see it in 2026, either. 'My hope is that you will see it very soon, but there are a lot of moving pieces,' Ericksen told MotorTrend . He added that Toyota's engineering team currently has its plate full.
Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
23 minutes ago
- New York Post
Ford recalls 312K vehicles over loss of brake power that can increase crash risk
Ford is recalling over 312,000 US vehicles over a defect with with their brakes that can increase the risk of a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Friday. The issue involves an unexpected voltage disturbance, which may cause a current surge that shuts down a brake booster motor in the vehicle and leads to a loss of braking power, increasing the distance before a complete stop can be reached. Certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco and Ranger models are included in the recall. Ford is recalling over 312,000 US vehicles over a loss of brake power assist. Dolores Harvey – The automaker estimates about 1% of 312,120 recalled units have the defect, or about 3,121 cars. Ford said it is aware of one alleged low-speed crash related to the defect, as well as 37 warranty claims associated with the malfunction. It is not aware of any injuries or fires due to a loss of brake power. If drivers experience a loss in brake power assist, the digital instrument cluster will show a message and lit-up symbols. The automaker estimates about 1% of 312,120 recalled units have the defect. Erman Gunes – An audible alert will also sound. The module software will be updated over-the-air or by a dealer, free of charge, the automaker said. Letters notifying owners of the recall are expected to be mailed on Aug. 25.
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Barely Costs More Than Last Year
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Barely Costs More Than Last Year originally appeared on Autoblog. Minor Price Bumps Across The Range The RAV4 is the world's best-selling car, as well as America's most popular Toyota, but in second place is the Grand Highlander, a spacious three-row SUV that will soon be joined by an all-electric Highlander little brother. In the meantime, Toyota is ensuring that the 2026 Grand Highlander will sell as strongly as its predecessor by applying a nominal price increase for the new model year. Most trims get a price bump of $500, with one excpetion now $580 pricier. With this, the Grand Highlander starts at $41,360 before the obligatory destination charge of $1,495. 2026 Grand Highlander Pricing In Detail View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The entry-level trim is the LE, and as with the 2025 model, adding AWD to any trim (unless it's already equipped as standard) costs $1,600. The only change to the lineup is that the Hybrid Nightshade now gets a black badge overlay, and it seems that this alteration doesn't come free, as this is the only trim to get a slightly higher price increase of $580 to start at $53,190. As above, all pricing in the table below excludes the $1,495 destination charge for either model year. Trim MY2025 MY2026 AWD Difference LE $40,860 $41,360 +$1,600 +$500 Hybrid LE $44,210 $44,710 Std. +$500 XLE $43,630 $44,130 +$1,600 +$500 Hybrid XLE $45,380 $45,880 +$1,600 +$500 Limited $48,360 $48,860 +$1,600 (Limited XLE) +$500 Hybrid Limited $51,710 $52,210 Std. +$500 Hybrid MAX Limited $54,690 $55,190 Std. +$500 Hybrid Nightshade $52,610 $53,190 Std. +$580 Platinum $54,045 $54,545 Std. +$500 Hybrid MAX Platinum $58,775 $59,275 Std. +$500 The standard engine on offer is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder generating 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the Hybrid gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor to produce 245 hp. At the top of the range is the Hybrid MAX powertrain, featuring a combination of the 2.4-liter turbo-four and rear-mounted electric motor that together produce a total of 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Chevy Will Like The New PricingWhile the price increases are nominal, as they should be for a carryover model that is produced within the borders of the United States, they do make the Grand Highlander slightly more expensive than its Chevrolet Traverse competition, which carries a base MSRP of $40,800 for 2026 (excluding $1,895 for destination and delivery). Moreover, base model for base model, the SUV with a bowtie badge is more powerful, offering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque from its 2.5-liter turbo. Meanwhile, the 2025 Kia Telluride starts at $36,390, and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 costs $38,045. With price increases likely for the 2026 variants of both these SUVs, the gap to Toyota will surely close, and we expect the Grand Highlander to continue racking strong sales for Toyota before a more significantly refreshed model arrives in the next year or so. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Barely Costs More Than Last Year first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 1, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Car and Driver
28 minutes ago
- Car and Driver
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid's sharp creases stand out in the three-row mid-size SUV segment. Though its styling may hint at genuine off-road-conquering ability, its core strength is transporting up to seven passengers in comfort and delivering improved fuel economy compared with its nonhybrid sibling. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder works in cahoots with an electric motor for a combined 231 horsepower, all funneled through a six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive is standard, but adding all-wheel drive is just a box check away. Acceleration is merely sufficient—the nonhybrid model is quicker—and its handling is ordinary, but the Santa Fe Hybrid's price premium is reasonable for the increased efficiency. Expert Tip: We've acknowledged that the Santa Fe Hybrid won't blow you away with power, but shoppers who desire a bit more punch in their mid-size hybrid SUV are encouraged to check out the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. It posted a 5.6-second 0 to 60 mph time in C/D testing. What's New for 2026? A new SE base model joins the lineup. The Limited trim sees the addition of standard second-row captain's chairs (a bench seat is still optional) and dual wireless chargers. The SEL gets third-row USB ports, and the top Calligraphy trim adds a Pecan Brown Nappa leather interior. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid starts at $37,645 and goes up to $49,945 depending on the trim and options. SE $37,645 SEL $39,935 Limited $46,945 Calligraphy $49,945 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k While the higher trims offer many nice features and there's a new SE base trim, we maintain that the SEL represents the best value of the bunch. It adds a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, wireless device charging, third-row air vents, and more for a reasonable upcharge. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is an $1800 option across the board. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Hybrid Powertrain: Turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and one electric motor, 231-hp combined Turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and one electric motor, 231-hp combined Transmission: 6-speed automatic 6-speed automatic Drivetrain: Front-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive All Santa Fe Hybrids are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder which is assisted by an electric motor for a combined 231 horsepower. That's a little more powerful than the 226-hp setup that was offered in the previous-generation model. In the real world, acceleration is sufficient for the type of casual driving most buyers of three-row crossovers will do, but the Santa Fe occasionally feels sluggish when merging or passing on the highway. The Santa Fe Hybrid's road manners are subdued, but the ride is comfortable, and engine noise is well-isolated from the cabin unless you're really hustling. All models come with a six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. 0–60-MPH Times C/D 60-mph Test: 7.8 seconds In Comparison: Though the base 245-hp Grand Highlander Hybrid is a closer competitor to the Santa Fe Hybrid, the Toyota's available 362-hp Hybrid Max model knocked off the 60-mph run in just 5.6 seconds in C/D testing. The nonhybrid Santa Fe is also quicker than the hybrid, getting to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. View Exterior Photos Hyundai Towing and Payload Capacity The Santa Fe Hybrid is rated to tow 2000 pounds. If we were dead set on the Santa Fe, but occasional towing was in the gameplan, we'd go for the nonhybrid Santa Fe XRT, as it's rated for up to 4500 pounds. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: N/A N/A EPA City Ratings: 35-36 mpg 35-36 mpg EPA Highway Ratings: 34-35 mpg While the EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid yet, the 2025 model with front-wheel drive earned ratings of 36 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined. We don't expect any changes for the 2026 model year. We haven't had the opportunity to take a Santa Fe Hybrid on our 75-mph real-world highway fuel economy test, but we will update this section as soon as we do. For more information about the Santa Fe Hybrid's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: Seating is ample and comfortable. Side bolsters are more than sufficient for a family SUV, and the seats are bisected by a large center console with storage and space for wireless charging for devices if so equipped. The base SE gets cloth seating, the SEL and XRT have faux leather, the Limited has leather, and the Calligraphy has Nappa leather. Second Row: A bench seat is standard on the base SE, and captain's chairs are standard on the SEL or higher, though you can spec a bench on the SEL if desired. Second-row space is accommodating for adults. Third Row: The third row is serviceable but lacks the ease and convenience of the first two rows. Access is decent with the easy forward-folding captain's chairs, but legroom is tight compared with some larger three-row SUV competitors. Cargo Capacity: Cargo volume is sufficient, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 41 cubes behind the second row, and 80 cubes with both folded. The Grand Highlander Hybrid has slightly more space, however. View Interior Photos Hyundai Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Audio System: 6-speaker stereo (standard), 12-speaker Bose stereo (optional) All trims get a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, two 12-volt outlets (one front and one rear cargo), and XRT and above trims get a 110-volt outlet. While the base SE gets four USB ports (two each in the first and second rows,) the SEL and up get an additional pair for the third row for a total of six. Wireless charging is standard on the SEL, and the XRT trim and above get two wireless charging spots. Calligraphy models also have a standard head-up display. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features All Santa Fe models come standard with a host of driver-assistance features, but more advanced tech, including an adaptive cruise control system with a lane-centering feature, is optional. For more information about the Santa Fe's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard Safety Features: Automated emergency braking with pedestrian alert, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring Automated emergency braking with pedestrian alert, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring Optional Safety Features: Blind spot collision-avoidance assist, park distance warning, adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Among mid-size SUVs, the Santa Fe Hybrid and its corporate cousin, the Kia Sorent,o offer the longest standard warranty terms. The Hyundai holds an advantage over the Kia in this area, though, thanks to its generous complimentary scheduled maintenance program. Limited Warranty: Five years or 50,000 miles Five years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: Ten years or 100,000 miles Ten years or 100,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: Three years or 36,000 miles C/D Test Results and Specs We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD Vehicle Type: front-engine and front-motor, all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $50,215/$50,425 POWERTRAIN turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline-4, 178 hp, 195 lb-ft + AC motor, 60 hp, 195 lb-ft (combined output: 231 hp, 271 lb-ft; 1.0-kWh [C/D est] lithium-ion battery pack) Transmission: 6-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 13.6-in vented disc/12.8-in disc Tires: Pirelli Scorpion MS 255/45R-20 105V M+S DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 110.8 in Length: 190.2 in Width: 74.8 in Height: 69.7 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 61/55/33 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 80/41/15 ft3 Curb Weight: 4516 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 7.8 sec 1/4-Mile: 16.0 sec @ 89 mph 100 mph: 21.3 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.1 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.8 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.6 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 119 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 179 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.82 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 26 mpg EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 34/35/34 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
