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The Citizen
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Toyota's 2027 small bakkie could be Corolla Cross or RAV4 based
Still unnamed junior sibling of the Hilux will be a unibody offering and possibly offer only hybrid powerplants. Toyota's much rumoured small bakkie, said to be based on the Corolla Cross, remains on track for arrival in 2027 despite little still being known. First mentioned in 2022 by senior Toyota executives in United States as becoming its entry-level bakkie below the Stateside sibling of the Hilux, the Tacoma, the still unnamed model has also been rumoured as possibly being based on the underpinnings of the RAV4 with power coming solely from hybrid powertrains. 'If there's a customer that needs a rugged, smaller body-on-frame vehicle, we can consider that, but if it's more for urban use and less extreme off-road, then it would make more sense to use the TNGA unibody platform,' Toyota Group North America Vice-President of Product Planning and Strategy, Cooper Ericksen, told MotorTrend at the time. A departure from the Hilux Champ/Hilux Rangga that uses the current Hilux and Fortuner's IMV 0 platform, the 'Corolla Cross bakkie' as it has been unofficially dubbed, will either use the TNGA-C platform, or, should it be based on the RAV4, the larger TNGA-K that also underpins the Camry as well as certain current Lexus models. Therefore, becoming a unibody product similar to the Ford Maverick, Honda Ridgeline and Hyundai Santa Cruz in the States, as well as the Ram Rampage, Chevrolet Montana and Fiat Toro in Brazil, a trademark submission for the Stout name is known to have been in Argentina where production could take place for Latin American markets. Supposedly previewed by the electric EPU Concept shown at the Tokyo Mobility Show two years ago, the most recent report alleged that Brazil has been given the go ahead at the Sorocaba Plant in the state of São Paulo for the commencing of production. According to the newest findings by Automotive News, a small bakkie still remains part of Toyota's plans, with 2027 still being mentioned as the year of the reveal. Despite the comparison with the Corolla Cross, whose biggest powertrain displaces 2.0-litres with and without hybrid assistance depending, the supposed link-up with the RAV4 could yield a maximum of 2.5-litres, as well as a plug-in hybrid option. Showcased back in May, the new sixth generation RAV4 makes exclusive use of hybrid propulsion, with respective outputs of 166 kW and 174 kW, and 235 kW for the plug-in hybrid. By comparison, the smash-hit Maverick can be had with either a conventional 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol or a self-charging 2.5-litre hybrid, while the Santa Cruz omits electrification completely by offering its own 2.5-litre unit with or without turbocharging. Completely the opposite is the Ridgeline, which uses a normally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 as its only option. Given the gradual emergence of rumours and speculative reports over the last three years, expect more to become apparent heading into 2026. NOW READ: Toyota Corolla Cross now rumoured to underpin new small bakkie
Auto Blog
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Toyota's Big Electric Leap: 7 New EVs Are Coming to the United States
Toyota has been picking up the pace to challenge competitors in the US EV segment, and those efforts could make it a top manufacturer over the next few years. Toyota is finally waking up Toyota's been rather sluggish on the transition to EVs, instead taking a slow approach by shifting most of its lineup from combustion engines to hybrid powertrains. Don't count Toyota out of the game just yet, though – consider the manufacturer a sleeping giant who is finally waking up. After a weak entrance into the electrified segment with the bZ4X, soon to be renamed the bZ, the Japanese automaker is ramping up production with plans to sell seven EVs in the United States by mid-2027. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:10 2025 Ford Maverick: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More 2026 Toyota bZ — Source: Toyota At least two EVs will be made in the United States Toyota currently has two all-electric models between its main and premium Lexus brands. The Toyota bZ4X, renamed to bZ for the 2026 model year, receives several major updates that make it more attractive, including a 314-mile range. The 2026 Lexus RZ follows suit, with improved performance and up to 300 miles of range on a single charge. Toyota also announced that the C-HR will arrive sometime in 2026, presumably for the 2027 model year, and offer a 290-mile range. 2026 Toyota C-HR — Source: Toyota Production of two new EVs will begin at its American manufacturing facilities in 2026, while three others will be imported. According to executives, the Japanese automaker expects slow but steady growth in the EV segment. If there's a surplus for American-made EVs, Toyota will export that surplus to overseas markets with faster EV adoption rates. 'We'll sell a little bit more every year and grow with the market,' Cooper Ericksen, a senior vice president of planning and strategy at Toyota Motor North America, told Bloomberg. 'But we have to think about how many Canada will use, how many the US will use, and we can then export to other global destinations.' 2026 Toyota RAV4 — Source: Toyota Toyota previously pledged to offer an electrified version of every nameplate on its global lineup. To date, approximately 80% of Toyota and Lexus models are available with hybrid or all-electric powertrains. Most recently, Toyota announced that the 2026 RAV4 will come with hybrid-only powertrains. Toyota's U.S. battery production prepares to come online Toyota plans to manufacture at least two new EVs in the United States, but their production efforts don't end there. The Japanese automaker has plans to begin producing and shipping lithium-ion batteries from its US facility later this year. The battery plant spans more than 1,850 acres in Liberty, North Carolina. Once fully operational, the facility will have 14 lines producing batteries. Of those, four will manufacture hybrid batteries, while the other 10 will supply batteries for the two American-made EVs. 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland — Source: Toyota The first hybrid battery line is expected to start production in June, with the rest beginning operations through 2034. Once all 14 lines are running, the production facility will produce up to 30 gigawatt hours, the equivalent of 800,000 hybrid, 150,000 plug-in hybrid, and 300,000 EV batteries. Toyota sold less than 30,000 EVs in 2024, during which US EV sales rose 7.3% to 1.3 million. That isn't surprising, considering the automaker has been fairly outspoken regarding government policy towards EV adoption. Instead of using incentives to speed up EV sales, such as the $7,500 tax credit, Toyota executives indicated that governmental bodies should allow the EV segment to grow organically. 2026 Toyota C-HR — Source: Toyota 'The whole EV ecosystem is ahead of the consumer,' said Jack Hollis, COO of Toyota North America, in November 2024 regarding emissions regulations. 'It's not in alignment with consumers. It's just not.' Even so, the Japanese automaker expects EV market share to double over the next five years. According to Cox Automotive, EV sales made up 8.1% of total vehicle sales in 2024. Currently, competitors like Tesla and Hyundai are dominating US EV sales. While all-electric vehicles might not be a major seller for Toyota now, executives aren't willing to cede the segment to competing manufacturers. Source: Lexus Final thoughts Tariffs aside, it looks like Toyota has a solid plan to become a true competitor in the EV segment. Considering the original bZ4X crossover was met with mixed reactions thanks to its slow charging speed, lackluster performance, and disappointing range, Toyota's upcoming EVs are a breath of fresh air. The updated bZ and RZ seem promising enough, and the upcoming C-HR looks like a stylish addition to the all-electric lineup. If the pricing is right, Toyota could very well overtake General Motors and Hyundai within a few years. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if the Japanese manufacturer manages to topple Tesla, too.
Motor 1
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Toyota Dealers Got a Sneak Peek at the New Celica
Although we haven't seen any spy shots yet, Toyota has been discussing the potential return of the Celica for a little over two years. The company even dropped a blink-and-you'll-miss-it pseudo teaser during season two of its Grip anime series. An eighth generation of the affordable sports car is still in the works and is currently in 'pretty advanced development,' according to the senior VP of product planning for North America. Cooper Ericksen told MotorTrend that Toyota has running mules of the reborn Celica out and about. Not only that, but behind closed doors, dealers have been allowed to take an early look at prototypes and design sketches. The car's styling remains a mystery, but Ericksen noted that all the renderings flooding social media are wrong. As for what will power it, he didn't rule out a pure internal combustion engine, but he also didn't dismiss the possibility of electrification. Photo by: Toyota If it goes the hybrid route, the new Celica could compete with another resurrected nameplate beloved by enthusiasts: the Honda Prelude . A fully electric version seems unlikely, especially since Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda recently expressed a preference for sports cars that have 'the smell of gasoline and a noisy engine .' Although a new Celica hasn't been officially greenlit for North America, the fact that it's in an advanced development phase makes us believe it's on the way. If, somehow, it doesn't reach the United States, it wouldn't be the first Gazoo Racing product denied a US visa. America doesn't get the GR Yaris, a diminutive hot hatch that would undercut the GR Corolla here. There's also another forbidden fruit powered by the same turbocharged three-cylinder engine: Japan's Lexus LBX Morizo RR . The lack of photographic evidence likely means we're in for a long wait to see the next-gen Celica. In the best-case scenario, we can't imagine the car going on sale any earlier than 2027. But the Celica isn't the only fun car Toyota has in the pipeline. The company has already announced that the Supra will return, and something will surely emerge from the wicked mid-engine concept we saw earlier this year. Perhaps a new MR2? The car's name also appeared in the teaser. Photo by: Toyota Let's not forget that Toyota has also teased a purely electric sports car. The last update on the FT-Se concept indicated it's still in development. Hideaki Iida, project manager for the Gazoo Racing Design Group, told sister site InsideEVs the spicy EV is due after 2026. Chief engineer Fumihiko Hazama mentioned a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, a next-generation battery pack, and a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of just three seconds. However, the most intriguing performance car from Toyota may carry a different badge. The GR GT3 concept is expected to evolve into a street-legal Lexus supercar, potentially named the 'LFR.' It's rumored to feature a newly developed twin-turbo V-8, although nothing has been confirmed. Expect this flagship performance machine to break cover sooner rather than later. While sports cars remain a niche market, Toyota gives us hope for a more thrilling future. Still, it raises the question of where a new Celica would fit in the lineup, considering the GR86 is here to stay and the Supra won't be gone for long. With the GR-branded Yaris, Corolla, 86, Celica, Supra, MR2, and the LFR all potentially coexisting, things could get crowded in a few years. Not that we're complaining, but the bean counters might. Fun Toyotas: The Toyota Supra Won't Stay Dead For Long Confirmed: Toyota Will Make the GR Corolla In the UK Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: MotorTrend Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor Trend
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
Toyota's Sporty GR Family Could Get a New GR86—and an MR2 Revival
If wishes indeed come true, there will be a third-generation Toyota GR86, the automaker's lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. The GR86 stands out—along with its Subaru-badged BRZ sibling and Mazda's MX-5 Miata roadster—as something that should not exist in today's SUV-crazed world, where affordable sports cars with cramped or nonexistent back seats would seem to be sales- (and margin-)proof outliers. 0:00 / 0:00 'The GR86 serves a very important role as an affordable, fun sports car, a viral driving environment sensation, and that is something we want to keep in the Toyota and GR [Gazoo Racing] lineup,' says Cooper Ericksen, senior vice president of Product Planning and Strategy for Toyota Motor North America. 'That's really the mission of GR, is to continue to provide that type of viral fun vehicle, Ericksen tells MotorTrend in an interview. 'So, eventually when that product [GR86] runs its course, we would want to replace it with something.' Ericksen likens it to asking if there will be a next-generation Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. 'Of course, eventually we will need a next-generation Tacoma because it serves an important role.' Needing a next generation of the niche GR86 might be less obvious because the volume is so small, he says. 'But I am telling you that it does serve a very important role for the company and GR so it would be our intent to have a cool next generation.' 2026 Toyota GR86 Yuzu Special Edition Timing of the new model is up in the air. For now, the car continues to receive attention with a 2026 GR86 Yuzu Special Edition in a searing yellow color that pays homage to the 2015 Scion FR-S Series 1.0 release (the FR-S being the GR86's first generation, when Scion still existed; it later became the Toyota 86 and, now, the second-generation model is dubbed the GR86). It has the same 228-hp 2.4-liter flat-four engine but with the features of the Performance Pack standard and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Toyota has said it will limit Yuzu sales to 860 in the U.S. Ericksen would not say if there will be a gap between the outgoing GR86 model and a successor, as there will be for the next Supra. 'A gap? We haven't announced when we are ending the current one, have we? If we don't have an end date, I can't really tell you if there is going to be a gap.' But that would not be his first choice. 'It is never our desire to have a gap. It is always sub-optimum.' Why are we asking about gaps at all? Because the Toyota Supra went on a 20-year hiatus before it returned in 2019 for a fifth generation. But Toyota expects a shorter gap before we see the sixth generation. Toyota MR2 Revival? What about another sports car: an MR2 revival, which has been rumored? Ericksen would only say he has heard the rumors too and has no comment. David Christ, general manager of the Toyota Division of TNMA, would love to have more sporty GR vehicles, beyond the GR Supra, GR86, and GR Corolla offered today. 'With the GR brand we have proven that we can build and sell fun-to-drive, affordable exciting product and don't have to go into the stratosphere on pricing to develop a fun car. The GR86, GR Corolla, and GR Supra have all brought good excitement to the brand.' Christ said the GR lineup has been interesting because it has attracted older buyers as well as the younger buyers it had anticipated, accelerating growth in the U.S.
Miami Herald
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Toyota's Big Electric Leap: 7 New EVs Are Coming to the United States
Toyota's been rather sluggish on the transition to EVs, instead taking a slow approach by shifting most of its lineup from combustion engines to hybrid powertrains. Don't count Toyota out of the game just yet, though - consider the manufacturer a sleeping giant who is finally waking up. After a weak entrance into the electrified segment with the bZ4X, soon to be renamed the bZ, the Japanese automaker is ramping up production with plans to sell seven EVs in the United States by mid-2027. Toyota currently has two all-electric models between its main and premium Lexus brands. The Toyota bZ4X, renamed to bZ for the 2026 model year, receives several major updates that make it more attractive, including a 314-mile range. The 2026 Lexus RZ follows suit, with improved performance and up to 300 miles of range on a single charge. Toyota also announced that the C-HR will arrive sometime in 2026, presumably for the 2027 model year, and offer a 290-mile range. Production of two new EVs will begin at its American manufacturing facilities in 2026, while three others will be imported. According to executives, the Japanese automaker expects slow but steady growth in the EV segment. If there's a surplus for American-made EVs, Toyota will export that surplus to overseas markets with faster EV adoption rates. "We'll sell a little bit more every year and grow with the market," Cooper Ericksen, a senior vice president of planning and strategy at Toyota Motor North America, told Bloomberg. "But we have to think about how many Canada will use, how many the US will use, and we can then export to other global destinations." Toyota previously pledged to offer an electrified version of every nameplate on its global lineup. To date, approximately 80% of Toyota and Lexus models are available with hybrid or all-electric powertrains. Most recently, Toyota announced that the 2026 RAV4 will come with hybrid-only powertrains. Toyota plans to manufacture at least two new EVs in the United States, but their production efforts don't end there. The Japanese automaker has plans to begin producing and shipping lithium-ion batteries from its US facility later this year. The battery plant spans more than 1,850 acres in Liberty, North Carolina. Once fully operational, the facility will have 14 lines producing batteries. Of those, four will manufacture hybrid batteries, while the other 10 will supply batteries for the two American-made EVs. The first hybrid battery line is expected to start production in June, with the rest beginning operations through 2034. Once all 14 lines are running, the production facility will produce up to 30 gigawatt hours, the equivalent of 800,000 hybrid, 150,000 plug-in hybrid, and 300,000 EV batteries. Toyota sold less than 30,000 EVs in 2024, during which US EV sales rose 7.3% to 1.3 million. That isn't surprising, considering the automaker has been fairly outspoken regarding government policy towards EV adoption. Instead of using incentives to speed up EV sales, such as the $7,500 tax credit, Toyota executives indicated that governmental bodies should allow the EV segment to grow organically. "The whole EV ecosystem is ahead of the consumer," said Jack Hollis, COO of Toyota North America, in November 2024 regarding emissions regulations. "It's not in alignment with consumers. It's just not." Even so, the Japanese automaker expects EV market share to double over the next five years. According to Cox Automotive, EV sales made up 8.1% of total vehicle sales in 2024. Currently, competitors like Tesla and Hyundai are dominating US EV sales. While all-electric vehicles might not be a major seller for Toyota now, executives aren't willing to cede the segment to competing manufacturers. Tariffs aside, it looks like Toyota has a solid plan to become a true competitor in the EV segment. Considering the original bZ4X crossover was met with mixed reactions thanks to its slow charging speed, lackluster performance, and disappointing range, Toyota's upcoming EVs are a breath of fresh air. The updated bZ and RZ seem promising enough, and the upcoming C-HR looks like a stylish addition to the all-electric lineup. If the pricing is right, Toyota could very well overtake General Motors and Hyundai within a few years. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if the Japanese manufacturer manages to topple Tesla, too. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
