Toyota is likely hard at work developing a new small truck that will compete with the likes of the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. Very little is known about this potential pickup, but we can make some educated guesses about what the final product could be.
2025 Toyota Stout
Stout is a name from the Japanese automaker’s past as it was used on a small truck that entered production in 1954. It was more than a clever name as the rig quickly earned a reputation for outstanding build quality and reliability. The Stout arrived on North American shores in 1964, but it only lasted three years there. It soldered on in its native Japan until 1989 and in other worldwide markets until 2000.
We would expect the 2025 Stout to slot below Toyota’s popular Tacoma in size and price. However, the new truck would likely not use a cut-down version of the Tacoma’s body-on-frame chassis. Instead, the Stout would employ a variant of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) that underpins the Camry and RAV4. Count on engineers to revise the platform with beefed up suspension and steering components to give it payload and towing capacities that are at least comparable to the Ford Maverick.
Powertrains will likely be derivatives of what’s available on the RAV4, including conventional gasoline, gas/electric hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. Gas-only models should be available with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Hybrid and plug-in versions would be AWD only as an electric motor would be included to power the rear wheels when needed. Safety and convenience features again should mirror what you’ll find on the RAV4.
As far as pricing, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Toyota announce a starting MSRP of less than $25,000. Realistically, though, $32,000-plus is a more likely target for a version that comes with features most consumers will want. Should the Stout get the green light for production, expect an announcement later this year or early next, with the truck reaching dealerships perhaps around the second quarter of 2024.
CG Says:
Given the Maverick’s meteoric rise, it’s only natural for more automakers to want a piece of that pie. As Tacoma is the undisputed sales leader in its segment, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a new Stout put up a serious fight in this fledgling class.
Note: A representative for Toyota declined to provide a comment for this story.
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2025 Toyota Stout
2025 Toyota Stout
