Toyota Abandons the Small Truck Space Leaving Room for Subaru
Unfortunately, we aren’t getting a compact truck from Toyota anytime soon. But while backing away from the Toyota Stout, it provides an opportunity for another automaker to strike. Now Subaru could be planning to battle the Ford Maverick.
Subaru could pick up Toyota’s abandoned tiny truck plans
While Toyota teased us with tiny truck rumors for years, don’t get your hopes up. The automaker shares that it’s just not the right time to build an affordable, smaller truck right now. It also thinks that the compact truck maker has reached its peak with the Ford Maverick.
But according to Gear Patrol, this provides another automaker with the opportunity to take advantage of small truck dreams.
Subaru could pick up where Toyota left off, as both of the Japanese automakers already work together. Plus, rumors suggest that the new truck would have a body-on-frame design. Subaru would need to rely on its partnership for that to happen.
They share a variety of parts and manufacturing locations. For example, the Toyota bX and Subaru Solterra SUVs are basically twins. Also, the old Subaru Baja and Brat are tiny truck legends.
The automaker could build upon the Hilux or RAV4 platform to craft something to tackle the Maverick. However, it would have to be better than the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which never stood a chance.
Subaru Australia General Manager shares, “There have been discussions about a ute. I can’t share much now, but it’s never a no.” He continues to explain, “There is space for a ute, and it’s in discussion. There are a few irons in the fire.”
If I had to guess, the new Baja would have a hybrid powertrain to compete against the highly efficient Maverick. But only time will tell.
