Photo: Kolesa
Several companies have tapped into the unibody pickup segment in the never-ending chase of expanding their offering. These vehicles are smaller and less affordable alternatives to real trucks with open-bed designs, and due to their construction, they're not that versatile once the comfort of the asphalt ends.
But that does not matter to most buyers anymore, as off-roading is more of a hobby these days rather than part of a job. Therefore, models such as the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick are flourishing. And if everything goes according to a rumored plan, then they might face competition from Toyota, which is apparently interested in launching a Corolla Pickup.
Its name is obviously unconfirmed, and we do not even know if they will base it on the passenger car or the Corolla Cross, though the latter would be a more viable alternative. It is expected after 2027, and if that turns out to be correct, then it will follow the next-gen Corolla, expected in 2025. Production could take place at the Mississippi facility, next to the ultra-popular low-slung model.
Underpinning vehicles such as the Corolla, Corolla Cross, C-HR, Prius, Lexus UX, and many others, the TNGA-C construction could be the foundation stone of the rumored Corolla Pickup. Highly versatile, the platform supports multiple powertrain configurations, and given the rumored arrival of this car towards the end of the decade, it might launch with partially electrified assemblies. Chances are the all-wheel drive system will grace upper grades, whereas lesser variants might have to make do with front-wheel drive.
From a financial perspective, launching a pickup version of the Corolla (Cross) could turn out to be a wise decision. Toyota has the tools and knowledge to make it happen, and if it does, then it will sit under the Tacoma in the company's US lineup. A targeted sub-$25,000 (today) would be ideal, considering that its larger sibling has an MSRP of $28,600. The larger Tundra kicks off at $39,965. Hyundai's Santa Cruz starts at $26,650 and Ford's Maverick at $23,400.
Since the report that Toyota might eye a Corolla Pickup came out over one month ago, there have been several unofficial attempts to imagine what it may look like. Featuring a few updates here and there, as well as a redesigned back end with vertical taillights and a tailgate opening up into a sizeable bed, the latest came from Kolesa and builds on the Corolla Cross. Their proposal is certainly interesting, and it looks ready to pick a fight with the Maverick and Santa Cruz.
But would it be wise to launch a unibody pickup of compact dimensions, or should Toyota stick to the Tacoma and Tundra and perhaps concentrate more on traditional passenger cars in our market?
Its name is obviously unconfirmed, and we do not even know if they will base it on the passenger car or the Corolla Cross, though the latter would be a more viable alternative. It is expected after 2027, and if that turns out to be correct, then it will follow the next-gen Corolla, expected in 2025. Production could take place at the Mississippi facility, next to the ultra-popular low-slung model.
Underpinning vehicles such as the Corolla, Corolla Cross, C-HR, Prius, Lexus UX, and many others, the TNGA-C construction could be the foundation stone of the rumored Corolla Pickup. Highly versatile, the platform supports multiple powertrain configurations, and given the rumored arrival of this car towards the end of the decade, it might launch with partially electrified assemblies. Chances are the all-wheel drive system will grace upper grades, whereas lesser variants might have to make do with front-wheel drive.
From a financial perspective, launching a pickup version of the Corolla (Cross) could turn out to be a wise decision. Toyota has the tools and knowledge to make it happen, and if it does, then it will sit under the Tacoma in the company's US lineup. A targeted sub-$25,000 (today) would be ideal, considering that its larger sibling has an MSRP of $28,600. The larger Tundra kicks off at $39,965. Hyundai's Santa Cruz starts at $26,650 and Ford's Maverick at $23,400.
Since the report that Toyota might eye a Corolla Pickup came out over one month ago, there have been several unofficial attempts to imagine what it may look like. Featuring a few updates here and there, as well as a redesigned back end with vertical taillights and a tailgate opening up into a sizeable bed, the latest came from Kolesa and builds on the Corolla Cross. Their proposal is certainly interesting, and it looks ready to pick a fight with the Maverick and Santa Cruz.
But would it be wise to launch a unibody pickup of compact dimensions, or should Toyota stick to the Tacoma and Tundra and perhaps concentrate more on traditional passenger cars in our market?
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