Brief Summary
This video discusses Toyota's potential entry-level pickup truck, their increasing focus on plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology, and a significant recall affecting nearly half a million Tundra pickup trucks. Key points include:
- The absence of a new, smaller Toyota pickup truck announcement at Toyota's HQC 2025 event, despite dealer and customer demand.
- Toyota's shift towards expanding its PHEV lineup, aiming for 20% of US sales volume by 2030, while seemingly slowing down on full EVs.
- A massive recall of Tundra trucks due to faulty reverse lights.
Toyota's baby truck
The author addresses the persistent question of when Toyota will release a smaller, entry-level pickup truck to compete with the Ford Maverick. Despite anticipation, Toyota's HQC 2025 event, revealed no new truck-related announcements, besides the new wave breaker color for the TRD Pros. Toyota executives acknowledge US dealer and customer requests for a smaller pickup, with Mark Templan mentioning they are "looking at it". Toyota engineers have been observed testing the Maverick, and the author suggests the electric pickup truck concept (EPU) could be a hit if offered as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
The Ford Maverick's impressive sales figures, exceeding 131,000 units with a 39% increase, highlight the lack of competition in the small pickup segment. The author questions where Toyota would manufacture such a truck, suggesting potential locations like Mississippi (where the Corolla is built) or a joint project with Mazda in Alabama. The author also touches on the new GR Sport model added to the Corolla Cross, which is not available in the United States, and discusses other GR Sport models not offered in the US market due to Toyota's preference for TRD and TRD Pro for body-on-frame vehicles.
Toyota's PHEV plans
Toyota is increasing its focus on plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) while seemingly pumping the brakes on full EVs. Despite recent EV releases like the CHR and BZ Woodland, Toyota aims to significantly expand its PHEV lineup, targeting 20% of US sales volume by 2030, a roughly tenfold increase. Toyota and Lexus are developing a high-performance 2.0L turbo plug-in hybrid with 600 horsepower to increase the desirability of PHEVs. The new RAV4 will feature improved plug-in hybrid availability across models like Woodland, XSSE, SE, and the new GR Sport, boasting 320 horsepower and 50 miles of electric range.
Toyota aims to increase the EV-only range in its PHEVs, with plans for E-RAVs offering over 100 miles of range. Plug-in hybrid options are being considered across Toyota's truck lineup, including the Tacoma and Tundra, with potential introduction by the end of the decade. Lexus has seen a significant jump in sales for its PHEV models, such as the TX 550h+, RX 450h+, and NX 450h+. Toyota is aiming to offer multiple powertrain options across its product line, increasing the percentage of hybrids and PHEVs. Cooper Ericson emphasizes Toyota's strategy of "loading the bases" with various powertrains (ICE, hybrid, PHEV, EV) to improve the chances of success.
MASSIVE toyota truck recall
Toyota is recalling 443,000 Tundra pickup trucks due to a lighting issue where the reverse lights may stop working. The tail lamps are sourced from Hela Automotive de Mexico, and the issue is caused by heat cycling compromising the seal, allowing moisture to enter and short circuit the tail light assembly. While Toyota declined to comment on whether the defect has caused accidents or injuries, owners will be notified and able to get the issue fixed at their dealer. The author considers this a minor issue compared to the twin-turbo V6 engine problems some trucks have experienced.
