Toyota officially confirmed the production of a new mid-range pickup truck with flex hybrid technology in the Brasil. The model, which will use the same platform as the Corolla Cross SUV, will be manufactured in the Sorocaba industrial complex, in São Paulo, as part of the Japanese automaker’s robust investment plan in the country. The vehicle’s global debut is scheduled for 2027 in the Estados Unidos, with arrival in the markets of the América Latina, including the Brasil and Argentina, scheduled for the following year, in 2028.
The new pickup truck was born to compete in one of the hottest segments of the national market, directly facing strong competitors such as the leader Fiat Toro, the Ford Maverick, which already has a hybrid version, and the future Renault Niagara. The decision to produce the vehicle at Brasil reinforces Toyota’s strategy of strengthening its local presence and investing in electrification technology combined with ethanol, a renewable fuel widely available in the country.
The announcement was detailed by Cooper Ericksen, vice president of product planning at Toyota Motor North America, who highlighted the initial focus on the North American market, where annual sales projections are between 100,000 and 150,000 units. Production at Sorocaba positions the factory as a strategic hub to meet the growing demand for versatile and efficient vehicles throughout the South American region.
Plug-in hybrid flex engine details
One of the main competitive differentiators of the new utility will be its mechanical package. The Toyota plans to equip the most complete versions with a plug-in flex hybrid system (PHEV-FFV), which combines a 2.5 cycle Atkinson engine, optimized for efficiency, with two electric motors. Essa configuration will allow the delivery of a combined power of up to 222 hp and an all-wheel drive system (4×4) without the need for a driveshaft, as an electric motor will act on each axle, ensuring better torque distribution and dynamic control.
The system will be powered by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 18.1 kWh, which should provide a purely electric range of approximately 75 kilometers, a significant figure for daily urban use without consuming fuel. The expectation is that the model will achieve significant consumption figures, aligning performance and sustainability. Entry-level Versões are also considered, possibly equipped with the 2.0 Dynamic Force flex engine with 175 hp, already known from other models of the brand, offering a more accessible option to the consumer.
Billionaire investment and the Sorocaba factory
The manufacture of the new pickup truck is part of an investment plan of R$11 billion that Toyota will allocate to the Brasil by the year 2030.
A new wing is being built at the factory, scheduled for completion in mid-2026, specifically to house the production of the new utility vehicle. Essa expansion not only increases production capacity, but also aims to verticalize strategic components.
Part of the investment also includes the Porto Feliz (SP) engine factory, which will be responsible for the local production of hybrid propellants and batteries. Essa initiative is a milestone for Toyota’s technological autonomy in the country, reducing dependence on imported components and strengthening the entire national supply chain, in addition to generating new direct and indirect jobs in the region.
Design and dimensions inspired by the EPU concept
The look of the pickup should follow the modern and robust lines presented in the EPU concept, shown in the Salão of Tóquio of 2023. Construída on the TNGA-C monoblock platform, the same as the spars, such as the Hilux. With an estimated total length of 5.07 meters, its dimensions will be similar to the Ford Maverick, but with an elongated wheelbase, designed to offer generous internal space for five occupants and a bucket with a competitive load capacity, estimated between 800 kg and 1,000 kg. The interior should inherit the standard of quality finishing seen in the Corolla Cross, including a multimedia center with floating screen, digital instrument panel and the Toyota Safety Sense active safety package, which offers features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistant.
The competitive scenario in the pickup truck market
The arrival of the Toyota pickup truck in 2028 promises to further intensify competition in the intermediate pickup truck segment, one of the most dynamic of the Brasil. Fiat Toro, which has been a clear leader in sales for years, will be the main target, but the dispute is not limited to it.
The Ford Maverick Hybrid already occupies the electrified niche and will be a direct rival in technology. The Chevrolet Montana, with its urban proposal, and the Ram Rampage, focused on performance and luxury, also make up the scene.
Other automakers are moving to avoid being left behind. Renault is preparing the launch of the Niagara, while Volkswagen is still studying the feasibility of the Tarok project and GWM plans local production of the Poer, also with electrified versions.
In this context, Toyota is banking on its consolidated reputation for reliability, extensive experience with hybrid vehicles and the strength of its dealership network to gain an important share of this market.
Strategy for América Latina
Production in Sorocaba does not only aim to serve the Brazilian market. The factory will be an export platform for several América Latina countries, consolidating Brasil as a hub for the development and production of hybrid vehicles for Toyota in the region.
At Argentina, for example, the model will compete with the Fiat Toro and Renault Oroch, which also have a strong presence. The strategy is to position the new pickup truck as a more modern, efficient and comfortable alternative than traditional medium-sized pickup trucks, attracting a public that seeks versatility for mixed use between city and leisure.
Launch and expectations
The pickup truck’s global debut will take place in 2027 in the Estados Unidos, but it is possible that the final model will be presented to the Brazilian public before, perhaps during the Salão of the Automóvel of the São Paulo. Effective arrival at Brazilian and Latin American dealerships is confirmed for 2028, when Toyota hopes to capitalize on the growing demand for electrified and utility vehicles in the country.
