Next-Gen Toyota Corolla May Spawn Small Pickup, Report Suggests
The highly successful Ford Maverick is proof that small pickups have a place among the larger models ruling the North American market. Hyundai has the Santa Cruz and, apparently, the all-new Ram Rampage will come to our shores in the near future.
Which one will be next? The Chevrolet Montana? Mitsubishi Triton? A future small electric pickup from GM, Volkswagen, Kia or Nissan? What about a Toyota Corolla Cross with a cargo bed?
- Also: You Should Avoid the Front Passenger Seat in Some Toyota Corolla Crosses
- Also: 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: The Story Continues
Don’t laugh. It could happen. According to a reliable source that spoke with Automotive News, Toyota is reportedly considering an expansion of the Corolla and Corolla Cross lineup in the second half of the decade, meaning likely with the next generation of these models.
The renderings you see here were created by a digital artist shortly following the premiere of Toyota’s small crossover in Thailand back in the summer of 2020. We think it looks pretty good. Don’t you?
The hypothetical pickup would arrive no sooner than 2027 and, of course, it could sport a much different design than this one. What’s certain is that it would be a unibody pickup primarily for recreation and urban lifestyles, most likely with a hybrid powertrain.
Automotive News predicts that the vehicle would be manufactured in Mississippi alongside the Corolla sedan and hatchback rather than at Toyota’s JV assembly plant with Mazda in Alabama, where the Corolla Cross is built.
This is all very intriguing, for sure, but don’t hold your breath. In the meantime, you can reach out to Upcycle Green Technology in Stratford, P.E.I., which is turning Corollas into electric pickups.
The models are based on the 10th generation (2009-2013) and have limited range (150 km or 250 km depending on the option), but payload is a decent 1,101 lbs and the starting price is a compelling $35,000.
For now, these trucks are only available to buyers in P.E.I. Those from another province can get on the waitlist for deliveries in 2024-2025.
