Toyota reveals new small pickup truck
Toyota is developing a new compact ute built on a car platform, designed to compete with models like the Ford Maverick, according to a recently filed patent in the U.S. The vehicle, codenamed Project 150D, won’t be the HiLux Champ sold in Asian markets but a smaller, more modern alternative tailored for global markets—including Australia. Unlike the HiLux Champ, which was designed primarily for emerging markets with less stringent emissions and safety regulations, the 150D is engineered to meet the demands of developed regions where fuel efficiency and urban maneuverability are increasingly prioritized. The shift away from a traditional body-on-frame architecture to a monocoque chassis reflects Toyota’s strategy to appeal to buyers who need utility without the bulk of a full-size pickup, particularly in markets where parking space is limited and fuel costs are a growing concern.
A suspension system built for utility
The patent reveals a unique suspension mounting system for a monocoque chassis, addressing a key challenge in car-based utes: load capacity. Unlike traditional car suspensions, which aren’t designed for heavy payloads, Toyota’s design includes a “strainer” system that distributes weight evenly across the tray. This system functions by integrating reinforced mounting points that act as load-bearing nodes, effectively transferring stress away from the suspension arms and toward the vehicle’s structural skeleton. Reinforced sheet metal and suspension components further improve durability, suggesting the vehicle will prioritize practicality despite its smaller size.
Ray Munday, Senior Manager of Product Planning and Pricing at Toyota Australia, said the company would “certainly look into” bringing the ute Down Under if it meets local standards and pricing. “If it was the right product at the right price, we believe there is some demand for that here,” he said. “Otherwise, it won’t be successful.” Munday’s comments show the balancing act Toyota faces in introducing a car-based ute to Australia, where buyers have historically favored rugged, ladder-frame vehicles. The local market’s preference for towing capacity and off-road durability means the 150D would need to demonstrate clear advantages in fuel efficiency and daily drivability to justify its positioning. Additionally, Australia’s regulatory environment, including emissions standards and safety ratings, could influence the final specifications of the vehicle if it is approved for sale.
Hybrid powertrain and global rollout plans
Project 150D is set to debut in Brazil in the first half of 2027, where it will introduce Toyota’s first tray-backed plug-in hybrid system. The powertrain, borrowed from the Prius, combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors for a total output of 166kW. An e-CVT transmission and a second electric motor enable eFour all-wheel drive.
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The decision to launch the 150D in Brazil first is strategic, as the country represents a growing market for compact pickups with lower emissions. Brazil’s tax incentives for hybrid and electric vehicles, coupled with its expanding urban centers, make it an ideal testing ground for Toyota’s new platform. While the HiLux Champ was deemed non-compliant with Australian regulations, this new model could fill a gap in the market for a smaller, more fuel-efficient ute. The shift toward car-based platforms reflects broader industry trends, where manufacturers balance utility with emissions standards and urban usability. Competitors like Ford, with its Maverick, and Hyundai, with the upcoming Santa Cruz, have already demonstrated that there is demand for vehicles that bridge the gap between traditional pickups and passenger cars.
For drivers who need a workhorse but don’t want the bulk of a full-size ute, the 150D could offer a middle ground—assuming Toyota can deliver the right mix of capability and affordability. The vehicle’s monocoque chassis could also result in a quieter, more refined ride compared to body-on-frame utes, which often transmit more road noise and vibration. However, the trade-off may come in the form of reduced towing capacity, as car-based platforms are generally less suited to heavy trailer loads than ladder-frame designs. The real test will come when it hits dealerships, likely years after its initial launch in Brazil, as Toyota will need to convince buyers that the 150D can handle the demands of both work and play without compromise.
Until then, the patent remains the clearest sign yet that Toyota is serious about expanding its ute lineup beyond the traditional ladder-frame models. The company’s investment in this segment suggests it sees long-term potential in vehicles that cater to urbanization and environmental concerns, even if it means rethinking the fundamental architecture of its pickup offerings.
