Toyota was known for its large trucks, but the company was looking for a more compact alternative. The company decided to develop a pickup truck that was closer to the size of a small car. The company built this truck at a new plant in Princeton, Indiana and launched it in June 1999. It had an i-Force V8 engine developed from that of the Lexus line. It also offered an access cab that had fold-down rear seats and clamshell style doors.
The small pickup truck offered by Toyota is called the Tacoma. The Tacoma is a popular truck and is one of the best-selling pickup trucks in its segment. The Tacoma is also one of the most affordable trucks available in the US market. Toyota also makes a mid-size pickup truck, the Tundra.
There are two types of small pickup trucks manufactured by Toyota. The Hilux belongs to the compact pickup truck category and the Tacoma belongs to the mid-sized pickup truck category. While the Toyota Hilux is available in other markets, the Tacoma is only available in the U.S. market. Nonetheless, both the Hilux and the Tacoma have an impressive list of features that make them desirable in the compact and midsize truck categories.
Does Toyota Still Make Small Trucks?
Toyota has a rich history of producing small trucks. In the past, the Toyota Truck was famous for its compact shape and efficiency, reliability, and simplicity. Over the years, however, as safety regulations and customer needs changed, the Toyota Truck began to lose its compact shape. Despite this, Toyota is still listening to the market and is building new pickups on a unibody platform. The new model could be a viable option for small truck buyers.
The new Toyota RAV4 pickup has been on the market for just two years. It is expected to be refreshed again in 2022 with an updated version. The new truck would be smaller and more fuel-efficient. It wouldn’t be as tough as Toyota’s larger trucks, but would be just as reliable.
However, Toyota executives wonder if the time is right to bring back small trucks. In the U.S., Tacoma sales were up last year, outselling the Ford Ranger, the GMC Canyon, and the Nissan Frontier. The Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick have the lowest market shares among compact pickups.
What is the Smallest Pickup Truck Available?
Pickup trucks are the most popular cars in the U.S., but they aren’t the only option. The Ram pickup, Chevy Silverado, and Ford F-Series are all excellent choices, but there are some who prefer a smaller truck or don’t need the big body of a full-sized truck.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is one example of a small pickup truck. It was introduced for the new model year. Hyundai calls this vehicle a Hyundai Sport Adventure Vehicle, and it looks like a crossover SUV with a truck bed. Despite its small size, the Santa Cruz is a robust, versatile, and highly rated truck.
Honda Ridgeline is another option for small pickup trucks. It has a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 308 horsepower. It also boasts an automatic locking rear differential, an in-bed audio system, and StabiliTrak stability control.
What are the Different Toyota Truck Models?
Toyota trucks come in a variety of trim levels, but most are designed for utility and ruggedness. As such, they tend to have strong acceleration and torque outputs, which can have an effect on the ride. Toyota also offers a selection of more economical trucks, including the Tacoma.
The Toyota Tacoma comes in six trim levels, ranging from base to TRD Pro. The base model boasts the same specifications as the TRD Sport, but adds a few features to boost its performance. It also features an automatic limited-slip differential and automatic traction control.
Toyota is known for its reliability and performance, and both Tacoma and Tundra have significant capabilities on and off the road. They are also suitable for hauling multiple people, landscaping, and other items. Compared to other trucks, the Tacoma is cheaper and offers better fuel economy.
Will They Ever Make a Small Truck Again?
Toyota recently revealed its plans for a compact pickup truck. The truck will be based on the same TNGA platform that makes up its compact SUVs. The company is also considering making an electric version of the truck. The hybrid design will help make the vehicle fuel-efficient.
Toyota is well positioned to sell small trucks because of its strong position in the midsize truck segment. The Tacoma, for instance, was originally a compact pickup truck that was repositioned for the midsize truck segment in 2005. The company’s back catalog of small pickup trucks includes the Toyota Stout, Toyota Pickup, and Toyota T100.
In 1977, Toyota sold over a million models of the T100. It was a hit, as it made the company famous in the compact truck segment. Production continued until 1983. It was available in three trim lines and was offered with a five-ton towing capacity. It was also available with a two-wheel drive variant. It was eventually dropped because of a lack of interest.
How Much is a Brand New Toyota Tacoma?
The price of a brand new Toyota Tacoma varies widely depending on the model. The base model starts at $26,300, while a V6-powered model can cost as much as $37,410. Many of these trucks come with a host of features and options, which will increase the price. To get an idea of the price range of a Toyota Tacoma, check the Kelley Blue Book.
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma comes with numerous new features and upgrades. For example, the screen is larger than the previous model and offers sharper map graphics. It also has more responsive touch controls and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This new Tacoma also supports Amazon Alexa voice assistant. It comes with built-in navigation and a daytime-running headlight system, which are great features for anyone who travels on the road.
The base price of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is $26,150, and there are several different trim levels available. The Nightshade Special Edition Package, for example, starts at $1,000 and includes a dark grille, black badging, and unique 18-inch wheels. A Trail Special Edition package costs $1,775 and is only available on the SR5 trim level. It also adds all-weather floor liners and all-terrain tires to the truck.
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