TOYOTA'S NEW PICKUP AND SUV WILL ARRIVE JUST IN TIME TO BATTLE SCOUT'S TERRA AND TRAVELER
Just like that, Toyota recently pulled its own Kia EV Day in Europe, introducing a barrage of models to its battery-electric SUV lineup in the Old Continent. Three models have been revealed, including the Toyota C-HR+ that was based on the Prologue Concept from 2022, a substantially improved bZ4X, and an all-new Urban Cruiser. But the Japanese marque isn't just done yet, officially revealing a plan to introduce three more by 2026, including a pickup truck.
Toyota didn't spill many specifics about its upcoming electric offerings, except claiming that they will feature genuine SUV practicality, distinctive design, energy-efficient performance, and optional all-wheel drive. They will also come with the traditional Toyota naming strategy, which it already confirmed earlier this year, departing from the alphanumeric format of the bZ4X.
Electric Toyota Pickup Truck On The Horizon
An electric Toyota pickup truck isn't unheard of. A battery-electric Hilux was confirmed to arrive this year, while a Tacoma EV was previewed a few years earlier as a concept. In 2023, Toyota also introduced the EPU dual-cab EV truck concept at the Japan Mobility Show, hinting heavily on Toyota's next-generation battery-powered pickups. However, the EPU is pegged to be a Ford Maverick challenger rather than an EV version of the Hilux or Tacoma.
The other two upcoming SUVs are still unnamed at this point, though Toyota also hinted that it's considering a production version of the Land Cruiser Se concept that was shown side-by-side with the EPU concept. In the words of the automaker, this "explores how a BEV powertrain might be applied to the most iconic model in the Toyota range."
Going Head-To-Head Against Scout
While automakers usually refrain from talking about their future products, Toyota has thrown a curveball by revealing its plan to introduce its next-generation battery technology beyond 2026, though an exact timeline wasn't disclosed. These units are claimed to be slanted toward low cost and performance, but probably the biggest news is Toyota's reconfirmation of its version of solid-state batteries. Sadly, updated details are scarce for now.
Of course, Toyota is still sticking to its playbook of a multi-faceted approach to carbon neutrality despite expanding its BEV lineup. The new models are confirmed for Europe for now, though we won't be surprised if they become available in the US afterward, considering that the bZ4X needs some reinforcement. If the electric SUV and trucks do arrive in 2026, it will be just in time to go head-to-head against Scout, which, as early as last year, has proven its popularity among Americans with a large number of reservations already in place.
