Toyota’s Compact Brazilian Hybrid Ute Might Work in Australasia
Words NZ Autocar | Images NetCarShow
Toyota is evidently working on another ute to slot in below HiLux. The unibody hybrid design is likely aimed for Latin America and is different from the Asian HiLux Champ.
Evidently South American dealers already know about the new ute, which is due to go on sale there in 2027. It will compete with the likes of Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Ram Rampage and Fiat Toro.
But its point of difference is hybrid power. Apparently it will borrow the powertrain from the current RAV4 plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Underpinnings are like those of Corolla, namely, the TNGA platform.
The ute will be based on Toyota’s EPU concept, an electric ute measuring 5070mm. It’s reportedly part of an investment by Toyota in its Brazilian operations.
Various carmakers have been developing new utes aimed at Latin America.
Ram invested $US400m in its Rampage, which is exclusive to that market. It is part of a $US4.9b investment by Stellantis in Brazil between 2018 and 2025.
Renault is spending $US350m to make a compact ute in Argentina, based on its Niagara concept. This will evidently have a “strong export profile”.
Toyota’s US operations said it would not develop a Corolla-based ute in America, meaning the upcoming model will likely be exclusive to markets like Latin America.
