Toyota Stout Compact Pickup Truck: Everything We Know So Far

With strong demand for the Ford Maverick, the case for Toyota's very own compact pickup is now stronger than ever, and here's what you need to know

Once a pioneering presence in the compact pickup truck landscape, the Toyota Stout is rumored to be making a compelling comeback. This enduring model marked Toyota's first foray into the light-duty truck arena in North America back in 1964, preceding the iconic Hilux, the best-selling Tacoma, and the powerful Tundra.

However, recent shifts in the market, driven by the success of newcomers like the affordable Ford Maverick and the luxurious Hyundai Santa Cruz, have redefined expectations. These fresh faces have sparked a flurry of industry whispers that Toyota may be planning to reignite its own legacy in the segment. There's a palpable gap in the market, with the Hyundai Santa Cruz not taking off as predicted and the Ram Rampage not set to enter the American stage. This is the perfect canvas for a legendary revival.

Enter the Toyota Stout; the original compact truck pioneer, that is likely now gearing up to tackle the Ford Maverick head-on. A blend of the Stout's historic toughness and Toyota's innovation could well usher in a new era in the compact pickup sector. As we delve into everything we know so far, get ready for a dynamic resurgence of a legend.

Related: How The Rumored Toyota Stout Could Disrupt The Compact Pickup Truck Class

Recent developments in the automotive world suggest a potential revival of a legacy - the Toyota Stout. This notion stemmed from a report by Autoweb in September 2022, revealing Toyota's move to register the Stout name, sparking rumors of its re-emergence.

Further intrigue was added when Jack Hollis, Senior Vice President of Automotive Operations at Toyota North America, hinted at the company's interest in a smaller pickup. In a 2022 interview, Hollis identified a space in the U.S. lineup ripe for a compact truck - a slot that the Stout could fit perfectly.

Let's not forget, the Stout was Toyota's initial breakthrough in the North American light pickup market, paving the way for the triumphant Hilux. Could the Stout be the chosen model to redefine this segment?

As exciting as these breadcrumbs are, it's vital to maintain a balanced perspective. The road from a trademark filing to a full-fledged vehicle launch is a complex one. Nonetheless, these moves signal Toyota's potential interest in reigniting the Stout flame, leaving us in eager anticipation of the next step in the Stout saga.

Related: Ford Maverick Vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz: Which Is The Better Compact Pickup?

The resurgence of the Toyota Stout has taken an intriguing turn, with virtual automotive artist Dimas Ramadhan visualizing a potential fourth-generation Stout through CGI (as seen in the video). Ramadhan, known for his Digimods DESIGN channel on YouTube, has dared to step beyond the boundaries of a typical Unibody compact truck design.

Ramadhan's hypothetical Stout is far from the suave elegance of the Hyundai Santa Cruz or the simplistic minimalism of the Ford Maverick. Instead, it brims with ruggedness, a quality that lends an unapologetically robust appeal to the concept.

Adding more depth to these speculations, Cooper Erikson, the SVP of Product and BEVs at Toyota North America, unveiled that the team is actively brewing something that could potentially nestle under the Toyota Tacoma in the lineup. Drawing on his personal experiences with his single-cab 1982 Toyota Hilux, Erikson envisions a spacious SUV-truck hybrid that addresses the constraints of compactness.

Related: 3 Advantages Of Compact Pickups Beyond Its Small Size

When it comes to shaping the rebirth of the Toyota Stout, the chosen platform could have a profound influence. Given its likely role as an urban runabout, the Stout's design might lean towards a unibody construction, an optimal choice for city dwellers. Coupled with an optional all-wheel-drive system, it would cater to a diverse customer base, offering better fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs to those who have no need for off-road capabilities.

Toyota's GA-K platform emerges as a promising candidate for Stout's blueprint. Already the backbone for models such as the RAV4 and Highlander, this platform brings with it the promise of a low center of gravity and high body rigidity.

Picture a Stout with a low-set hood and dashboard, giving the driver superior visibility and an engaging driving position. This architecture could also result in generous cabin space and ample cargo volume, crucial traits for a compact truck. By sharing its platform with the Corolla Cross, the Stout could manifest as a dual-cab pickup, ready to leave a unique mark in its segment.

Related: A Ford Maverick-Rivalling Compact EV Pick-Up Truck For Under $25,000?

As the auto world witnesses a hybrid truck boom, the speculated return of the Toyota Stout raises a burning question: Will it arrive as an electrified contender? The appeal of hybrids is underscored by the resounding success of the Ford Maverick, where the electrified variant constituted half of its U.S. sales in 2022. This, coupled with a record 86,000 orders within the opening week for the 2023 model, undeniably signifies the market's electrified inclination.

The hybrid allure, offering enhanced efficiency, lower ownership costs, and instant torque, further bolsters the case for an electrified Stout. With Hyundai's Santa Cruz making notable strides in the U.S., the compact truck segment awaits a possible electrified entrant in the form of the Toyota Stout. A compelling blend of the past and the future could be on the horizon.

Related: Hyundai Has Surprising Plans for the U.S. Pickup Truck Market

In the potential renaissance of the Toyota Stout, a dual-cab layout can be expected, ensuring both comfort and functionality. But the real magic happens when we delve into the anticipated tech integrations. Imagine a new infotainment system by Toyota at the heart of the Stout, offered in varying touchscreen sizes and featuring processing power five times its previous generation.

To elevate the user experience, a new Voice Assistant could be on board, capable of understanding and responding to natural conversations, and offering control over a myriad of in-car functions like climate and audio systems.

Embracing the era of smart updates, the system could feature over-the-air (OTA) software updates for bug fixes and adding new functionalities. Expect seamless on-the-go connectivity with onboard Wi-Fi and Google's 'Point-Of-Interest' feature-based navigation.

Enhanced mobile connectivity could be on the cards too, with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto integration and streaming capabilities for Apple Music and Amazon Music. With these envisioned features, the revived Toyota Stout aims to be more than a compact truck—it aspires to be a mobile tech sanctuary.

Related: Here's Why The Ford Maverick Turned Out To Be A Runaway Success

With rumors circulating about the resurrection of the Toyota Stout, whispers from Toyota's HQ hint at a market-ready compact truck by 2024 or 2025. During an interview with MotorTrend, former Toyota North America EVP of Sales, Bob Carter, coyly suggested this timeline could be revealed at the company's confidential briefing in June 2023.

But what about the cost factor for this new contender? Predictions place the Stout as an appealing budget-friendly option, with an anticipated starting price of around $23,000. This strategic pricing not only positions the Stout as a rival to the 2023 Ford Maverick, retailing at $22,595, and the Hyundai Santa Cruz at $25,700, but also as a promising value proposition for those seeking a smaller yet efficient pickup.

However, the final cost to the consumer could escalate by the time 2025 rolls around, as evidenced by the Maverick, which initially debuted at $19,995. Despite potential price shifts, the new Stout could still present significant savings for those not requiring the capabilities of a full-size truck.

Taimoor is a BS Mass Communication graduate and a seasoned writer with a passion for cars. With over four years of experience writing across multiple niches, he has developed a unique style combining technical expertise and creative storytelling. As a car enthusiast, Taimoor's writing is inspired by his love for automobiles and in-depth knowledge of the automotive industry. He is dedicated to sharing his passion with the world through his writing and inspiring others to explore the world of cars.