On the heels of rampant interest in Slate Auto, Toyota is considering smaller trucks for the US
With new vehicle prices spiking to $48,699 in April, the auto market appears primed for some lower-cost alternatives. And, as evidenced by the appetite for Slate Auto’s $27,000 electric pickup, consumer demand is there.
That interest is likely why Toyota’s looking into offering a smaller, lower-cost pickup truck in the US, according to reporting by Bloomberg.
Toyota execs interviewed by Bloomberg implied that smaller trucks were being seriously considered, but no timing was given. Whether the demand is there or not, tariffs are likely causing the world’s largest automaker to think carefully about any additional spending. Earlier this month, Toyota said it’s expecting a $1.2 billion tariff hit for April and May alone.
Ford has already had some success with its smaller Maverick trucks, which have a starting price of just over $28,000. Maverick sales surged 39% in 2024 from the year before, and made up 13% of the company’s truck sales in the first quarter.
Toyota execs interviewed by Bloomberg implied that smaller trucks were being seriously considered, but no timing was given. Whether the demand is there or not, tariffs are likely causing the world’s largest automaker to think carefully about any additional spending. Earlier this month, Toyota said it’s expecting a $1.2 billion tariff hit for April and May alone.
Ford has already had some success with its smaller Maverick trucks, which have a starting price of just over $28,000. Maverick sales surged 39% in 2024 from the year before, and made up 13% of the company’s truck sales in the first quarter.
