RAV4 Pickup Rumors

The Potential RAV4 Truck

If talking about new and exciting vehicles, Toyota might have something in the pipeline that could stir the pot among pickup enthusiasts. While the company hasn’t completely spilled the beans, Toyota’s brass is toying with the idea of a downsized pickup, potentially slotting beneath their already popular Tacoma. The buzz around this is kicked into gear by the 2023 fully electric EPU concept — a compact pickup that may add a fresh face to Toyota’s lineup.

Design Concepts

In the world of vehicular design, dreamers like Digimods Design and Theophilus Chin have created renderings of what a RAV4-inspired pickup might look like. Using the 2026 RAV4 Adventure trim as a base, these artists play with SUV-like aesthetics, painting a picture of an SUV-pickup hybrid with unique flair.

The Adventure trim hints at what’s possible: blacked-out accents, a bolder bumper, a larger grille, and maybe an aggressive skid plate, making a visually stunning backdrop for a pickup. This rugged design could set the new model apart from a standard SUV or even the RAV4 GR-Sport.

Traditional vs Unibody

The debate here hinges on whether Toyota will pursue a traditional ladder-frame platform or opt for the modern unibody approach seen in models like the Ford Maverick. The traditional setup, known for its robustness, might cater to the off-road crowd, offering better towing capability. However, a unibody frame could present a more budget-friendly, city-friendly truck.

Unibody trucks have already made their mark — think Hyundai Santa Cruz or Ford’s Maverick — aimed at those needing practicality without sacrificing comfort. These models bring enough muscle for everyday tasks and often feature a more agile ride and compelling fuel economy.

A Look Under the Hood

If leveraging the current RAV4, this new truck might tap into the TNGA-K platform, shared with other Toyota models. It’s versatile enough to house hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and gasoline powertrains. In its plug-in hybrid form, the RAV4 can produce around 320 horsepower, giving the potential pickup decent power to play with.

For an all-electric variant, range considerations play a significant role. Bulkier build impacts aerodynamics, thus electric range could take a hit, a crucial factor to mull over if electrification is part of the plan.

The Driving Experience

In terms of drive, expectations can be drawn from both existing concepts and rivals in this emerging segment. A unibody pickup is likely to provide a car-like ride with the added cargo versatility, potentially making a cross between a spacious SUV and a handy truck. This wouldn’t be just a utility vehicle but one that balances everyday errands with a weekend getaway, suitable for small businesses or anyone with an active lifestyle.

Basing perceptions on the RAV4’s current driving dynamics, one could imagine a pickup derivative offering a smooth but stable ride, keen on handling urban streets more than mud trails. Yet, should Toyota lean more towards a rugged ladder-frame construction akin to the Tacoma, truly going off-road becomes a distinct possibility, where performance challenges rivals like the old-school FJ Cruiser.

Would a new RAV4 pickup be the one to watch, or could it reignite nostalgia with something more akin to a modern FJ Cruiser? Each route has a distinct charm. The choice could sway depending on whether city folks or off-road adventurers are the target audience.