One of the most requested topics on my blog has been the Toyota Stout—a pickup truck that would slot beneath the Tacoma and offer a more affordable alternative. For over two years, there has been silence on the matter. Since the first mention of the Stout in September 2022, there have been no updates on its production or plans to bring it to market. But now, we’re finally getting some new developments that are worth paying attention to.
The Stout Trademark in Argentina
Back in September 2022, something interesting happened: the Stout name was registered in Argentina. While this could have been a simple trademark renewal, it felt like a significant move—especially considering the Stout had never been registered there before.
It hinted that Toyota might be planning to introduce this truck to South America, but so far, nothing has come to fruition. The silence has been deafening, leaving fans wondering if the Stout would ever see the light of day.
Toyota Brazil’s Plans for 2027
Fast forward to 2024, and there’s a major update on the Stout’s future. Toyota Brazil has announced plans to manufacture this compact pickup truck in 2027. This news has reignited excitement among enthusiasts, as this truck is expected to compete against small pickups like the Ford Maverick.
Toyota has committed a $2.2 billion investment to bring this entry-level hybrid truck to life. While we’ve been waiting for years for a more affordable Toyota pickup, this might be the breakthrough we’ve been hoping for.
Hybrid Engines and New Platforms
The new Stout will feature hybrid powertrains, with the possibility of a more powerful, fuel-efficient engine lineup. The truck will be based on the ePU platform and the Toyota Corolla’s TGAC platform. This means it will likely benefit from a range of new hybrid engines designed to provide both performance and efficiency.
Toyota has been working on a new family of hybrid engines, including conventional hybrids and plug-in hybrid options, with a starting point likely being the 2.5-liter hybrid engine found in the Toyota RAV4. However, Toyota is expected to prioritize smaller engines, as they are more suited for markets like South America.
Size and Design Insights
During a recent visit to Japan, I got a closer look at the truck’s design. Surprisingly, the Stout didn’t appear much smaller than the Tacoma, although it might have a lower, more aerodynamic build. One interesting feature I saw was a fold-down midgate, which could make the final production model.
The interior also featured a steering yoke—though this is unlikely to make it to production. While the truck’s design is still in flux, it’s clear that Toyota is focusing on making this vehicle versatile and practical for everyday use.
Production and Tariff Concerns
The news that the Stout will be manufactured in Brazil brings up an important question: how will Toyota deal with import tariffs? The U.S. currently imposes a 25% “chicken tax” on all imported pickup trucks, which could make it difficult for Toyota to bring the Stout into the U.S. without significant price hikes.
To avoid this, Toyota could look into building the truck in North America, but finding the right production capacity could be challenging. The Mississippi plant, which produces the Corolla, could be a possibility, as could the joint Toyota-Mazda plant in Alabama. But there’s still no clear answer on where the Stout will be built for the U.S. market.
Engine Options: Hybrid and Alternative Fuels
Regarding the engine, Toyota is expected to use smaller, more efficient hybrid engines. While there’s been mention of the 2.5-liter hybrid engine used in the Toyota RAV4, the Stout will likely feature a 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine.
These new engines are designed to be more adaptable, running on a range of alternative fuels such as ethanol and alcohol—something that is common in South America. Toyota’s new hybrid engines will allow the Stout to deliver solid performance while maintaining excellent fuel economy.
What’s Next for the Stout?
Although there’s still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Stout, we are finally seeing supporting evidence that this project is moving forward. With production planned for 2027, we might see an official reveal in the next few years—possibly as soon as 2026.
Enthusiasts are hopeful that Toyota will finally deliver a truck that can compete with the Ford Maverick, starting at around $25,000 to $30,000 with hybrid powertrains and all-wheel drive. However, challenges like production capacity and tariffs still remain.
