Featured Toyota Stout to Return?

I know, I know, what the heck is the Toyota Stout? Well it's not the dark beer version of a Toyota but a really small light truck that was sold in North America between 1964 and 1969 with a 1.9L engine. It is a rare vehicle that occasionally is seen at classic car shows. It was sold worldwide from 1960 to 2000 and was succeeded by the Hilux in Europe.

When it was sold it was about the size and weight of the RAV4. Apparently Toyota wants to reintroduce this as a compact pickup based on the RAV4 so it'll use the TNGA-K platform. The popularity of the Ford Maverick caught Toyota by surprise and they are looking to see if they can slot this under the Tacoma. It may not be called the Stout, but since Toyota has not copyrighted a new pickup truck name it may get the name dusted off like the Crown. Supposedly it'll be introduced in 2023 as a 2024 model. Odds are it will be a totally hybridized line like the Crown, Sienna and Venza since the Ford Maverick is available as a hybrid. Will it use the Hybrid Max or i-Force Max or the standard THS II?

Toyota Is Reportedly Launching a New Truck, To Compete Against RAV4's Fiercest Threat | Torque News

 

From Australia, the Toyota Stout is also being mentioned as a possible compact pickup for that country. Let's see if @alanclarkeau can remember seeing the Stout. They're saying it may not happen until 2025, but are quoting Toyota officials who say there may be room below the Tacoma. I'd say there's probably room, because my Tacoma is longer than the Sequoia by 7.2 inches (183 mm).

2025 Toyota Stout: Old badge could be revived for new ute – report - Drive

 

Now that Toyota is targeting the next gen 4Runner and Tacoma for the TNGA-F, Toyota may be trying to figure out if the market wants a small rugged off-road body-on-frame (TNGA-F) or more general unibody (TNGA-K). If they make it the same general size as the RAV4, it won't be able to tow as much as a Tacoma because of its lighter targeted weight and size even if it is body-on-frame. So why not TNGA-K and make it AWD like the Venza and Crown only with a more powerful rear motor like the RX 500h or Crown Platinum.

If they do decide to go TNGA-K this won't be the first time a hybrid pickup was visualized by Toyota. Back in 2007 we had a heck of a thread going on about the A-BAT (designed by CALTY) that was very futuristic but never went to fruition.
A-BAT - inspired by Prius | PriusChat

 

You should read some of the Consumer Reports reviews and ratings for the Tacoma. It's never broke out of the low 50's for a score. Last review was for the 2022 model: "Though the truck is as tough as nails and delivers impressive off-road prowess, it's primitive. The ride is stiff, and handling is ponderous."

Ready for round 3?