Summary
- There are rumors that Toyota is considering re-introducing their classic compact pickup, the Stout, back into their lineup, showing a clear interest in the growing popularity of compact pickups.
- A Stout TRD Off-Road model could rival Ford's Maverick Tremor with its latest tech and aftermarket upgrades, offering similar rugged features and capabilities.
- If Toyota releases a new Stout model, it could be equipped with the TNGA-K platform, a reliable and adaptable foundation used in other Toyota models like the Highlander and RAV4.
Even though Toyota has yet to confirm the existence, or even the production, of the new Stout, the internet has produced renderings that draw from popular Toyota models including the Tacoma, RAV4, and the award-winning Compact Cruiser EV. The compact pickup space is growing in popularity as a rise in public interest in urban-oriented vehicles that are durable and strong, yet able to operate efficiently in dense or challenging environments grows.
Recently, Ford’s compact pickup entry, the Maverick, reported excellent sales for the 2022 model year of production, indicating a clear interest in the small pickup class, a space populated by compact models including Hyundai Santa Cruz and Honda Ridgeline. The resurgence in popularity which was enough for Toyota to consider re-inserting their classic compact pickup, the Stout, back into their available line-up. And thus, rumors and speculation began swirling online about the specifics of Toyota’s compact pickup and how they stack up to available compact pickups.
Ford’s Maverick Tremor serves as the off-road counterpart to the base Maverick XL and boasts rugged features and “trail-worthy” capabilities, much like Toyota’s TRD options. A likely competitor to the Maverick Tremor would be a Stout TRD Off-Road, featuring the latest tech and aftermarket upgrades Toyota has to offer.
Can A Compact Toyota Pickup Compete With Ford?
Toyota saw success with their larger and more capable Tacoma models, as the Tacoma and Tundra are among the top-selling pickups in America. Toyota’s TRD options, which include the Tacoma, Sequoia, 4Runner, and Tundra, offer upgraded features, aftermarket parts, and specific off-road tuning, known to make them more capable on rough terrain and tougher conditions.
The potential TRD off-road option for the Stout could elevate the quality and range of Toyota, as well as the compact pickup class, as it finds competition in the Ford Maverick Tremor, which aside from the visual upgrades, comes with retuned suspension for off-road use, all-terrain tires, an additional inch of ground clearance, underbody protection, and a locking rear differential.
The 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 250 horsepower, which is on par with the competition in the compact pickup class. For Toyota, the time spent refining their off-road vehicles has paid off handsomely, as their TRD models are historically tough, but since there is no confirmation of a new compact Stout model, all we can do is speculate. And speculate we did!
The likely platform for an off-road Stout would be Toyota’s TNGA-K, which pins such models as the RAV4, providing the dependability and adaptability to outfit the Stout with Toyota’s tried-and-tested machinery.
Considering the TNGA-K platform, we can speculate that the Stout’s base powertrain will feature the non-hybrid naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Dynamic Force I-4 engine that makes around 203 horsepower used in the non-hybrid RAV4. As the base engine, this would serve as an economical choice to compete with the base Ford Maverick XL.
A Stout TRD Off-Road model on the other hand should feature a powertrain with slightly more power to compete with Ford’s off-road Maverick Tremor. This leaves a choice between a 2.5-liter hybrid engine that makes 219 horsepower, or the 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid used in the Crown Hybrid that makes 340 horsepower.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid features a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force gas engine coupled with two electric motors that totals to 243 horsepower. This could also be a strong candidate for a Stout TRD Off-Road powertrain, as it more closely matches the Ford Maverick Tremor’s power output.
If an electric model is to be considered, Toyota would turn to the e-TNGA platform used in the electric BZ4X. However, the e-TNGA platform isn’t compatible with the proportions of a pickup, so Toyota would be likely to produce an all-new platform that could support an electric pickup. That is, of course, if an electric Stout is to be seriously considered.
Toyota's TRD Line-Up Is Proven Tough And Capable
When considering transmission options and speculating which drivetrain would best suit an off-road compact pickup, one must first understand the assignment. Toyota’s TRD line-up has proven to be understanding of the challenges off-road exploration poses, as such, many speculate the Stout TRD Off-Road will employ the TNGA transmission like the RAV4 and Highlander TRD models.
Toyota’s TNGA transmission, by design, has a lower center of gravity, allowing for more control and better adaptability, not to mention better fuel economy. The RAV4 and Highlander both employ the TNGA Direct Shift eight-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission (ECT) for their gas models and an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) for their hybrid models.
If an on-road performance model Stout is to be considered, it’s speculated that Toyota may employ the second-generation six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT2), which features automatic rev-matching and anti-stall functions.
The 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor and the Hyundai Santa Cruz feature a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, while Toyota has recently re-introduced its six-speed manual option back into the Tacoma line-up.
Stout's Design Renders Display Toyota Strong Features
While only speculation, our exclusive renderings of the Stout display design elements inspired by the Tacoma, Compact Cruiser EV, RAV4, and Corolla Cross, with sharp geometric body lines and aggressive facial features. The Stout renderings also show the compact nature of the original 1960s models, while integrating Toyota’s modern off-road specs including off-road tires, skid plates, tow hooks, and a winch.
The Ford Maverick Tremor is able to tow up to 2,000 pounds, with a max payload capacity of 1,200 pounds, noticeably less than the RAV4 TRD Off-Road, which can tow up to 3,500 pounds with a max payload capacity of 1,240 pounds. Speculating that a new Stout TRD Off-Road would adopt a similar powertrain and drivetrain as the RAV4 or Highlander, one can assume that the tow and payload capacity will be similar to that of the RAV4 TRD Off-Road.
Considering the Toyota Stouts of old were designed and produced as tough and strong workhorses, it is safe to speculate that Toyota will approach the updated model with capability in mind. But that’s not to say Toyota will ignore modern performance and amenities.
Modern Toyota's Offer Premium Features
Any new model exiting Toyota’s factory floor will likely include the latest in driver safety and cabin comforts. Toyota's most modern safety system, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), features a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, and more.
Notable Driver Assist Features:
- Lane departure with alert steering assist
- Auto high beams
- Proactive driver assist.
- Automatic emergency braking
- Parking assist function
The latest Toyota models also feature programmable infotainment and digital gauge cluster, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging phone charging stations, and optional JBL premium sound system upgrades. It is likely that if Toyota moves forward with a new Stout model, these modern features will be available as standard or available upgrades.
The 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor also features modern amenities including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the interior aspects seem less premium, as the Maverick aims to make its off-road pickup affordable, resulting in lower-quality components.
Toyota usually includes premium interior features and upholstery on their TRD Off-Road models, with the 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro featuring segment-first performance seats with built-in shocks for comfort and stability.
Again, all news surrounding the new Toyota Stout is speculation, as Toyota has yet to confirm the production. Regardless, off-road enthusiasts are still excited, given Toyota’s quality track record and modern advancements, a modern-day Stout has the potential to shake up the compact pickup class.