--- title: "Toyota Considering a Corolla-Based Small Pickup to Rival Ford Maverick: Report" description: "Toyota is reportedly looking into building a Corolla-based compact pickup truck to take on the Ford Maverick as its lineup expands." date: "2023-08-03" modified: "2023-08-03" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/toyota-is-considering-a-ford-maverick-pickup-rival-based-on-the-corolla-report" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Toyota News" tags: - "corolla" - "pickup" - "Toyota" --- # Toyota Considering a Corolla-Based Small Pickup to Rival Ford Maverick: Report ![]() You didn't read that wrong, [Toyota]() could be looking into building a Corolla-based pickup as it expands its lineup, according to *[Automotive News]()*. And while it might sound absurd to have "Corolla" and "pickup" in the same sentence, it actually makes some sense, given the rapid growth of the compact truck segment. Given the popularity of the [Ford Maverick](), Hyundai Santa Cruz, and the new Ram Rampage (which is coming to the U.S. market), it's no surprise that Toyota wants its own baby pickup. Especially since the Toyota Tacoma was once king of small utilitarian trucks. It's since grown to fill mid-size shoes. Both the Maverick and Santa Cruz are based on each brand's small flexible front-wheel drive unibody platform, rather than a larger body-on-frame truck chassis. So Toyota would use the same platform as the Corolla and Corolla Cross. When equipped with their respective towing packages, the Maverick is capable of towing 4,000 lbs and the Santa Cruz can tow 5,000 lbs, but the Corolla Cross is only capable of 1,500 lbs. So expect some beefing up of that chassis if Toyota wants to make a competitive hauler. ![]() **Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid** The Corolla is built Mississippi, and the Corolla Cross is built in Alabama, so if a Corolla-based pickup does end up hitting the market, it should be built here in the 'States. If such reports are true, Toyota's upcoming product expansion isn't going to be limited to a Corolla-based pickup. There's also said to be a three-row electric SUV—which would be sold alongside the gas-powered Grand Highlander—an electric alternative to the Camry, and a crossover based on the new [Toyota Crown](). Compact pickups are in right now and, with the longstanding popularity of the Tacoma, a Corolla-based utility vehicle could be a big hit for Toyota, as odd as such a thing might sound. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()