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Toyota is notable for delivering probably the roughest and most reliable smaller and moderate-sized pickup trucks. With their standing for unwavering quality, proficiency, and usefulness, Toyota’s little trucks have procured areas of strength worldwide. With over 50 years of experience developing small and compact pickup trucks, Toyota has become almost synonymous with rugged dependability in a truck that can fit tight spaces. This article discusses Small Toyota pickup trucks and compact pickup models over the years.

Best Budget-Friendly Toyota Pickup Trucks for 2023-24

Here are 7 potential models based on historical models and speculation:

• Toyota Hilux
• Toyota Tacoma
• 1995 Toyota Pickup SR5
• Toyota T100
• Toyota Stout
• Toyota Corona Trucks
• Toyota Pickup EV

1) Toyota Hilux

• MSRP Starting From: $31,500 
• Engine: 2.8L Turbocharged Diesel 
• Horsepower: 201.15 hp 
• Torque: 500 Nm 
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel driver or 4-wheel drive 
• 0-60 mph: 9.0 seconds 
• Fuel Economy: 4WD: 19 City / 25 highway mpg
• Curb weight: 4,445 – 4,730 lbs
• Body style: Mid-size pickup truck
• Payload Capacity: 1,870 – 2,205 lbs
• Towing Capacity: 7,715 lbs.

The Toyota Hilux is one of the Small Toyota pickup trucks manufacturers, but it has developed an outstanding reputation as nearly indestructible over its production run starting in 1968. One of Hilux’s champion highlights is its pulling power, which is accessible in two-wheel or four-wheel drive adaptations with standard, broadened, and group taxi choices.

Depending on the configuration, it can carry over 2,500 pounds in its truck bed while weighing just over 3,000 pounds. Its smaller overall size makes it exceptionally maneuverable compared to larger trucks.

The Hilux gets incredible efficiency for a truck, controlled by a 2.7L 4-chamber motor, creating 159 torque matched with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed programmed transmission. Four-wheel-drive models have a two-speed move case with both high and low reach, giving the Hilux profound rough terrain capacities not tracked down in most little pickups.

Challenging development, dynamic dealing with, and significantly demanding dependability under outrageous working circumstances make the Hilux one of the world’s most well-known conservative trucks.

Technical, Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Multi-Information Display (MID)
• Available Smart Entry and Start System
• Available Rear-View Camera
• Available JBL Premium Sound System
• Available Qi Wireless Charging
• Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
• Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD)
• Torsen® Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
• Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (e-KDSS)

2) Toyota Tacoma

• MSRP Starting From: $28,440
• Engine: 2.4L Turbo I-4 
• Horsepower: 278 hp 
• Torque: 317 lb-ft 
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD) 
• Fuel Economy (mpg): 20 city / 24 highway
• Curb Weight: 4,135 – 4,850 lbs
• 0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds 
• Body Style: Mid-size pickup truck
• Payload Capacity: 1,155 – 1,685 lbs
• Towing Capacity: 6,800 lbs

As the best-selling compact Pickup truck in America, the Toyota Tacoma builds on the solid heritage of toughness established by the Hilux. With its origins dating back to 1995, the Tacoma is currently sold in access cab and double cab versions, adding further utility and flexibility.

Tacomas come standard with 2WD, while 4WD is optional, depending on the trim package. A 6-foot truck bed further expands cargo capacity compared to the smaller Hilux.

In the engine, Tacomas highlight strong yet productive motors, giving areas of strength for them and pulling abilities. Most models have a 2.7L 4-chamber motor delivering 159 pull and 180 lb-ft of force, while higher trim bundles move up to a 3.5L V6, creating 278 strength and 265 lb-ft of force – extremely noteworthy power from such a little pickup. The Tacoma still manages excellent fuel economy thanks to available 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions with electronic overdrive.

Technical, Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

• Toyota Audio Multimedia System
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Compatibility
• Amazon Alexa Compatibility
• Available Premium JBL® Audio System
• 7-inch or 8-inch Touchscreen Display
• Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
• Available Multi-Terrain Monitor
• Atkinson-Cycle 3.5L V6 Engine
• Available Dynamic Force 2.7L 4-Cylinder Engine
• 6-speed Automatic Transmission
• Available 6-speed Manual Transmission
• Available Crawl Control (CRAWL)

3) Toyota Pickup SR5

• MSRP Starting From: $14,315 
• Engine: 2.4L 22R-E I-4
• Horsepower: 112 hp 
• Torque: 136 lb-ft
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• 0-60 mph: Approximately 12.5 seconds 
• Fuel Economy (mpg): City: 18 and Highway: 21
• Curb weight: 2,650 lbs.
• Body Style: Compact pickup truck
• Payload Capacity: 1,610 lbs.
• Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs.

The Toyota Pickup was one of Toyota’s early successful Small Toyota pickup trucks sold in North America from 1971 to 1995. Technically preceded by the similar Stout model starting in 1964, the Pickup established much of Toyota’s reputation for building affordable, dependable, and hardworking compact trucks. With up to 7,000 pounds of hauling capacity, the RWD Toyota Pickup was offered in short- and long-bed versions, increasing versatility for commercial and personal use.

Several generations of the Pickup were produced over its long model run, with later versions gaining more power, comfort, and safety features. One of the most rugged was the SR5 model launched in 1981, which had a firmer suspension, skid plates, special tires, and other off-road enhancements. Engines initially progressed from a 2.0L producing 96 horsepower to a 2.4L 4-cylinder making up to 134 horsepower. A 5-speed manual was standard, with a 4-speed automatic optional on later models.

Technical, Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

• Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P)
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS)
• Lane Departure Alert (LDA)
• Sway Warning System (SWS)
• Automatic High Beams (AHB)
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
• Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
• Panoramic View Monitor
• Smart Key System with Push Button Start
• Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS)
• Tow Package with Trailer-Sway Control
• Multi-Information Display (MID) with Inclinometer and Tilt Gauge

4) Toyota T100

• MSRP Starting From: $21,275 
• Engine: 3.4L V6
• Horsepower: 190 hp 
• Torque: 220 lb-ft 
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Drivetrain: RWD or 4WD
• 0-60 mph: 4WD: 9.0 seconds
• Fuel Economy (mpg): RWD (manual): 16 city / 20 highway
• Curb weight: 4,345 – 4,745 lbs
• Body Style: Mid-size pickup truck
• Payload Capacity: 1,690 – 1,920 lbs
• Towing Capacity: 6,500 lbs to 5,500 lbs

For drivers wanting capability approaching a full-size truck but excellent fuel efficiency from a Toyota Mini truck, the Toyota T100 was a popular choice from 1992 to 1998. The T100 stretched the pulling and towing limit boundaries in a Toyota Compact Pickup Truck, effectively dealing with north of 3,000 pounds of payload weight and 5,000 pounds of towing limit. This was comparable to domestic full-size trucks but with the maneuverability and thriftiness of a smaller Toyota pickup.

Featuring an extended cab and a full 8-foot truck bed, the RWD T100 delivered impressive versatility for both work and recreation. Under the hood was a powerful yet efficient 3.0L V6 engine, generating 190 horsepower, teamed with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The T100 delivered fast acceleration performance despite its middleweight footprint.

Technical, Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

• Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Child-Protector Rear Door Locks
• Anti-Theft System with Engine Immobilizer
• Driver and Front Outboard Passenger Advanced Airbag System
• Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Roll-Sensing Side Curtain Airbags
• 4-Speed Electronically Controlled Transmission
• Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
• Independent Coil-Spring Double Wishbone Front Suspension
• Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
• Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering

5) Toyota Stout

• MSRP Starting From: $28,490
• Engine: 2.5L Dynamic 
• Horsepower: 275 hp 
• Torque: 320 lb-ft 
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive 
• 0-60 mph: 8.5 seconds
• Fuel Economy (mpg):: 22 city / 29 highway
• Curb weight: 3,950 – 4,150 lbs
• Body Style: Mid-size pickup truck
• Payload Capacity: 1,500 – 1,700 lbs
• Towing Capacity: 6,500 lbs.

The Toyota Stout was one of Toyota’s earliest compact pickup models offered from late 1960 to 1970. Technically, it was a version of the earlier Toyopet pickup truck but included upgrades to be exported for North American buyers. The Stout featured a more robust chassis, upgraded drivetrain components, and other improvements while retaining a very reasonable price tag.

A 1.9L OHV 4-chamber motor was mated in the engine to a 4-speed manual transmission and back tire drive. Later models increased horsepower for added acceleration and hauling ability while retaining excellent fuel efficiency. Though it was eventually outgrown by Toyota’s expanding pickup lineup, the Stout played an essential part in establishing Toyota’s reputation for being the dependable Smallest Toyota Pickup Truck in the early years.\

Technical, Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

• Collapsible Steering Column
• Side-Impact Door Beams
• Headrests for Front Seats
• Energy-Absorbing Steering Column
• Door Side-Impact Beams
• Available Day/Night Rearview Mirror
• Analog Instrument Cluster
• Manual Windows and Door Locks
• Available Four-Speed Manual Transmission
• Four-Cylinder Gasoline Engine
• Drum Brakes on Rear Wheels
• 14-Inch Steel Wheels

6) Toyota Corona Trucks

• MSRP Starting From: $2,200 – $3,500
• Engine: 1.9L 3R-U I-4
• Horsepower: 95 hp
• Torque: 114 lb-ft
• Transmission: 4-speed manual
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive 
• 0-60 mph: 13.5 seconds 
• Fuel Economy (mpg): City: 18-20 or Highway: 24-26
• Curb weight: 2,500 – 2,700 lbs.
• Body Style: Compact pickup truck
• Payload Capacity: 1,200-1,400 lbs.
• Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs.

Shortly after the Stout, Toyota began offering the Corona compact pickup in 1964. Renamed the Toyota Compact Pickup Truck when the Corona name was later dropped, this affordable little Pickup continued expanding the company’s foothold in North America’s truck market. The Toyota Compact Truck was designed primarily for light-duty, economical use over its model run ending in 1968.

Like the Stout, the rear-wheel-drive Corona pickup had basic features focused on reliability, durability, and cost-effectiveness for basic personal and commercial transportation. A 1.9L OHV 4-cylinder gasoline engine produced 75 horsepower, teamed with a 3-speed column-shift manual transmission. With challenging development, phenomenal mobility, and Toyota’s brand name steadfastness, the Crown minimized Pickup, conveying great incentive for a scope of light shipping applications.

Technical, Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

• Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive Layout
• Four-Cylinder Gasoline Engine
• Available Four-Speed Manual Transmission
• Available Three-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Drum Brakes on Front and Rear Wheels
• MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
• Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
• Available Limited-Slip Differential
• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Emergency Braking Assist (EBA)

7) Toyota Pickup EV

• MSRP Starting From: $41,500 
• Engine: Electric motor
• Horsepower: 240 hp 
• Torque: 300 lb-ft 
• Transmission: Single-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)
• 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds 
• Fuel Economy: RWD: 110 MPGe 
• Curb weight: AWD: 4,800 lbs
• Body Style: Mid-size pickup truck
• Payload Capacity: RWD: 1,400 lbs
• Towing Capacity: RWD: 5,000 lbs

Toyota is also entering the growing electric truck market with their upcoming 2023 Toyota Pickup EV. Still in prototype development but expected to begin production in late 2023, this electric-powered Pickup will be based on the automaker’s e-TNGA battery electric vehicle platform. The Small Electric Toyota Pickup Truck is planned to be a midsize truck offering impressive capabilities powered by advanced zero-emission technology.

Though full details on the Pickup EV are not yet public, Toyota has indicated it will deliver excellent off-road performance thanks to the new battery cell technology they have engineered. The location of the batteries under the load floor is also expected to provide a lower center of gravity, benefitting ride and handling. While the range per charge has not been revealed, fast-charging capacity promises to minimize downtime when electricity needs replenishment.

Technical, Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

• Advanced Battery Management System
• Regenerative Braking System
• Touchscreen Infotainment System
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Integration
• Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Updates
• Enhanced Connectivity for Electric Vehicles
• Battery Charge Level Monitoring
• Electric Motor(s) Propulsion
• Lithium-Ion Battery Technology
• Adjustable Regenerative Braking Levels
• Multiple Drive Modes (Eco, Normal, Sport)
• Independent Suspension System

Conclusion

Toyota has gained notoriety for building small, reliable, and exceptionally able small Toyota pickup trucks. Starting with early workhorses like the Stout, Toyota packs durability, maneuverability, hauling power, and impressive fuel efficiency into trucks of all sizes. Leading the compact segment with the Tacoma, pushing into midsize strength with the T100, and now developing a high-tech electric Pickup EV, Toyota constantly innovates while retaining the reliability drivers expect. For considerable truck brawn in a smaller package, Toyota dominates the small truck game.

FAQs Regarding The Small Toyota Pickup Trucks