10 ms·

Toyota's new $10k pickup

146 points by fwungy 3y ago

hcarrega 3y ago
Waiting for see one technical in the Middle East
- jabl 3y ago
  From TFA: > But Toyota's longer-range plan is to minimize profit on sale of the basic truck, and earn on the upfit potential. Eagerly awaiting the official Toyota Technical.
eschneider 3y ago
Oooh, I would _absolutely_ buy one of these to tow with. (looks like that diesel has _enough_ torque for my needs.) It's become almost impossible to find a cheap pickup truck in the US. Even older USED trucks are commanding $30K these days. If they could fit this out to pass safety regs in North America and keep the price under $20K, it would be a license to print money.
- gottorf 3y ago
  A small pickup, at least with any kind of ICE, is literally illegal to sell here due to CAFE regulations, which are strangely based on the footprint of the car. An actually small pickup would have to be as fuel-efficient as sedans and small SUVs, which isn't going to work out. EVs will work, but not at that sub-$20k price point.
  - nathanaldensr 3y ago
    People don't even realize that the government agencies responsible for saving us from "climate change" are the same ones causing absolutely stupid issues like this.
    - gsk22 3y ago
      Why the scare quotes? Are we still pretending climate change isn't real? The rest of your point is totally valid (CAFE is a textbook example of well-intentioned regulations backfiring spectacularly). But the climate denier nonsense kinda spoils the message.
      - paulddraper 3y ago
        > Are we still pretending climate change isn't real? We are pretending that what the government is interested in isn't climate change.
        roelschroeven 3y ago
        I guess it would be clearer if the scare quotes where around the whole "saving us from climate change".
  - jstarfish 3y ago
    This can't be right. Maybe it is, but it makes no sense. The 90s Frontier is a tiny little thing, almost what a Kei truck is today. Same with the Ranger. An El Camino is bigger. I bought a base Frontier in 2017, wanting that tiny truck but ended up with something the size of a 90s F150. Literally the smallest option on the market, whose weak-ass v4 struggles to haul its own weight (and has the turning radius of an aircraft carrier). Tacomas? I like Toyota but the used market for those is worse than MSRP. And Ford stopped making the Ranger; the Maverick ain't it. It's basically what I have already. How is this the result of new efficiency standards? We still have small cars on the road. Cutting the roof off and appending a flatbed doesn't require a monster footprint.
    - aidenn0 3y ago
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azI3nqrHEXM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azI3nqrHEXM TL;DW: In 2008 CAFE introduced a formula that calculates the required MPG based off of the track times the wheelbase (basically the rectangle formed by the tires). Trucks are less aerodynamic than sedans, so small trucks can't be made that get sufficiently low MPG to meet this standard, and thus even though a smaller truck would use less fuel than a larger truck that meets the standard.
      - rurp 3y ago
        Am I missing something or is this regulation as dumb as I think it is? It seems to have the effect of replacing a bunch of small trucks on the road with giant trucks that get much worse mileage overall.
        aidenn0 3y ago
        It's dumb, but also don't forget that any law that will disproportionately hurt Ford is going to be a non-starter; over 650k F-150s sold in a year. [edit] Ford existing necessitates allowing pickups, it doesn't necessitate forcing them to be large. I'm just pointing out that any regulation that makes pickups unsaleable altogether is not going to work.
        3y ago
- fwungy 3y ago
  Toyota has a small pickup in the works for the US market to compete with the Ford Maverick, which is a huge success. Probably won't see it till 2027.
  - samketchup 3y ago
    The Maverick is nowhere near a success. Powertrain issues aside, it was nearly impossible to buy the $20,000 trim of the truck. Sure you can buy a $40,000 optioned out hybrid version, but a used Frontier or Tacoma is a much better option for a $20,000 truck.
    - jonwachob91 3y ago
      If you ordered new from Ford, you'd get the maverick with your desired options at the advertised price. The problem was, it's such a great truck that the order books for the entire year have closed within DAYS of opening. It's the used ones, or the new orders declined by the customers and then sold by the dealerships, that are ridiculously priced. If you have the time, ordering from Ford is a great option to get a great value truck.
    - samsolomon 3y ago
      It’s been a smashing success for ford. The reason it was impossible to buy is the Ford sold the entire year’s production in a few days. Ford misjudging demand is a screw up, but it’s definitely a been a success.
      - red-iron-pine 3y ago
        > Ford misjudging demand is a screw up, but it’s definitely a been a success. as problems go, that's a good one to have. and keep in mind that covid, economic upheavals, and chip shortages messed with car production hard. labor issues may also be a challenge.
    - local_crmdgeon 3y ago
      The 2024 order bank for Maverick was open for like 3 weeks before it sold out. You might be able to order one for 25 MY if you get lucky + know a guy. It's nowhere near a success because it's so far past the line that it's obscene.
- mesarvagya 3y ago
  > If they could fit this out to pass safety regs in North America and keep the price under $20K And add dealer's markup fee and hidden fees, it will automatically touch 30K
  - rayrey 3y ago
    Gotta have the undercoating
- rewmie 3y ago
  > Oooh, I would _absolutely_ buy one of these to tow with. From an outsider, that's the thing that baffles me the most about the current state of the whole world's auto industry. Sometimes it seems that all auto makers are colluding to prevent any competition based on price, and are instead invested in forcing this notion that the only possible consumer pressure is on seeking luxury features like onboard computers, touchscreens, media centers, etc etc. A vehicle's primary use is take people and objects from point A to B, and do so reliably and economically. The automotive industry is the textbook example of economy of scale. Why are we still seeing low-end cars being sold for small fortunes?
  - swatcoder 3y ago
    > A vehicle's primary use is take people and objects from point A to B, and do so reliably Car longevity increased a ton in the last several decades years, and so "something that moves" isn't as central a motivation for new car sales anymore. If they just need something that moves, buyers can find countless used cars that still run and will keep doing so for hundreds of thousands of more miles. It's tough to compete in that space and come away with a worthwhile margin on top of fresh design and manufacturing costs. So manufacturers, who don't want to scale down sales and production, try to entice buyers with shiny things that aren't available on old models and focus on higher price tiers. And that it coincides with booming tech culture and its fashion/impulse-driven purchase cycles makes it that much easier for them.
    - DontchaKnowit 3y ago
      Dude the delta between new and used cars right now is virtually nothing. You can get a 2012 tacoma with 200k miles on it for like 28k or a brand new 2023 tacoma for 35k. New is a better deal just based on the projected mechanical life of the car. Dont need fancy features to sell it
      - callalex 3y ago
        The projected longevity of trucks is actually going back down again, which is why the older ones are holding value. The modern ones are full to the brim with computer/DRM enforced anti-repair measures so that the dealership can profiteer.
- jiveturkey 3y ago
  What are you going to tow? The unbraked tow capacity is 750Kg. The fact that there even is an unbraked vs braked capacity points to how horrible (ie, not roadworthy) this vehicle is. Excellent farm truck, I assume, or Toyota wouldn't put their name on it. But not something you are going to use on highways in the US, and esp not with a trailer.
ezekg 3y ago
Not gonna lie, this thing looks pretty hot. With a lift and overlanding gear, this looks like it could be a fun rig. (I have no real overlanding experience, only wanderlust.)
petee 3y ago
I mean, $10000 is almost enough to ignore just how ugly that thing is. I just don't see the comparison to the 70 series or Hilux, except vaguely, maybe similar to La Croix's relationship to water. To be clear, I find the effort they put into "styling" it ugly; if they committed and made a utilitarian vehicle without the style-effort, it likely would look great.
- fwungy 3y ago
  It's modular. Doesn't look bad at all when built out. https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-toyota-imv-0-pickup-truck-first-drive-review-japan-mobility-show/?galleryimageid=9682b029-1bfd-4405-a0b4-3d9c700abf94 https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-toyota-imv-0-pickup-...
  - petee 3y ago
    I get that, which on its own is awesome. But even fitted out, it looks like overlanding is their goal market, cause its gotta look "mean." Maybe because I use power tools so often that when something flips form-follows-function backwards, it stands out like a sore thumb -- for example none of the exterior design of the cab affects its use or modularity, yet they clearly spent some time on it.
    - saltcured 3y ago
      In the cab, I see mostly just flat surfaces and simplified corners incorporating the plate glass, all of which seems driven by low cost manufacturing while also meeting basic structural requirements.
    - fwungy 3y ago
      Simple materials and construction that make it easy to repair in developing countries.
- p1mrx 3y ago
  The single-color exterior looks decent, reminds me of a sci-fi moon vehicle: https://www.motortrend.com/uploads/2023/11/2024-Toyota-IMV-0-JMS-First-Drive-16.png https://www.motortrend.com/uploads/2023/11/2024-Toyota-IMV-0...
everybodyknows 3y ago
> The Toyota Tacoma pickup is built in America for Americans and Canadians, to dodge the "chicken tax," ... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_tax https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_tax Yet another regressive slant in our tax system, inglorious legacy of an earlier generation.
- genter 3y ago
  Tacoma is a softer and less rugged vehicle than the Hilux, since people use them more like a car. People in third world countries use the Hilux as a work truck. People here in the US use a one ton truck for a work vehicle.
- xcdzvyn 3y ago
  The loophole examples in this article are great. > Japanese manufacturers initially found they could export "chassis cab" configurations (which included the entire light truck, less the cargo box or truck bed) with only a 4% tariff. A truck bed would subsequently be attached to the chassis in the United States and the vehicle could be sold as a light truck. > From 1978 to 1987, the Subaru BRAT carried two rear-facing seats in its rear bed to meet classification as a "passenger vehicle" and not a light truck. > Ford imported all of its first-generation Ford Transit Connect models as "passenger vehicles" by including rear windows, rear seats, and rear seat belts. The vehicles are exported from Turkey, arrive in Baltimore, and are converted back into light trucks by replacing rear windows with metal panels and removing the rear seats and seat belts.
fwungy 3y ago
It's modular. This is very cool. Too bad we won't see them here. https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-toyota-imv-0-pickup-truck-first-drive-review-japan-mobility-show/?galleryimageid=9682b029-1bfd-4405-a0b4-3d9c700abf94 https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-toyota-imv-0-pickup-...
pedrocr 3y ago
For a farm run around I'd love an EV version of this with just a small motor and battery. Even a simple golf cart costs more than this these days. A 50kW motor and 25kWh LFP or Sodium battery would be plenty and should allow hitting a very similar price point.
- petee 3y ago
  I'm sure you've seen this already (or its numerous bretheren) and it's relatively affordable -- https://electrek.co/2021/10/25/i-actually-bought-a-cheap-electric-pickup-truck-from-alibaba-heres-what-showed-up/ https://electrek.co/2021/10/25/i-actually-bought-a-cheap-ele...
  - pedrocr 3y ago
    The Chinese manufacturers are definitely promising but it's still an import ordeal for a dubious quality product. For now we're making do with some second hand lead-acid UTVs and planning on doing lithium conversions mostly to get rid of the hassle of watering and maintaining lead-acid. But this market could definitely use some more options from the automotive side. EV converting a small Suzuki 4x4 has been on my mind for a while now. That and an EV converted skid steer would be my ideal duo of farm vehicles. With LFP batteries finally becoming more easily available it may become possible soon.
    - specialist 3y ago
      > EV converting a small Suzuki 4x4 has been on my mind for a while now. That'd be perfect. Please share when you do. I was curious about converting a 80s VW Rabbit/Golf to BEV. Starting with a non-functioning car, my wild guess is ~8k. Assuming a ~10 kWh battery, which should have > 100m range. Way more than I need for dog parks, groceries, errands.
      - gottorf 3y ago
        > which should have > 100m range. Way more than I need for dog parks, groceries, errands. If that's the range you're looking for, very lightly used (under 20k miles and less than 3 years old) Nissan Leafs can be had for around $20k, and comes with CarPlay. It certainly wouldn't be as cool as an 80s Golf EV conversion, but it would also be a lot more comfortable inside ;-)
MarkusWandel 3y ago
In other words, a pickup truck! Not a giant SUV masquerading as one, with a 5ft bed and 5-passenger luxury car cab, with price to match. I'm old enough to remember normal pickup trucks, affordable for actual "work" use, with bench seating for three, full 8x4 bed with half ton cargo capacity and not much else.
- jeffwask 3y ago
  I want a 15+ year old truck with this exact configuration as beater for dump and hardware/Lanscaping runs. They are virtually impossible to locate.
  - paulddraper 3y ago
    Yep. Their owners run them until they die because there is no replacement.
    - daniel_reetz 3y ago
      I am one such owner. 1994 toyota pickup.
  - m463 3y ago
    Toyota used to have a pickup called "pickup" that was awesome. Small, light, but a full-sized bed. minimal with little to break - manual transmission, crank up windows, bench seat, etc. I guess they rely on full-sized american pickup habits and creative financing to get folks to buy more expensive and bulkier trucks.
    - shartshooter 3y ago
      My dad bought an ‘89 Toyota Pickup in ‘93 and, between he and I, we put 270k miles on the thing Extended cab, 5 speed manual. It was my first vehicle when I turned 16 and I loved it
    - wkjagt 3y ago
      I think it's what was called the Hilux elsewhere, and Top Gear did a fun part about it showing how indestructible it was (spoiler: very).
westmeal 3y ago
Wish we could have shit like this in the US but we can't because the EPA and regulators are too busy making bank.
- systemBuilder 3y ago
  You're a fool if you think the EPA is at fault. A 2022 Ford F-series catalytic converter costs $824 at retail, much less in volume. The average car in the USA is 12 years old so that's $70 per year per car to have a catalytic converter. Each year almost 300,000 early deaths (1 in 1100) people are prevented by EPA pollution controls. People tend to die about 10 years early from air pollution deaths (MIT - 2013). The return on investment is estimated to be 30:1. https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/benefits-and-costs-clean-air-act-1990-2020-second-prospective-study https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/benefits-and-cost... Air Pollution dropped 77% from 1970 - 2020. Assuming that early deaths scale up and down linearly with air pollution, I calculate (***) that this should result in the average person living at least 3.8 months longer, at a cost of $70/yr, or a rate of $266/yr for a longer life. What rate would YOU pay annually to live a year longer? A gym membership costs at least $500 annually (including travel and equipment) and yields an average 3.4-year increase in life expectancy, but you spend 150 minutes a week exercising which is 1.6 waking-years engaged in exercising ... so the net is $500 annually for 1.8 net years of extra (free-time) of life, or $277/yr annually to live a year longer? === Footnotes === (***) - https://news.mit.edu/2013/study-air-pollution-causes-200000-early-deaths-each-year-in-the-us-0829 https://news.mit.edu/2013/study-air-pollution-causes-200000-... According to a 2013 MIT study the death rate from air pollution is 200,000 per year in the USA, and people die about a decade too soon, so 2M years of lifetime are lost per year. 1/70th of our country dies each year which is 4.7m people. So if air pollution were eradicated from 2013 levels, people would get to live about 5.1 months (12 * 2m/4.7m) longer, at a cost of only $70/car/yr over their lifetime as adults. Air pollution is down 77% from peak, so If I take 0.77 of 5.1 months I get 3.9 months. In 2020 air pollution was already less than half of 1970 levels so the savins are actually much, much higher. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1137375/air-pollution-deaths-united-states/#:~:text=Deaths%20attributable%20to%20air%20pollution%20in%20the%20United%20States%201990%2D2019&text=The%20number%20of%20deaths%20attributable,figure%20had%20fallen%20to%2060%2C200 https://www.statista.com/statistics/1137375/air-pollution-de....
cameldrv 3y ago
I love the flatbed with the flip down sides. I used one of these in Europe, and they are incredibly convenient. You flip down the sides and load it up without having to reach over anything and then just flip them back up to drive. Unloading dirt or gravel by hand is so much easier when you can just push it off the side with a shovel. I've seen this once or twice in the U.S., but only on very large trucks. I wonder if there's some regulatory reason.
- gottorf 3y ago
  > I've seen this once or twice in the U.S., but only on very large trucks. I wonder if there's some regulatory reason. In very general terms, pickup trucks in Europe (and other countries outside of North America) are used for hauling things in the bed, whereas pickup trucks in the US are used to tow things. Not to mention that especially in the US, they're very often used as daily drivers, so the flip-down sides, as handy as they are, are less appealing because they look dingy and will rattle. With modern half-ton and higher pickups in the US, the bed is actually very difficult to use, because the market keeps demanding more and more "aggressive-looking" and "off-road capable" trucks, which means the whole vehicle and the load floor get taller and taller. You basically have to be a giant to actually be able to load and unload things from the bed.
Solim 3y ago
Why can't this become a compact car at, say 15K? (as long as it doesn't look like 2015(?) prius that was the ugliest car of the decade)
- ponector 3y ago
  Prius was a nice car if you compare it with Fiat Multipla.
maxglute 3y ago
No build in hardpoints for weapons? Otherwise amazing. I love how value engineered the aesthetic is.
- chrismaeda 3y ago
  Weapons mounts will be dealer installed options.
- wkjagt 3y ago
  It won't be available in the US so they're not needed.
  - red-iron-pine 3y ago
    pffffff they have humvees in the US. but 10000 Saharan militiamen in toyota hilux models can't be wrong. this model of truck is primarily for Asia, esp. Thailand, so entirely likely they wind up in Burma sporting a 12.7mm MG
Kon-Peki 3y ago
Man, $10000 doesn't get you very much truck anymore.
hedora 3y ago
I wonder how much weight it will carry or tow.
- jiveturkey 3y ago
  750kg
culopatin 3y ago
What is with this site expanding the video once you scroll and covering what you are reading? Who had the idea?
- tomcam 3y ago
  Kyle. Once again, Kyle.
rawgabbit 3y ago
I assume no air conditioning. Maybe heat. No radio. Does it have an outlet to run power tools? I assume the food truck is getting electricity from the truck?
- local_crmdgeon 3y ago
  I wonder how many vehicles sold in Thailand have heat. Assuming it's none?
systemBuilder 3y ago
Ford is so stupid. Is it no wonder America has lost its competitive edge with blue collar workers driving $100k Ford Raptor trucks?
- red-iron-pine 3y ago
  obvious shillbot is obvious. Ford Maverick is a low cost truck and is selling like crazy. Demand has exceeded factory capacity and orders are in through next year. Meanwhile this truck won't even be sold in the US. Blue collar workers don't drive Raptors.
spandextwins 3y ago
If you can read this, it's probably not available for you. So sad.
livinglist 3y ago
In Taiwan, this type of truck is called 發財車 (發財: to make a fortune, 車: car) https://zh.m.wikipedia.org/zh-tw/發財車_(台灣) https://zh.m.wikipedia.org/zh-tw/發財車_(台灣)
HomeDeLaPot 3y ago
>So, Why Are We Sad? I feel like the question in the title is just... forgotten about, lol. I guess the reader is supposed to know it's because it's not available in the U.S.
- red-iron-pine 3y ago
  Toyota see the huge demand in the US, but won't have something ready for a few years. It'll be a Hilux-vs-Tacoma thing. The Ford Ranger/Maverick is selling like hotcakes and Toyota can't ignore that market, esp. with Ford's labor issues and Toyota's challenges with EVs and focus on ICE.
swader999 3y ago
Tempting to emigrate for this.
rootsudo 3y ago
To be fair, in APEC/ASEAN markets, this isn't "new", innovative or unique this is general competition because the Suzuki Carry is the market leader. You can purchase a new Suzuki Carry for less than $10,000 in Indonesia: https://www.suzuki.co.id/automobile/new-carry https://www.suzuki.co.id/automobile/new-carry https://www.suzuki.co.id/pricelist https://www.suzuki.co.id/pricelist So while the news media and everyone on hackernews touts this as "wow!", "Zinga!!" or "I am a ten out of ten!" - this is not as revolutionary as it seems. Everything in this PR material release is alreeady done on the Suzuki Carry as used as a cafe on wheels, or a RV is done with the current Suzuki Carry. Philippines models: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wszDcDfhYF4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wszDcDfhYF4 8:14 one of the most expensive ASEAN/APEC markets, where the suzuki carry is assembled but not manufactured. Indonesian models, where it is assembled and also manufactured https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AewiO-8fnJ0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AewiO-8fnJ0
lamontcg 3y ago
Yeah, give me this truck with just a bit of upsell: airbags, antilock, A/C and a long bed and i'll throw on a spray on bedliner, a tonneau cover and a stereo.
- lamontcg 3y ago
  (Also a chipped key with an ignition interlock if it doesn't already come that way stock)
PeterStuer 3y ago
I'm not sure, but wouldn't the absence of abs and airbags disqualify it from the EU market?
- yencabulator 3y ago
  It says both are options, so that could just mean you get slightly more expensive variants.
tomcam 3y ago
Despite being made in a Mexico they won’t be sold in the States and probably wouldn’t meet NHTSA or EPA requirements. But if you could buy them… I’d write a check for 3 tomorrow. Edit: and CAFE refs per gottorf https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38179829 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38179829
cf100clunk 3y ago
The RV world has a dearth of light, towable vehicles for pulling behind Class A and Class C types. The margins and target audience are not big, but a truck like this would definitely sell into that market.
Eumenes 3y ago
These would sell like hotcakes in the US but no, the US market can only sell the biggest $70k trucks and with the most computerized/electronic crap necessary.

146 points by fwungy 3y ago

hcarrega 3y ago

Waiting for see one technical in the Middle East

jabl 3y ago
From TFA: > But Toyota's longer-range plan is to minimize profit on sale of the basic truck, and earn on the upfit potential. Eagerly awaiting the official Toyota Technical.

eschneider 3y ago

Oooh, I would _absolutely_ buy one of these to tow with. (looks like that diesel has _enough_ torque for my needs.) It's become almost impossible to find a cheap pickup truck in the US. Even older USED trucks are commanding $30K these days. If they could fit this out to pass safety regs in North America and keep the price under $20K, it would be a license to print money.

gottorf 3y ago
A small pickup, at least with any kind of ICE, is literally illegal to sell here due to CAFE regulations, which are strangely based on the footprint of the car. An actually small pickup would have to be as fuel-efficient as sedans and small SUVs, which isn't going to work out. EVs will work, but not at that sub-$20k price point.
- nathanaldensr 3y ago
  People don't even realize that the government agencies responsible for saving us from "climate change" are the same ones causing absolutely stupid issues like this.
  - gsk22 3y ago
    Why the scare quotes? Are we still pretending climate change isn't real? The rest of your point is totally valid (CAFE is a textbook example of well-intentioned regulations backfiring spectacularly). But the climate denier nonsense kinda spoils the message.
    - paulddraper 3y ago
      > Are we still pretending climate change isn't real? We are pretending that what the government is interested in isn't climate change.
      - roelschroeven 3y ago
        I guess it would be clearer if the scare quotes where around the whole "saving us from climate change".
- jstarfish 3y ago
  This can't be right. Maybe it is, but it makes no sense. The 90s Frontier is a tiny little thing, almost what a Kei truck is today. Same with the Ranger. An El Camino is bigger. I bought a base Frontier in 2017, wanting that tiny truck but ended up with something the size of a 90s F150. Literally the smallest option on the market, whose weak-ass v4 struggles to haul its own weight (and has the turning radius of an aircraft carrier). Tacomas? I like Toyota but the used market for those is worse than MSRP. And Ford stopped making the Ranger; the Maverick ain't it. It's basically what I have already. How is this the result of new efficiency standards? We still have small cars on the road. Cutting the roof off and appending a flatbed doesn't require a monster footprint.
  - aidenn0 3y ago
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azI3nqrHEXM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azI3nqrHEXM TL;DW: In 2008 CAFE introduced a formula that calculates the required MPG based off of the track times the wheelbase (basically the rectangle formed by the tires). Trucks are less aerodynamic than sedans, so small trucks can't be made that get sufficiently low MPG to meet this standard, and thus even though a smaller truck would use less fuel than a larger truck that meets the standard.
    - rurp 3y ago
      Am I missing something or is this regulation as dumb as I think it is? It seems to have the effect of replacing a bunch of small trucks on the road with giant trucks that get much worse mileage overall.
      - aidenn0 3y ago
        It's dumb, but also don't forget that any law that will disproportionately hurt Ford is going to be a non-starter; over 650k F-150s sold in a year. [edit] Ford existing necessitates allowing pickups, it doesn't necessitate forcing them to be large. I'm just pointing out that any regulation that makes pickups unsaleable altogether is not going to work.
      - 3y ago
fwungy 3y ago
Toyota has a small pickup in the works for the US market to compete with the Ford Maverick, which is a huge success. Probably won't see it till 2027.
- samketchup 3y ago
  The Maverick is nowhere near a success. Powertrain issues aside, it was nearly impossible to buy the $20,000 trim of the truck. Sure you can buy a $40,000 optioned out hybrid version, but a used Frontier or Tacoma is a much better option for a $20,000 truck.
  - jonwachob91 3y ago
    If you ordered new from Ford, you'd get the maverick with your desired options at the advertised price. The problem was, it's such a great truck that the order books for the entire year have closed within DAYS of opening. It's the used ones, or the new orders declined by the customers and then sold by the dealerships, that are ridiculously priced. If you have the time, ordering from Ford is a great option to get a great value truck.
  - samsolomon 3y ago
    It’s been a smashing success for ford. The reason it was impossible to buy is the Ford sold the entire year’s production in a few days. Ford misjudging demand is a screw up, but it’s definitely a been a success.
    - red-iron-pine 3y ago
      > Ford misjudging demand is a screw up, but it’s definitely a been a success. as problems go, that's a good one to have. and keep in mind that covid, economic upheavals, and chip shortages messed with car production hard. labor issues may also be a challenge.
  - local_crmdgeon 3y ago
    The 2024 order bank for Maverick was open for like 3 weeks before it sold out. You might be able to order one for 25 MY if you get lucky + know a guy. It's nowhere near a success because it's so far past the line that it's obscene.
mesarvagya 3y ago
> If they could fit this out to pass safety regs in North America and keep the price under $20K And add dealer's markup fee and hidden fees, it will automatically touch 30K
- rayrey 3y ago
  Gotta have the undercoating
rewmie 3y ago
> Oooh, I would _absolutely_ buy one of these to tow with. From an outsider, that's the thing that baffles me the most about the current state of the whole world's auto industry. Sometimes it seems that all auto makers are colluding to prevent any competition based on price, and are instead invested in forcing this notion that the only possible consumer pressure is on seeking luxury features like onboard computers, touchscreens, media centers, etc etc. A vehicle's primary use is take people and objects from point A to B, and do so reliably and economically. The automotive industry is the textbook example of economy of scale. Why are we still seeing low-end cars being sold for small fortunes?
- swatcoder 3y ago
  > A vehicle's primary use is take people and objects from point A to B, and do so reliably Car longevity increased a ton in the last several decades years, and so "something that moves" isn't as central a motivation for new car sales anymore. If they just need something that moves, buyers can find countless used cars that still run and will keep doing so for hundreds of thousands of more miles. It's tough to compete in that space and come away with a worthwhile margin on top of fresh design and manufacturing costs. So manufacturers, who don't want to scale down sales and production, try to entice buyers with shiny things that aren't available on old models and focus on higher price tiers. And that it coincides with booming tech culture and its fashion/impulse-driven purchase cycles makes it that much easier for them.
  - DontchaKnowit 3y ago
    Dude the delta between new and used cars right now is virtually nothing. You can get a 2012 tacoma with 200k miles on it for like 28k or a brand new 2023 tacoma for 35k. New is a better deal just based on the projected mechanical life of the car. Dont need fancy features to sell it
    - callalex 3y ago
      The projected longevity of trucks is actually going back down again, which is why the older ones are holding value. The modern ones are full to the brim with computer/DRM enforced anti-repair measures so that the dealership can profiteer.
jiveturkey 3y ago
What are you going to tow? The unbraked tow capacity is 750Kg. The fact that there even is an unbraked vs braked capacity points to how horrible (ie, not roadworthy) this vehicle is. Excellent farm truck, I assume, or Toyota wouldn't put their name on it. But not something you are going to use on highways in the US, and esp not with a trailer.

ezekg 3y ago

Not gonna lie, this thing looks pretty hot. With a lift and overlanding gear, this looks like it could be a fun rig. (I have no real overlanding experience, only wanderlust.)

petee 3y ago

I mean, $10000 is almost enough to ignore just how ugly that thing is. I just don't see the comparison to the 70 series or Hilux, except vaguely, maybe similar to La Croix's relationship to water. To be clear, I find the effort they put into "styling" it ugly; if they committed and made a utilitarian vehicle without the style-effort, it likely would look great.

fwungy 3y ago
It's modular. Doesn't look bad at all when built out. https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-toyota-imv-0-pickup-truck-first-drive-review-japan-mobility-show/?galleryimageid=9682b029-1bfd-4405-a0b4-3d9c700abf94 https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-toyota-imv-0-pickup-...
- petee 3y ago
  I get that, which on its own is awesome. But even fitted out, it looks like overlanding is their goal market, cause its gotta look "mean." Maybe because I use power tools so often that when something flips form-follows-function backwards, it stands out like a sore thumb -- for example none of the exterior design of the cab affects its use or modularity, yet they clearly spent some time on it.
  - saltcured 3y ago
    In the cab, I see mostly just flat surfaces and simplified corners incorporating the plate glass, all of which seems driven by low cost manufacturing while also meeting basic structural requirements.
  - fwungy 3y ago
    Simple materials and construction that make it easy to repair in developing countries.
p1mrx 3y ago
The single-color exterior looks decent, reminds me of a sci-fi moon vehicle: https://www.motortrend.com/uploads/2023/11/2024-Toyota-IMV-0-JMS-First-Drive-16.png https://www.motortrend.com/uploads/2023/11/2024-Toyota-IMV-0...

everybodyknows 3y ago

> The Toyota Tacoma pickup is built in America for Americans and Canadians, to dodge the "chicken tax," ... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_tax https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_tax Yet another regressive slant in our tax system, inglorious legacy of an earlier generation.

genter 3y ago
Tacoma is a softer and less rugged vehicle than the Hilux, since people use them more like a car. People in third world countries use the Hilux as a work truck. People here in the US use a one ton truck for a work vehicle.
xcdzvyn 3y ago
The loophole examples in this article are great. > Japanese manufacturers initially found they could export "chassis cab" configurations (which included the entire light truck, less the cargo box or truck bed) with only a 4% tariff. A truck bed would subsequently be attached to the chassis in the United States and the vehicle could be sold as a light truck. > From 1978 to 1987, the Subaru BRAT carried two rear-facing seats in its rear bed to meet classification as a "passenger vehicle" and not a light truck. > Ford imported all of its first-generation Ford Transit Connect models as "passenger vehicles" by including rear windows, rear seats, and rear seat belts. The vehicles are exported from Turkey, arrive in Baltimore, and are converted back into light trucks by replacing rear windows with metal panels and removing the rear seats and seat belts.

fwungy 3y ago

It's modular. This is very cool. Too bad we won't see them here. https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-toyota-imv-0-pickup-truck-first-drive-review-japan-mobility-show/?galleryimageid=9682b029-1bfd-4405-a0b4-3d9c700abf94 https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-toyota-imv-0-pickup-...

pedrocr 3y ago

For a farm run around I'd love an EV version of this with just a small motor and battery. Even a simple golf cart costs more than this these days. A 50kW motor and 25kWh LFP or Sodium battery would be plenty and should allow hitting a very similar price point.

petee 3y ago
I'm sure you've seen this already (or its numerous bretheren) and it's relatively affordable -- https://electrek.co/2021/10/25/i-actually-bought-a-cheap-electric-pickup-truck-from-alibaba-heres-what-showed-up/ https://electrek.co/2021/10/25/i-actually-bought-a-cheap-ele...
- pedrocr 3y ago
  The Chinese manufacturers are definitely promising but it's still an import ordeal for a dubious quality product. For now we're making do with some second hand lead-acid UTVs and planning on doing lithium conversions mostly to get rid of the hassle of watering and maintaining lead-acid. But this market could definitely use some more options from the automotive side. EV converting a small Suzuki 4x4 has been on my mind for a while now. That and an EV converted skid steer would be my ideal duo of farm vehicles. With LFP batteries finally becoming more easily available it may become possible soon.
  - specialist 3y ago
    > EV converting a small Suzuki 4x4 has been on my mind for a while now. That'd be perfect. Please share when you do. I was curious about converting a 80s VW Rabbit/Golf to BEV. Starting with a non-functioning car, my wild guess is ~8k. Assuming a ~10 kWh battery, which should have > 100m range. Way more than I need for dog parks, groceries, errands.
    - gottorf 3y ago
      > which should have > 100m range. Way more than I need for dog parks, groceries, errands. If that's the range you're looking for, very lightly used (under 20k miles and less than 3 years old) Nissan Leafs can be had for around $20k, and comes with CarPlay. It certainly wouldn't be as cool as an 80s Golf EV conversion, but it would also be a lot more comfortable inside ;-)

MarkusWandel 3y ago

In other words, a pickup truck! Not a giant SUV masquerading as one, with a 5ft bed and 5-passenger luxury car cab, with price to match. I'm old enough to remember normal pickup trucks, affordable for actual "work" use, with bench seating for three, full 8x4 bed with half ton cargo capacity and not much else.

jeffwask 3y ago
I want a 15+ year old truck with this exact configuration as beater for dump and hardware/Lanscaping runs. They are virtually impossible to locate.
- paulddraper 3y ago
  Yep. Their owners run them until they die because there is no replacement.
  - daniel_reetz 3y ago
    I am one such owner. 1994 toyota pickup.
- m463 3y ago
  Toyota used to have a pickup called "pickup" that was awesome. Small, light, but a full-sized bed. minimal with little to break - manual transmission, crank up windows, bench seat, etc. I guess they rely on full-sized american pickup habits and creative financing to get folks to buy more expensive and bulkier trucks.
  - shartshooter 3y ago
    My dad bought an ‘89 Toyota Pickup in ‘93 and, between he and I, we put 270k miles on the thing Extended cab, 5 speed manual. It was my first vehicle when I turned 16 and I loved it
  - wkjagt 3y ago
    I think it's what was called the Hilux elsewhere, and Top Gear did a fun part about it showing how indestructible it was (spoiler: very).

westmeal 3y ago

Wish we could have shit like this in the US but we can't because the EPA and regulators are too busy making bank.

systemBuilder 3y ago
You're a fool if you think the EPA is at fault. A 2022 Ford F-series catalytic converter costs $824 at retail, much less in volume. The average car in the USA is 12 years old so that's $70 per year per car to have a catalytic converter. Each year almost 300,000 early deaths (1 in 1100) people are prevented by EPA pollution controls. People tend to die about 10 years early from air pollution deaths (MIT - 2013). The return on investment is estimated to be 30:1. https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/benefits-and-costs-clean-air-act-1990-2020-second-prospective-study https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/benefits-and-cost... Air Pollution dropped 77% from 1970 - 2020. Assuming that early deaths scale up and down linearly with air pollution, I calculate (***) that this should result in the average person living at least 3.8 months longer, at a cost of $70/yr, or a rate of $266/yr for a longer life. What rate would YOU pay annually to live a year longer? A gym membership costs at least $500 annually (including travel and equipment) and yields an average 3.4-year increase in life expectancy, but you spend 150 minutes a week exercising which is 1.6 waking-years engaged in exercising ... so the net is $500 annually for 1.8 net years of extra (free-time) of life, or $277/yr annually to live a year longer? === Footnotes === (***) - https://news.mit.edu/2013/study-air-pollution-causes-200000-early-deaths-each-year-in-the-us-0829 https://news.mit.edu/2013/study-air-pollution-causes-200000-... According to a 2013 MIT study the death rate from air pollution is 200,000 per year in the USA, and people die about a decade too soon, so 2M years of lifetime are lost per year. 1/70th of our country dies each year which is 4.7m people. So if air pollution were eradicated from 2013 levels, people would get to live about 5.1 months (12 * 2m/4.7m) longer, at a cost of only $70/car/yr over their lifetime as adults. Air pollution is down 77% from peak, so If I take 0.77 of 5.1 months I get 3.9 months. In 2020 air pollution was already less than half of 1970 levels so the savins are actually much, much higher. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1137375/air-pollution-deaths-united-states/#:~:text=Deaths%20attributable%20to%20air%20pollution%20in%20the%20United%20States%201990%2D2019&text=The%20number%20of%20deaths%20attributable,figure%20had%20fallen%20to%2060%2C200 https://www.statista.com/statistics/1137375/air-pollution-de....

cameldrv 3y ago

I love the flatbed with the flip down sides. I used one of these in Europe, and they are incredibly convenient. You flip down the sides and load it up without having to reach over anything and then just flip them back up to drive. Unloading dirt or gravel by hand is so much easier when you can just push it off the side with a shovel. I've seen this once or twice in the U.S., but only on very large trucks. I wonder if there's some regulatory reason.

gottorf 3y ago
> I've seen this once or twice in the U.S., but only on very large trucks. I wonder if there's some regulatory reason. In very general terms, pickup trucks in Europe (and other countries outside of North America) are used for hauling things in the bed, whereas pickup trucks in the US are used to tow things. Not to mention that especially in the US, they're very often used as daily drivers, so the flip-down sides, as handy as they are, are less appealing because they look dingy and will rattle. With modern half-ton and higher pickups in the US, the bed is actually very difficult to use, because the market keeps demanding more and more "aggressive-looking" and "off-road capable" trucks, which means the whole vehicle and the load floor get taller and taller. You basically have to be a giant to actually be able to load and unload things from the bed.

Solim 3y ago

Why can't this become a compact car at, say 15K? (as long as it doesn't look like 2015(?) prius that was the ugliest car of the decade)

ponector 3y ago
Prius was a nice car if you compare it with Fiat Multipla.

maxglute 3y ago

No build in hardpoints for weapons? Otherwise amazing. I love how value engineered the aesthetic is.

chrismaeda 3y ago
Weapons mounts will be dealer installed options.
wkjagt 3y ago
It won't be available in the US so they're not needed.
- red-iron-pine 3y ago
  pffffff they have humvees in the US. but 10000 Saharan militiamen in toyota hilux models can't be wrong. this model of truck is primarily for Asia, esp. Thailand, so entirely likely they wind up in Burma sporting a 12.7mm MG

Kon-Peki 3y ago

Man, $10000 doesn't get you very much truck anymore.

hedora 3y ago

I wonder how much weight it will carry or tow.

jiveturkey 3y ago
750kg

culopatin 3y ago

What is with this site expanding the video once you scroll and covering what you are reading? Who had the idea?

tomcam 3y ago
Kyle. Once again, Kyle.

rawgabbit 3y ago

I assume no air conditioning. Maybe heat. No radio. Does it have an outlet to run power tools? I assume the food truck is getting electricity from the truck?

local_crmdgeon 3y ago
I wonder how many vehicles sold in Thailand have heat. Assuming it's none?

systemBuilder 3y ago

Ford is so stupid. Is it no wonder America has lost its competitive edge with blue collar workers driving $100k Ford Raptor trucks?

red-iron-pine 3y ago
obvious shillbot is obvious. Ford Maverick is a low cost truck and is selling like crazy. Demand has exceeded factory capacity and orders are in through next year. Meanwhile this truck won't even be sold in the US. Blue collar workers don't drive Raptors.

spandextwins 3y ago

If you can read this, it's probably not available for you. So sad.

livinglist 3y ago

In Taiwan, this type of truck is called 發財車 (發財: to make a fortune, 車: car) https://zh.m.wikipedia.org/zh-tw/發財車_(台灣) https://zh.m.wikipedia.org/zh-tw/發財車_(台灣)

HomeDeLaPot 3y ago

>So, Why Are We Sad? I feel like the question in the title is just... forgotten about, lol. I guess the reader is supposed to know it's because it's not available in the U.S.

red-iron-pine 3y ago
Toyota see the huge demand in the US, but won't have something ready for a few years. It'll be a Hilux-vs-Tacoma thing. The Ford Ranger/Maverick is selling like hotcakes and Toyota can't ignore that market, esp. with Ford's labor issues and Toyota's challenges with EVs and focus on ICE.

swader999 3y ago

Tempting to emigrate for this.

rootsudo 3y ago

To be fair, in APEC/ASEAN markets, this isn't "new", innovative or unique this is general competition because the Suzuki Carry is the market leader. You can purchase a new Suzuki Carry for less than $10,000 in Indonesia: https://www.suzuki.co.id/automobile/new-carry https://www.suzuki.co.id/automobile/new-carry https://www.suzuki.co.id/pricelist https://www.suzuki.co.id/pricelist So while the news media and everyone on hackernews touts this as "wow!", "Zinga!!" or "I am a ten out of ten!" - this is not as revolutionary as it seems. Everything in this PR material release is alreeady done on the Suzuki Carry as used as a cafe on wheels, or a RV is done with the current Suzuki Carry. Philippines models: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wszDcDfhYF4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wszDcDfhYF4 8:14 one of the most expensive ASEAN/APEC markets, where the suzuki carry is assembled but not manufactured. Indonesian models, where it is assembled and also manufactured https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AewiO-8fnJ0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AewiO-8fnJ0

lamontcg 3y ago

Yeah, give me this truck with just a bit of upsell: airbags, antilock, A/C and a long bed and i'll throw on a spray on bedliner, a tonneau cover and a stereo.

lamontcg 3y ago
(Also a chipped key with an ignition interlock if it doesn't already come that way stock)

PeterStuer 3y ago

I'm not sure, but wouldn't the absence of abs and airbags disqualify it from the EU market?

yencabulator 3y ago
It says both are options, so that could just mean you get slightly more expensive variants.

tomcam 3y ago

Despite being made in a Mexico they won’t be sold in the States and probably wouldn’t meet NHTSA or EPA requirements. But if you could buy them… I’d write a check for 3 tomorrow. Edit: and CAFE refs per gottorf https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38179829 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38179829

cf100clunk 3y ago

The RV world has a dearth of light, towable vehicles for pulling behind Class A and Class C types. The margins and target audience are not big, but a truck like this would definitely sell into that market.

Eumenes 3y ago

These would sell like hotcakes in the US but no, the US market can only sell the biggest $70k trucks and with the most computerized/electronic crap necessary.