Toyota And Subaru's Compact Truck Is A Money-Printing Formula, And It Will Likely Arrive In The US

The latest rumors paint a Subaru Brat as an electric twin to the soon-to-return Toyota Stout light pickup truck.

Toyota doubles down on heritage as many iconic nameplates are making a return. It all started with the 86 sports coupe, which is due for a complete refresh, followed by the Supra, which is also expected to have a new generation. But Toyota's devotion to its glorious past isn't just about its sports cars.

Many iconic truck and SUV nameplates are also making a return. Toyota FJ Cruiser is among the model slated to return, and now, new information gives more details about the Stout pickup truck. Interestingly, the latest bits of information come from the Australian publication, Cars Guide, which speaks of a compact truck co-developed with Subaru, and it could mean the Brat's return to the US market.

Partnership with Subaru

Toyota has been partnering with other companies for its more exciting models. In recent years, this has become more prevalent. Last year, Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru announced a partnership, which promises exciting new powertrains. Yes, that includes BEVs.

Toyota's benchmarking of existing compact pickup trucks was the writing on the wall

Last year, I reported on Toyota benchmarking competitor vehicles, and this aligns perfectly with the rumors of a new Stout pickup truck. Toyota was spotted testing the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz at its technical center in Michigan, so a Toyota light-duty truck is definitely in the works.

Rumors about EV, but Hybrid is more likely

Toyota EPU Concept previews the rebirth of the Toyota Stout light pickup truck

Here's where things don't add up. The revived Toyota Stout and its potential twin in the form of the Subaru Brat are rumored to be EV models, but I have reason to believe it won't be. Back in December 2021, when Toyota introduced a wide variety of concept cars, we thought Toyota would fully commit to all-electric vehicles.

Fortunately, this was not the case, and so far, most of these concept models have transitioned nicely into hybrid or ICE-powered production models. Moreover, Toyota's benchmarking of the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz – both of which are not EVs (Maverick can be had as a hybrid) - suggests the Japanese pickup truck will feature a familiar hybrid or internal combustion powertrain. Possibly both.

Toyota continues to use the 2.5-liter Dynamic Force engine in a wide variety of models – nowadays, almost exclusively in hybrid mode – so I expect this to make it into the Stout/ Brat trucks. Toyota has developed two new engines that will replace most of the company's existing powerplants, but I don't think either of them will be featured in this new light pickup truck.

The 1.5-liter engine is just too small, and the Stout/ Brat will not be competitive enough. The 2.0-liter turbo-four model could be featured in a range-topping variant, like a GR Stout, for example.

Both Japanese trucks carry a long legacy. The Toyota Stout was in production between 1954 and 1989, but some export markets continued getting the small pickup truck until 2000. The Subaru Brat is a slightly younger model, being produced between 1978 and 1994, with production for the US ending in 1989.

The Subaru model was more of a Ute than a fully-fledged pickup truck, as it was based on the Subaru Leone station wagon, while earlier Toyota Stout models shared a platform with the Toyota Dyna cab-over light truck, which was never sold in the US.

Given the history of the two models and what models Toyota is looking to compete with, the Stout and Brat will feature a unibody platform rather than a body-on-frame chassis. These will be "lifestyle pickup trucks” rather than rugged, go-anywhere type of vehicles.

Looking at the Toyota EPU dimensions (the concept, which previews the Stout and potentially, the Brat), the total length of 199.6 inches (5,070 mm) puts it right around the neighborhood of the Ford Maverick (199.8 inches/ 200.6 for the Tremor) and Hyundai Cruz (195.7 inches).

Pricing and manufacturing

While it is too early to talk about pricing, the Stout/ Brat twins will likely have a starting price in the low $30,000. It will compete with the Ford Maverick (starting MSRP $29,840) and the Hyundai Santa Cruz (starting MSRP $30,200).

With the 25 percent tariff on light trucks imported to the US, the real question is where the Toyota and Subaru light pickup trucks will be produced? Currently, Toyota has 11 factories in the US while Subaru has only one – in Lafayette, Indiana. Toyota's plant at Princeton, Indiana, is a likely candidate as the similarly sized Toyota Grand Highlander is made there.

What do you think of Toyota and Subaru teaming up to make a light pickup truck? What engines would you like to see in the Stout and Brat models? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: Toyota EPU Press release

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