For years, Americans have continued to buy bigger and bigger trucks, which eventually prompted automakers to essentially kill off compacts following a long period of time when those types of vehicles were incredibly popular. When the Ford Ranger returned to the U.S. in 2019, it did so as a mid-size pickup, though consumer demand eventually prompted the creation of the compact Ford Maverick. Since it debuted for the 2022 model year, the Ford Maverick has been nothing but a bonafide hit, making it seem likely that other automakers would follow suit. However, that apparently won’t be the case with Toyota.
In a recent interview with Automotive News, Ted Ogawa, CEO of Toyota Motor North America, shot down the notion that the Japanese automaker is even considering a Ford Maverick rival – at least not an ICE-powered one. “We have no plan for that,” he said. “Still, we are studying in that area, including the electrification movement. For example, the full-size pickup, [full] electrification is not good chemistry with these customers.”
“However, in midsize or smaller size, there is more electrification opportunity compared to the full-size area,” Ogawa added. “So for us, it’s one of the opportunities to think about – the smaller size than Tacoma pickup in the future. So we will keep on talking with [Toyota Motor Corp.] side. The truck area has a very severe hierarchy – size, displacement – traditionally. It’s higher price, but with three classes [compact, midsize, full-size] there’s a lower price, but the cost of more electrification is high. So that’s now the challenge.”
This news comes as a bit of a surprise for a few reasons, aside from the Maverick’s success in the marketplace. As Ford Authority previously reported, Toyota dealers in North America have been asking the automaker for a proper Ford Maverick rival for some time, and the compact pickup counts that particular brand among its top conquests, too, signaling that it’s stealing customers away from Toyota in general. Ford Authority also spotted Toyota benchmarking a Ford Maverick just this past March, too.
However, Toyota isn’t alone in ignoring this prime opportunity, as a handful of its rivals – including General Motors and Volkswagen – have also either canceled plans to build a Maverick rival or have already admitted they have no interest in pursuing such a project.
We’ll have more on everything Ford’s competition is up to soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford Maverick news and comprehensive Ford news coverage.
Comments
I hope Toyota changes their mind about building a Maverick competitor, based on their excellent reputation, they would have no problems outselling the Maverick, just like the Tacoma handily outsells the Ford Ranger.
Except w the new Ranger, and the Ranger Raptor it will be a fight. The truck press has already given higher ratings to the new Ranger almost unanimously.
Absolutely. The gen3 Ranger midsized truck is best in class as was gen2 ’19-’23 Ranger. Tacoma simply had a decade to build a fan base when Ford gave away midsized truck class. That’s changed & so many glad to see Ranger bk! It’s legendary. My ’19 Ranger XLT FX4 crew cab has been impeccable. Def interested in ’25 Ranger hybrid 4wd.
Toyota squandered that oppertunity a decade ago and they’ll spend another 5 years catching up if they don’t have any test mules yet
They did.. plus huge issues now w/Toyotas new engines in ’22 -’24 Tacoma & Tundra + some Lexus vehicles. Possibly 300k+ defective engines in Toyota trucks & few other models. No fix. Dealers are rebuilding low mileage vehicles w/bad engines. Total mess for there customers.
Excellent reputation for 300k+ defective engines currently in 22-24 Tacoma & Tundra trucks. They aren’t a truck company. Never been. Not there expertise whatsoever. Ford dominates trucks & vans of all sizes for very good reason.
I think what the exec from Toyota was really trying to say is; “We were caught totally flat-footed, but I’m not going to admit that I was incompetent.”
Especially since the Toyota “Stout” based on the Rav4 has been floating out there since the Mav’s intro.. And where exactly is Sunbaru to bring back the funky/cool BRAT/Baja?
All good news for Ford… as long as they ditch that horrendous grill and wheels from the refresh.. (psst… Ford, consumers love the Maverick truck bc it looks like a truck. Why are you messing w this?) 💁🏼♂️
Amen
Love the Maverick..it was 3rd model yr tho. Just got mild refresh. Looks great. Too good a truck overall in every way & Fords given it incremental improvements to stay ahead. Hybrid or 2.0L engine can’t go wrong.
Ted Ogawa needs his head examined.
Toyota could’ve made a Prius pickup (with the V, C and plugin Prius) over a decade ago. No excuses for this amount of incompetence.
Overselling crossovers and emotional support trucks/SUVs will inevitably lead to another 2008 crash….
The midsize Ford Ranger is as big as my 2003 F 150 , my 2014 F150 was bigger still , I traded it in for a 2023 Maverick hybrid, I love my little but roomy trucklet. It gets triple the mileage and does what I need.
Phenomenal trucks. Can’t go wrong hybrid or 2.0L GTDI Maverick. Its been fastest selling vehicle in US over 3yrs straight of any category/brand. For good reason. 👍🏻
Surprised Ford’s competitors don’t see how successful it is and like the other readers waiting to see if someone else goes after the market. maybe not enough profit in a small truck?
There’s profit. Not huge but doesn’t need be. It’s giving Ford best truck in EVERY category out there. Not just best selling. Maverick been out 3yrs+ already! It makes more profits than a Corolla or Civic small car. Gets ppl familiar w/brand like those others.