The Toyota Stout can’t afford the same mistakes as the Tundra

These days, the pressure to launch new pickups is high. Some will say that Toyota made a mistake with the new Tundra and Tacoma, but at least they have a reliable reputation to fall back on. However, the Toyota Stout is basically starting from scratch.

Toyota Stout can’t start due to problems

Remember the old Toyota Stout? It was a compact pickup truck that was discontinued in 1989. However, it could be returning from the grave in 2025 as a mini pickup to compete with the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the even more popular Ford Maverick.

However, Toyota cannot afford any mistakes with its new small but powerful pickup truck. For example, the Toyota Tundra was redesigned in 2022 and launched a new generation.

But it came with mechanical and quality issues that disappointed an entire fan base. Engine problems included a possible loss of power and unexpected vehicle movement.

There were electrical system problems to fix, a fuel leak that increased the risk of fire, electronic failures, trim pieces that fell off, and a separation of the half-shaft.

The 2021 Tundra earned a reliability rating of 86 out of 100 from JDPower, but the 2022 model scored 70. That’s a 16-point drop. Scores between 70 and 80 are average, while scores between 81 and 90 are above average.

The 2023 Ford Maverick scored 85, and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz scored 84. So, when the Stout finally arrives, it will be quite late. Both trucks have already had time to establish themselves as reliable options.

Toyota Motor North America executive Jack Hollis said a new compact pickup truck could be coming soon. It could be a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or electric model, but I’m still holding out hope for a traditional gasoline engine.

It could be similar to the 2022 EPU compact truck concept. However, it would adopt a distinctive American style for the Stout name.

Other rumors suggest it will be based on the Toyota RAV4. It could have the RAV4’s 2.5-liter inline-four engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque or the Highlander’s 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

Following this route could reduce the risk of the Stout arriving with damaging problems. Stay tuned for updates.