As the compact pickup truck market experiences a resurgence, Toyota is preparing to regain its leading position with the reintroduction of the Stout. The competition has intensified with the recent introductions of the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz, but Toyota’s rumored revival of the Stout has garnered significant attention. Industry insiders have provided hints and clues that indicate the Stout will make a triumphant comeback, offering a range of revolutionary features and innovations.
The 2025 Toyota Stout will surely be a potentially dominant force in the compact pickup truck market, and here’s why:
The Toyota Stout aims to address the issue of reliability, which has been a persistent concern among owners of the Ford Maverick, particularly the 2022 model. Numerous complaints have been lodged with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, totaling more than 144 since the Maverick is a relatively new addition to the market.
The majority of these criticisms have emerged in recent months, and one of the most prevalent complaints revolves around the brakes. Owners have reported that the brakes either fail to work effectively or exhibit a sticking behavior when the Eco mode is engaged. These problems have been consistently mentioned by multiple drivers, particularly at low speeds. Ford has acknowledged these brake-related concerns and taken action by issuing a technical service bulletin to address the reported issue of grabby brakes.
A subsequent review from a driver in Maryland revealed that reprogramming the powertrain control module and the smart OBD module C at a Ford dealership appeared to resolve the brake problem. However, despite these efforts to rectify the brake issues, it is important to note that many complaints regarding the brakes of the Ford Maverick are still documented on the NHTSA website. This suggests that some owners are still experiencing concerns even after attempting the suggested fix. Furthermore, Ford has issued a total of six recalls for the 2022 Maverick thus far.
One of the recent recalls focused on unintended brake light illumination, which could potentially confuse drivers following the vehicle. Another significant recall affected a considerable number of Maverick trucks, totaling 64,974 units, due to the improper deployment of an airbag. This safety concern was addressed to rectify the issue and ensure that the airbag system functions as intended during collisions or accidents.
Furthermore, a significant recall impacted not only a substantial number of Maverick vehicles but also Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair SUVs. This recall, affecting approximately 100,689 units, specifically addresses the risk of an engine compartment fire, particularly for the Maverick trucks equipped with the 2.5-liter HEV or PHEV engines. The recall aimed to rectify the potential fire hazard and implement the necessary corrective measures to ensure the safety of both the vehicles and their occupants.
When it comes to building reliable cars, the reputation of the company that used to excel in this area has diminished. However, Toyota’s reputation for reliability remains intact. With the introduction of the Stout, we can expect the same level of reliability that Toyota is renowned for. Over the past 30 years, Toyota and its luxury brand, Lexus, have had the second-lowest number of recalls among all automakers. Only Mercedes surpasses them in this aspect.
Although the Stout will be a completely new model, it is likely to be built upon proven technology and engineering principles. Additionally, the Stout is expected to share numerous components with the current generation of the Toyota RAV4, which has been in production for several years and has firmly established itself as one of the most reliable SUVs on the market.
With the Stout, Toyota also hopes to address the issue of production capacity. The Ford Maverick faced an overwhelming demand that exceeded Ford’s current production capabilities. This compact truck made a significant impact upon its release, garnering immense interest from consumers. The high demand was so substantial that Ford had to close its order books shortly after the vehicle’s launch due to the overwhelming number of orders received.
Consequently, there have been widespread reports of delivery delays. Many customers have expressed frustration due to the extended wait times and perceived lack of communication from Ford throughout the entire process. Online platforms are filled with complaints from individuals who are experiencing delays in receiving their Maverick trucks. It is also practically impossible to find a Maverick for sale at dealerships due to the lack of dealer inventory, which has made the problem worse.
Due to the strong demand and low supply, individuals who are fortunate enough to discover one in stock would probably have to pay hefty markups on the automobiles. Customers who were excitedly awaiting their Maverick trucks have experienced frustration as a result of production limitations, delivery delays, and inadequate communication. It is crucial to recognize that these difficulties can change based on unique situations and local resources. However, with the Toyota Stout, this should not be the case due to Toyota’s robust production capabilities and its position as one of the largest automobile manufacturers globally.
In 2020, Toyota produced the highest number of vehicles worldwide, reaching a total of 9.5 million units. Moreover, the Toyota Stout is based on the successful RAV4 platform, which is produced in multiple plants across the world. To meet the demand for this compact truck, it is reasonable to anticipate that Toyota will make use of its current production facilities and streamlined procedures.
Another problem that the Stout is set to address is the issue of all-wheel drive capability. If the Toyota Stout is indeed constructed on the same platform and shares numerous components with the Toyota RAV4, it is reasonable to expect that the powertrain options might be similar as well. Currently, the RAV4 offers a hybrid powertrain option that is based on a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that generates 219 horsepower. This hybrid configuration is well-known for its effectiveness and efficiency.
In terms of drivetrain configuration, the RAV4’s base hybrid system only drives the front wheels, much like the Ford Maverick’s base hybrid system. It’s crucial to remember that the Toyota RAV4 also comes in an all-wheel-drive, or AWD, version. The world’s most popular SUV, the RAV4, offers an AWD option, which improves traction and stability in a variety of driving circumstances. Given that the Stout is built on the RAV4 chassis, it is very likely that Toyota will provide the option of all-wheel drive, giving buyers the choice of improved capability and performance.
The Stout will also receive an upgrade in terms of its exterior design. Presently, a common complaint within the compact truck segment revolves around the aesthetics of vehicles like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. Many individuals feel that these trucks lack the desired visual appeal expected from a pickup truck. In contrast, the Toyota Stout is poised to address this concern by offering a more visually captivating design.
The Stout will undoubtedly blend traditional pickup design components with a bold and rough exterior, complemented by distinctive stylistic touches, according to some sources. The classic Land Cruiser FJ45 may have been a source of inspiration for some of these elements, which heighten the Stout’s projected aesthetic appeal.
Beyond its attractive appearance, the Stout may also cater to a broader range of customer preferences in terms of configurations. While both the Maverick and Santa Cruz currently only offer a crew-cab layout, rumors suggest that the Stout will also be available in a utilitarian single-cab, long-bed configuration. This potential option could make the Stout a suitable choice for farmers, small businesses, and other customers seeking an affordable small utility vehicle, further expanding its appeal.
The Stout will also touch on the subject of security. Even though the Ford Maverick is usually regarded as a safe vehicle, there is always potential for advancement in terms of driving aids. Basic safety features, including front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams, are included in the Maverick’s base model. Higher trim levels come with extra enhancements, including adaptive cruise control with lane centering, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. However, such features might not be as extensive or striking when compared to certain other cars in its class.
Toyota, on the other hand, has a distinctive policy of outfitting its base models with a full range of cutting-edge safety and driver assistance technologies. The Toyota Stout is anticipated to continue this pattern. For instance, the Toyota RAV4 includes technologies like lane departure warning with lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and traffic sign recognition as standard equipment.
Furthermore, optional features for the RAV4 include advanced technologies such as a surround-view camera and a digital rearview mirror. These additional safety features contribute to Toyota’s commitment to prioritizing safety in their vehicles, and it is likely that the Stout will inherit and possibly enhance these safety advancements, offering a higher level of safety and peace of mind for its drivers and passengers.
Finally, the Stout will provide fresh competition for the compact truck market. The Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz are the only two compact pickups available on the market right now. However, the Santa Cruz, in contrast to conventional compact pickups, is frequently seen as more of an SUV with a pickup body.
Part of the Ford Maverick’s dominance and high demand can be attributed to the market’s low levels of competition and lack of viable alternatives. Ford might have had to deal with less severe immediate repercussions for any problems or complaints regarding the Maverick. But increased rivalry in the compact truck market will result from the launch of new rivals like the Toyota Stout and possibly others.
Ford may experience a change in dynamics as a result of the increasing competition, forcing them to solve any reliability difficulties more. Ford may need to place a higher priority on increasing overall reliability and rapidly resolving any customer complaints given the increased number of consumer options. Toyota Stout and other competitors will make the market more competitive, encouraging producers to always innovate, improve their products, and aim for higher levels of consumer satisfaction.