At this point, Toyota 4x4s are both living legends and dinosaurs. For a while now, the Toyota 4Runner, Sequoia, Tacoma, and Tundra have all been a bit behind the curve. On the heels of the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV concept, Toyota seems to be taking a strike at the electric Ford F-150 with its very own electric pickup truck. 

Toyota is stepping out of the shadow and into the electric pickup truck light 

Although Toyota is taking some steps to move into the current age, the Japanese giant is taking its time with its pledge to be carbon neutral by 2050. According to our friends at Gear Patrol, this goal lines up with the Biden administration carbon-neutral goals. 

As I mentioned, this electric pickup truck announcement comes fresh off the bZ4X unveiling. This feels like Toyota was trying to “wet our whistles” for the main attraction, the electric pickup truck. 

Although Toyota hasn’t given us much information at all as far as platform, name, or anything really, this news maybe isn’t completely out of the blue. 

If Toyota wants to compete with the electric Ford F-150, it better get moving

Gear Patrol points out that Toyota announcing an all-electric pickup truck is not all that surprising. Toyota previously announced that every gas model it makes would be offered in a hybrid-verison by 2025. Toyota made a point to say that even the pickup trucks and pickup-based 4x4s will be included in this hybrid option shift. 

To compete with the big dogs, Ford and GM, Toyota knows that electric pickup trucks are inevitable. The Ford F-150 dominates gas-powered trucks, and unless someone stops Ford, it will likely dominate the electric pickup truck market.

Chevy also just announced an all-electric Silverado coming down the pipe. Jeep already announced its electric wrangler, and Ram will likely follow before we know it.

There are brand-new players like Rivian, Tesla, and Lordstown who are also throwing their hats in the ring. The battle for electric pickup truck dominance will be bitterly fought, and the winner feels impossible to guess. 

That being said, any time pickup trucks are involved, Ford has a strong standing. To truly compete, Toyota’s electric pickup will have to stay focused on the electric Ford F-150. 

Off-roading could change forever if Toyota nails this

Toyota is one of the coolest brands in automotive history. Off-roaders and 4×4 enthusiasts have been looking forward to Toyota being a brand that is either more affordable or better value for the money for a long time. The 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra are such cool models, and we need them to catch up with the rest of the automotive industry.

The off-road community is rooting for Toyota and can’t wait to see how the EV and hybrid powertrains transform the brand we know and love. Come on, Toyota. We know you can do it. Keep your eyes on the electric Ford F-150 and make something to give it a run for its money.