“A Corolla Can Be Anything?” — The 2026 Toyota Corolla Pickup Has the Internet Divided
When Toyota unveiled the 2026 Corolla Pickup, the internet exploded with hot takes.
After all, who would’ve guessed that the world’s best-selling family sedan would one day morph into a pickup truck?
But before you roll your eyes, hear this out — this oddball actually packs a few surprises.
It’s got a 1.6-liter turbo engine pushing 220 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic and a legit off-road mode.
Fuel economy? Just 5.2 L/100 km (about 45 mpg).
And it still drives like a proper Corolla — quiet, comfortable, and smooth.
So no, Toyota didn’t just slap a cargo bed on a sedan.
This thing was built for buyers who want a truck’s utility without giving up fuel efficiency or comfort.
In other words, it’s a direct jab at the stereotypes of pickups being “rough workhorses” and “gas guzzlers.”
Because hey — pickups shouldn’t only have the Tundra’s toughness.
Some might want a truck with the Corolla’s confidence too.
So… is this cross-segment experiment genius or a disaster waiting to happen? Let’s break it down.
Powertrain Controversy: Is 220 hp Enough?
The most heated debate online is about power. “Can a 1.6T really pull like a pickup?” critics ask.
But that question misses the point.
The Corolla Pickup’s 1.6-liter turbo engine makes 220 hp and 280 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic.
That’s 30 hp less than the Ford Maverick’s 2.0T, sure — but this truck weighs only 1.5 tons, nearly 300 kg lighter.
In daily use — say, hauling 200 kg of camping gear — it feels quick off the line.
The 8-speed shifts cleanly and handles low-speed off-roading far better than CVTs, avoiding that annoying “too-soft or too-jumpy” throttle response.
Light Off-Roading That Actually Works
The off-road mode isn’t just a gimmick either.
Every model comes with hill-descent control and traction management, while 4WD trims add Mud and Sand settings.
Ground clearance is 190 mm, 50 mm higher than a regular Corolla sedan — perfect for gravel or dirt roads.
Of course, it’s no rock-crawler; body-on-frame trucks like the GWM Cannon are still the real off-road beasts.
But for weekend getaways and mild trails, the Corolla Pickup fits the bill as a “light-duty adventure truck.”
Comfort Like a Sedan, Not a Work Truck
Here’s where it really breaks the mold.
Most pickups in this segment use leaf-spring rear suspension, even the GWM Cannon passenger version sticks with a solid axle.
Toyota, on the other hand, gave the Corolla Pickup independent multi-link rear suspension straight from its sedans.
The result? Way smoother ride quality.
It glides over speed bumps instead of bouncing over them, and rear passengers won’t be airborne on rough roads.
Cabin noise sits around 62 dB at 60 km/h, on par with compact family cars.
Fuel Efficiency That Shames Its Rivals
And that 5.2 L/100 km fuel economy? That’s no typo.
Thanks to the engine’s 40% thermal efficiency and low-loss 8AT, it actually sips less fuel than the hybrid Maverick’s 5.88 L/100 km.
With a 50-liter tank, you’re looking at nearly 1,000 km of range — roughly two fill-ups per month for most city drivers.
That’s a huge win for budget-conscious owners who still need light hauling capacity.
Practicality Meets Versatility
The concept is pretty clear: use it as an SUV on weekdays, a pickup on weekends.
With the tailgate closed, it behaves like a compact crossover — fits laptop bags, strollers, and city parking spaces.
Open it up, and you’ve got room for a grill and folding chairs for your next camping trip.
Two versions have been previewed:
2WD Comfort – ideal for urban drivers.
4WD Adventure – adds terrain modes and off-road assist.
Spend another $500 for a bed-liner coating, and you’ll save yourself future repair headaches.
A Few Trade-Offs to Note
It’s not perfect, of course.
Max towing is 900 kg, roughly half of what the Maverick can manage.
So if you plan on pulling a full-size camper, think twice.
Pricing may start around ¥150,000 (~US$20,000), a bit higher than some domestic electric pickups.
If Toyota doesn’t electrify it soon, it could face stiff competition from EV trucks offering over 500 km of range.
Final Thoughts
The Corolla Pickup doesn’t pretend to be an all-terrain warrior — instead, it nails what most buyers actually want:
Comfort, efficiency, and versatility.
It’s the perfect fit for people who commute during the week but crave a little outdoor freedom on weekends — and who think traditional pickups are just too rough around the edges.
At roughly 150,000 RMB, the question is simple:
Do you trust Toyota’s reliability, or bet on longer-range domestic EV pickups?
That’s a decision only you can make.
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