'There is demand': Mini Toyota HiLux ute on the cards for Australia to take on BYD Mako and Ford's cheap EV workhorse

Toyota's Project 150D mini-HiLux ute project is on the cards for an Australian launch, with the brand confirming there would be demand for the smaller, car-based ute in Australia.

Designed to take on everything from the BYD Mako (or Shark 5) to the Ford Maverick, the new ute is reportedly being developed for a launch in Brazil in the first half of 2027. When it does, the ute will debut Toyota's first tray-backed plug-in hybrid powertrain, using a system taken from the Prius.

That would pair a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors for a total system output of 166kW, while the e-CVT is joined by a second electric motor to enable eFour all-wheel drive.

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Toyota in Australia hasn't confirmed the ute for sale here, it has indicated its interest in it, suggesting it had identified demand for a smaller car-based ute.

Asked if the Project 150D was made globally available, Toyota Australia would have its hand up for it, Ray Munday, Senior Manager Product Planning and Pricing at Toyota Motor Corporation Australia, replied: "We'd certainly look into it".

"If it was the right product at the right price, we believe there is some demand for that here. But it's always got to be about the right product at the right price. Otherwise, it won't be successful," he said.

Described by Toyota in the USA as an "SUV with a bed", the smaller ute is understood to be based on the same platform as the Toyota Corolla Cross.

@carsguide.com.au BYD, Toyota, Ford and more are all working on tiny utes and some may be bound for Australia! Many are similar to the likes of the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon utes of yesteryear @DomtripCars #byd #toyota #ute #cartok #fyp ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

It will be one of a rash of new mini ute products, with the BYD Mako, or Shark 5, also to join the fray against vehicles like the Ford Maverick.

In Brazil, the Mako is a plug-in hybrid producing an expected 175kW, and promising a circa-100km EV-only driving range, along with a choice of two- or all-wheel drive.

Global markets are expected to see power increased to more like 200kW. The powertrain in question will reportedly be borrowed from the Sealion 6 SUV, pairing a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor.