The Toyota EPU concept will be shown publicly at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show and previews a new bakkie that will sit under the Hilux.

This smart-looking concept is the Toyota EPU and while there’s been no mention of what exactly EPU stands for, we’re guessing its Electric Pick Up.

The Toyota EPU concept is just over 5 metres long which is fractionally shorter than the current Toyota Hilux. Under the skin, the EPU is said to feature a monocoque body unlike the body-on-frame setup which is commonly used for bakkies.

A monocoque is more commonly associated with passenger vehicles. While not sold here, both the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick have monocoque platforms and we suspect Toyota has been watching those two products closely.

We know Toyota is working on a smaller bakkie (nicknamed Stout) and this could be the first official preview of this model. Right now, the Toyota EPU is an electric-only concept, but given the Japanese giants cautious approach towards full electrification, we’re expecting customers will be offered a choice of internal combustion power, hybrid or battery.

Inside, the Toyota EPU features a modern and minimalist interior and we noticed a yoke controller as opposed to a steering wheel. It’s all very futuristic, but if just some of these design elements are incorporated into future Toyota bakkies, fans will be delighted.

Earlier in 2023, as reported byIOL Motoring, Toyota SA Motors executives hinted at an upcoming model that could slot in below the popular Hilux and likely be built at the same factory in Prospecton, KwaZulu-Natal. As we’vetouched on before, however, this may well end up being a prolonged-lifecycle version of the Hilux (a “Hilux Quest”, if you will) rather than an all-new model (or indeed a unibody half-tonner), but the EPU has given us something else to think about. Watch this space!

Further Reading

Toyota Corolla-based bakkie coming soon?

The latest Toyota specs and prices here