Here’s what we know and what we think we know about the brand-new Fiat Toro Pickup Trucklet. It may be based on the same BU platform used for the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X. It is 193 inches long, (26-inches shorter than the Jeep Renegade) which is about the same length as the Subaru Baja or 14-inches shorter than the overall length of the most recent Honda Ridgeline.
It’s rumored to have a barn door-style tailgate.
There is an ethanol/gasoline 1.8-liter base engine, a 170 hp 2-liter gas engine and a diesel. Depending on the configuration of engine and drive wheels, two different six-speed transmissions are available. There will be a nine-speed automatic available for the diesel model as well. Overall payload is supposed to be somewhere around 2,200 lbs and it should tow well over the Jeep Renegade’s maximum of 2,000 lbs.
As far as we know, the Fiat Toro Pickup trucklet will be sold only in Brazil. It will be a 2017 model and share some of its AWD/4WD systems with the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X. The bed should be about four-feet in length.
Now here’s the interesting part for North America: we (Andre and I) are pretty sure we saw a heavily disguised one testing in Chelsea, MI. We weren’t able, or allowed, to snap photos, but it was an interesting find nonetheless. Rumors of other Fiat Toro Pickup Trucks testing in the United States have circulated too. Tantalizing stuff.
One more thing: If Hyundai decides to go through with selling their very popular Hyundai Santa Cruz trucklet in the USA, FCA could bring a variation of the Fiat Toro Pickup trucklet to our shores quickly. Next year marks the return of the Honda Ridgeline too.
You can read about the latest rumors about the Hyundai Santa Cruz (Hyundai Santa Cruz may be built ).
Is this the long rumored Jeep Pickup truck?
Probably not. We’ve had many indicators that the Jeep Pickup truck will be frame based and share many components with the Wrangler.
Will this be a “Ram” truck? Possibly, but I doubt Ram will reuse the old Dakota name.
If this Fiat Toro Pickup Trucklet hits the market within the next few years, it could be a hit for FCA. It will be interesting to see what comes of this.
Stay tuned for more!
Speaking of the Hyundai Santa Cruz –
worldwide.
