Pickup trucks shift toward 4‑cylinder, hybrid and electric models

U.S. manufacturers are introducing affordable 4‑cylinder pickup trucks for the 2026 model year. The Ford Maverick starts at $29,990 with a 2.5‑liter hybrid delivering 191 hp, while an EcoBoost turbo version reaches 250 hp. Hyundai’s Santa Cruz is priced from $31,350, offering a 191‑hp base engine and a turbo option up to 281 hp. Toyota’s Tacoma begins at $34,040, now exclusively with turbocharged four‑cylinders and a hybrid i‑Force Max variant. Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado round out the list at $35,245 and $34,495 respectively, both offering turbocharged powertrains and substantial towing capacity.

In Chile, the pickup segment has grown from 15.3 % of light‑vehicle sales in 2016 to 20.4 % in 2024. More than 30 brands now sell pickups, with the model range expanding to over 250 variants, including fully electric (BEV), plug‑in hybrid, conventional hybrid and micro‑hybrid versions. Diesel remains dominant at 81.8 % of sales, driven by mining fleet demand, but electrified options are gaining traction as companies pursue lower operating costs and sustainability goals.