2008 Detroit Auto Show: Toyota A-BAT Hybrid Pickup Concept

• Looks like: A Toyota-fied Honda Ridgeline
• Defining characteristics: Strange proportions, small bed, hybrid engine
• Ridiculous features: Pull-out drawer hidden behind rear bumper
• Chance of being mass-produced: Decent. There’s a tiny niche for small trucks and a growing one for hybrids

It has a hybrid powertrain. It’s shorter than a Toyota RAV4. And it’s able to leap into the high-occupancy vehicle lane in a single bound! That’s right: It’s the Toyota A-BAT concept. This is Toyota’s first glimpse at retaking the compact pickup segment, a niche almost no one plays in these days. However, with a hybrid powerplant, perhaps Toyota sees this body style as one that will draw in status seekers much like the Prius did the past few years.

Why a compact truck? We’re not sure. Sales certainly don’t support the ones currently on the market and Suzuki is already planning a standard gasoline compact pickup for 2009. But this is a concept folks; let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

The A-BAT has a small four-foot long truck bed that can expand to six-feet with the midgate lowered and eight-feet with both the midgate and tailgate lowered. A sliding drawer underneath the bed can be accessed even with the tailgate up. You’ll have to see the photo of that one. There are also solar panels on top of the dash turning it into an energy generator instead of a place to melt sunglasses.

The more we think about it the more the A-BAT might make sense. The four-cylinder hybrid powerplant would have to be peppier than the one in the Prius, but as a concept the A-BAT does plenty to win us over. More photos below.

Comments

[Trevor]

I imagine this is what would result from a high speed collision between a Honda Ridgeline, a Toyota FJ, and a Subaru Baja. I'm not surprised at all that Toyota is leading the way on rethinking the compact truck segment entirely. I'm not deeply impressed with Toyota's overall quality on some of their models, however from a business perspective it's clear Toyota is a leader and a innovator where as GM and Ford are followers (at best). Articles like this is why Cars.com is heads and tails above other car sites.

"Articles like this is why Cars.com is heads and tails above other car sites."

really, I like Cars.com too. But edmunds had this yesterday. I have to disagree that this is the best car site. The easiest to use, yes. best, sorry, no.

[Dave T.]

Edmunds had it yesterday because they have different rules on embargoed materials than we do. We wait until all materials are official so as not to get information wrong. We're not an enthusiast publication and don't try to be. We try to present the information in a useful way. We beat them on many news items routinely and they beat us from time to time too. But this isn't a very good example of that either way.

[johnny t]

this is okay. the compact truck needs a comback. how have we gotten so far from such a popular segment; i mean, didn't mini trucks start the current customization fad in compact cars?

[Roger]

Dave,
I couldn't agree with you more. The one thing that ticks me off about Edmunds is their info is not always accurate. Twice I got a unpleasant surprise when purchasing cars because their rebate info was incorrect. For my last two purchases I relied on Cars.com and was not let down. I generally will use both sites, however if I had to use just one it would be Cars.com hands-down.

[Graham]

Are Toyota deliberately trying to eliminate all windows from their vehicles? Every succeeding design from Toyota has less and less visibility.

[LM]

They should build it as-is concerning the interior. I love it and would try and get one if they made it just like it is in the concept. Too bad they lose their cajones when it comes to production time.

If we're going to comment on cars.com quality, I'd like to share an opinion.

I've found Autoblog.com. It's a great source for all car news and information. The comment moderators are laid back for normal people, and the reviewers and reporters aren't biased between particular products, domestic or import, etc etc. It's straight facts and information.

Thanks,
Dan the Man

[Tyven]

Autoblog.com is an ok site if you are mainly interested in two things: 1. info about events related to cars, 2. cars that are only available overseas.
Personally I think the site is a waste of time and I find the quality of info suspect. Definitely not in the same class as Cars.com and Edmunds.

[Dave T]

Dan,
You're talking to the original editor of Autoblog right here. It is still a great site. Again, aimed more at the enthusiast. we try and keep things aimed at consumers on Cars.com and all its related sites.

Thanks for the positive comments guys and feel free to let us know when we do something wrong or what we can improve on.

[howdy]

Looks cool. If I can gut a pig on the tailgate or the pullout table, then I'm all for it. Just keep it under $30K or no one will buy it. Build it sturdy!! Make the tailgate structurally sound so I can jump up and down on the middle without it bending. The Taco's tailgate is built like a paper doll so they added some BS stiffeners in early '07. Just do it right in the first place.

[Ken L.]

Toyota should definitely build this to compete with the Ridgeline. Once again, it’s a niche market, but will let Toyota expand its offerings and re-ignite the compact and then the mid-size pick up truck market. I truly believe being clever with their configurations and offerings will entice additional buyers in this market.

Now, as for cars.com. What can I say? It’s the one and only auto site that I visit religiously on an almost daily basis since my college years. I still remember when this site only offered brief news on the auto industry; the material would not even stay on for longer than a day. There were no pictures, only text and Auto.com was part of Knight Ridder. Actually, I still type auto.com to get here. It has certainly evolved over the decade. Like Dave said, it’s become more focused on consumers. I like it, in fact, I love even more when we were allowed to blog on the daily postings. You may agree, you may disagree, but now you can let it be known. The bloggers also make this site interesting; there are college students, engineers, blue/white collar workers, enthusiasts, young, old, males, females, etc., etc. I am certainly looking forward to reading all the daily auto news for many more years to come. Thanks for making my life more interesting.

[Pero Olaf]

Can you spell failure Honda Ridgeline? After the first few month when the trendy people buy them and the fad is gone, they don't sell well, like the new FJ.

[Troy in Ft Walton Beach]

Pero Olaf,

I see Ridgelines all over the place. If it was a trend, it caught on. Look what Toyota is making. Afterall, when's the last time you saw some real creativity in a pickup truck? Who else has an inbed trunk, swing out tailgate, composite bed, independent suspension, Uni-body with boxed "truck" frame, RT4WD, rear seats that fold up, 5 star crash rating and Motor Trend Truck of the Year. I'll go ahead and answer for you. No-one.

Trucks are changing. I think the A-Bat will be produced, sell well and further change the truck industry just like the Ridgeline did.

[Commodore]

Gross.

Graham - yes, it is a cost saving measure

I'd rather have a truck that isn't based off the Honda minivan...

Who else has an inbed trunk, swing out tailgate, composite bed, independent suspension, Uni-body with boxed "truck" frame, RT4WD, rear seats that fold up, 5 star crash rating and Motor Trend Truck of the Year.

Troy,

The inbed trunk isn't that great of an idea...after all, it houses a DONUT! The swing out tailgate is useless. It's based off a minivan, and the Chevy Silverado has Fold Up seats, 5 star crash rating and it is Truck of the Year.

Oh and just little nick picks...5 year 100k powertrain warranty, more technical features, an actual v8 with better gas mileage and a interior that is light years ahead of typical honda rat fur.

I am by no means attacking any Honda Vehicle, but you can't state that it is a superior vehicle in the truck market alone and not mention others that shine brighter..

[Troy in Ft Walton Beach]

There sure are lots of Ridgeline haters here. Change is so hard for some people to accept. To the last poster (to lazy to post a user name), you're mis-informed. The Ridgeline is actually "loosely" based on the Pilot.

Here's how to get smarter:

http://automobiles.honda.com/ridgeline/

[Dan the Man]

Troy,

I hope you're still in the spirit to become more educated.

'The midsize Ridgeline is Honda’s first pickup truck and is based on a car-like unibody structure that it shares with the Pilot SUV and Odyssey minivan."

http://www.forbesautos.com/reviews/2007/honda/ridgeline/

And for the record, when you type in your "NAME" in the "NAME" box, don't put your location, you're not impressing anyone.

Have a great day!
Dan the Man :)

[Troy in Ft Walton Beach]

I had 5 people in my Ridgeline this weekend. It rained. You'd better belive the inbed trunk came in handy when all of our cargo was kept high and dry while 5 passengers sat comfortably in the minivan like interior.

A simple swing of the tailgate and access to the inbed trunk was easily accessed by even the short statured people in the party. No need to telescope ones arms to load things in the bed "over the tailgate"

To the nameless poster who is obviously GM all the way, you should really plant your cheeks in the seat of a Ridge to see how a Truck should drive, ride and handle on/off road. If you don't mind, can you please share some of those more technological features of the Silverado with me? I'm unaware... And about this interior... What's lightyears ahead? Does the base model Silverado have a hidden console between the front seats (the front half of the console slides forward), rear AC vents, trunk release in the glove box (oh yeah, no trunk in the Silverado), 6 dual stage airbags, rear locking diff button, cargo lights switch, Stability control on/off switch, roll over sensor and sliding rear glass window? Oh yeah... a Maintenance minder that tells you how much oil life is left before an oil change is due, 6 speaker stock sound system, courtesy lights on the bottom of all doors, standard all weather floormats, integrated in the roof anntenna?

I'm a previous Silverado owner. Sure, it had a V8. It did guzzle the gas too (17 on the highway on a good day (My fully occupied Ridge gets 21.8-22.3 consistantly on the highway). My Silverado squeaked on bumps, the electrical system had "gremlins", and the engine developed a smoking problem after 70,000 miles. Don't get me wrong.... I still love Chevy's and love to ride in my Dad's 07 but, when it comes to taking a road trip to the mountains (sometimes towing a trailer), we all vote for the Ridge.

[Troy in Ft Walton Beach]

Dan the man,

Thank you for educating me on how the Ridgeline is based on the Pilot and Ody. Congrats on the "one up".

As to your comment about posting where I'm from. I'm actually proud of my hometown.

Now, do you have to include "the man" in your username? Are you trying to compensate for something?

[Troy in Ft Walton Beach]

Dan "The Man",

Thought I'd share some education with you too. Check this out. More detail is provided about the Ridgeline's beginnings. Notice who the chief designer was... hint: (a former GM employee)....

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050614/FREE/506140702&SearchID=7323646457928

Troy,

Proud to be from Ft Walton Beach

[Dan the Man]

Troy,

I'm glad you're now well informed on your own vehicle.

Now it's very hard to believe that you stored "all of your cargo" in this magical trunk. If is was a tissue box, then yes, but I hardly believe you can fit many items in there, especially with a "donut" spare tire.

I have a question...is it really easier to "swing over the tailgate" than to find the little trick gate that opens sideways and open the door to put it in the same spot? Most of the time Truck buyers use it for utility, storing heavy equipment, lumber, etc etc and some use it for recreational use such as 4wheelers, lawnmowers, etc etc, not walmart bags. Truck buyers know to let the tailgate down, and Chevy has incorporate a tailgate assist, to make it easier to open if the hands are full or they are simply strength challenged.

The Interior has high quality textured plastics, cloth and leather options, and a higher fit and finish on both designs of interior choices, from the "base" to the "luxury." Making big grabhandles on the side of the door doesn't make it rugged.

Now, for Chevrolet there are many versions of "base model" It could go both ways, considering they make a "work truck" edition, for fleet and other uses.

The silverado may not have as many trick storage options for tissue boxes, but that isn't going to change the market or repel buyers. You got me there, it doesn't have a truck release, simply because its a Truck. It does have Rear A/C, All the airbags with Roll Over sensor, Stabilitrack, Safety Cage, Seat belt Pretensioners, and the safety and security of OnStar. It has a rear locking differential, and obviously a cargo light and there is an option for a power sliding rear glass window. Bose speakers are also available.

GM has a Driver Information Center that includes the Oil life monitor and all sorts of goodies, you can research it at my source at the end of this. If you are not satisfied with the D.I.C, you can use OnStar to use vehicle diagonistics, and if you for some reason have a problem, your 5 year 100k warranty will cover it. Does your ridge-for nobody's pleasure line have that?

The fuel economy for a Silverado 5.3L V8 with Displacement on Demand is 15 in City, 20 on Highway, and thats 2008 EPA estimates, which are close to real world. More conservative driving could reap better benefits. BTW it's best in class.

Considering your honda can only pull 5000 pounds, it's apparently not a large load. Some truck drivers opt for larger cargo, than the kleenex :)

Everyone can drive whatever they want, foreign or domestic, it doesn't matter. This is not a war between foreign and domestic, it is simply stating facts between two trucks for other consumers to take into consideration.

Thanks
Dan the Man

[Dan the Man]

Oh by the way my source was through the cars.com website and chevy.com/silverado

sorry to leave that out!

Dan the Man

[Ken L.]

Why are people even comparing a full size v8 body on frame with a mid-size v6 pickup? They perform different duties and serve different needs. The compact and some mid size pickups are recreational vehicles for city dwellers that have an occasional need for some hauling duties. Let’s face it; Toyota wouldn’t be interested in this type of vehicle if it wasn’t for the Ridgeline, but they are trying to one up it by offering a hybrid engine as well; that’s a good move, if you ask me.

[Troy in Ft Walton Beach]

Ken L,

I agree 100%. Hence why I was defending the Ridgeline. The Domestic/Import battle will never end. I suppose that's what helps drive competition and creative thinking. Without either, we'd all be stuck in the stoneage. This holds true to any product actually.

Personally, I enjoy learning a little something new when it comes to any make/model of vehicle.

[Dan the Man]

Dan the Man...It rhymes! I'd figure I'd have a little catch line like "Troy, from the Hood" or something like that.

Dan, proud to be The Man.

[Dan the Man]

Troy,

The autoweek article that you sited above doesn't have anything to do with comparing these two trucks. Yes, he may have been an GM employee, but he was nothing more than an engineer.

The only thing that I found interesting that could relate to this discussion is the fact that it said "For now, the Ridgeline poses little threat to the mighty Ford F series or Chevrolet Silverado." So others feel that in a way it could be a competitor, so there you go Ken L.

Big Handles, a useless trunk and a dinky side opening door doesn't give this minivan based vehicle a right to be called a true competitive truck. Innovative? It's apparently to the eye of the beholder, but an Avalanche can trump that too.

[Troy in Ft Walton Beach]

Dan,

You are offended to easily. You should grow some thicker skin, uncover your automotive tunnel vision and get behind the wheel of something other than a domestic.

By attacking the Ridgeline, you're showing that you're affraid of innovation, outside the box thinking and overall change.

By the way,

"Troy from the hood" lacks innovation and outside the box thinking. I would have liked to insult you, but with your intelligence you wouldn't get offended.

Since you're so insecure I'll "Man Up" and admit it.

"YOU WIN"

Can we now get back to the topic at hand...

The Toyota A-Bat.

[Dan the Man (without listing location)]

Troy,

Just to let you know, I'm not really offended, I was just demostrating that your honda is not the class leader, as well as informing you on other brands and models.

There is no real innovation with the Ridgeline, atleast, nothing that hasn't been done in the past 10 years, except for the tissue box trunk, that'll steal market share left and right..

I'm also trying to demostrate to other readers that imports are not always the answer. There are some domestics that shine as well, so don't be a fool to public perception. The auto market is open to every make and model, but it takes obvious research and information to see the true winners of the bunch.

Thanks again Troy for this great intervention.

Dan the Man

[Troy in Ft Walton Beach]

Dan,

You're quite welcome. I like to see both sides of the coin as well.

In my humble opinion, The Ridgeline may not be the Magical truck of all trucks but it can hold it's own against anyone else's design.

IMO Here's why:

Firstly,

I want to clear up the so called tissue sized trunk you are referring to. You are mislead. The trunk is quite large actually (8.5 cu ft.) Large enough to hold 3 golf bags or a 72 quart cooler. That's alot of tissue boxes or 50 six packs with ice if you must...

You are also misinformed concerning the Ridgeline's innovation.

Here's a short list:

Segment first: Closed box unibody frame... IE... No twisty frame, jiggles or squeaks/rattles evident in typical Truck designs. Oh yeah, it's also 2.5 times stiffer than the best performing compact body on frame truck.

The drive train : Fully automatic AWD- The truck takes off in AWD drive mode and then reverts to FWD. There's a button that allows you to lock the rear diff if needed.

Independent rear suspension. This truck offers a ride that's superior to standard live axel designs.

The swing out tailgate- allows access to the bed without having to reach over the tailgate or sides of the truck.

300 lb rated tailgate

Inbed (waterproof with drain plug) "lockable" trunk.

6 airbags standard on all Ridgeline models. (front, front sides, and curtains)

Award Winning Composite Steel/Plastic bed. (Eliminates the need for a seperate bedliner)

Variable valve timing ULEV engine

That's a fair amount of innovation if you ask me.

The Ridgeline may not "currently" be the best in it's class however, this list of awards from the "EXPERTS" (source wikipedia) certainly makes me feel good about resale value when it comes time to trade it in:

Motor Trend truck of the year 2006
North American Truck of the year 2006
Detroit News truck of the year 2006
Consumer Reports top rated truck
J.D. Power & Associates 2005 APEAL award for the Honda Ridgeline
Autobytel 2006 Editors' Choice Award: Truck of the year 2006
Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) Best New Pickup 2006
On Wheels Incorporated: Ridgeline 2006 Urban Wheel Award for the Urban Truck of the Year
Strategic Vision's coveted "Most Delightful" compact pickup award
Best rollover resistance rating of any pickup tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety, Administration (NHTSA)
First-ever 4-door pickup to earn a 5-star safety rating for both front and side impact crash, test performance from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Society of Plastic Engineers 2005 Grand Award (composite inbed trunk)
Car And Driver Rates Honda Ridgeline #1 Pickup, AutoWeek Editors' Choice Award as the 'Most Significant' new vehicle in the show
Maxim Truck Of The Year 2006
2007 Automobile Magazine All Star award Top 10 cars for 2007

[Dan the Man]

Troy,

Please quit trying to defend yourself with redundant comments. This is not going to help with your minivan-based, front wheel drive truck. Clam style hindges aren't revolutionary. Even the Mini clubman has it! geez! Have you been to a funeral? The hurst has the same design!

The dimensions of the "trunk" need to include the reduced space that is taken up from the spare donut tire.

I might add, that wikipedia isn't a reliable source at all! Actually research the roots of wikipedia and tell me that it is a reliable source. It's public gathered information, which you obviously demostrate isn't crediable.

Stop embarrasing yourself infront of many readers of cars.com. You're not gaining any ground, and not posting anything new that hasn't been addressed.

Thanks! and have a happy new year!

Dan the Man

[Troy in Ft Walton Beach]

Dan,

The trunk space doesn't account for the extra space around the spare tire which is on a slide out tray in front of the trunk.

Wikipedia may not be the most reliable source but, the resources they mentioned are surely credible.

BTW, Gaining ground here is not my intention.

Maybe some enlightening happened here to other readers. After all, isn't that what it's all about?

Regardless of your favorite brand, make/model of vehicle, be proud of it.

Now that the Domestic versus Import battle has ended, can we have constructive discussion about the A-Bat?

Happy New Year to you too. Be safe out there.

[Rich]

Normally, I wouldn't consider a pickup truck but this Toyota entry would make me think twice about it. A small hybrid pickup truck is appealing. I would be curious as to it's fuel economy rating, it's acceleration time from 0-60 mph, how comfortable the ride is, will it be offered in an all-wheel drive version, and can we buy it "tricked out" with all of the bells & whistles?
I am impressed that Toyota is bold enough to think of something that other auto manufacturers probably wouldn't even consider. Yes, it is a niche market but one that many women like my wife would definitely consider. Just please don't offer it only in a "bare bones' version.

[Dan the Man]

Please comprehend after saying this before, it's not a domestic vs import, but rather an intervention to show that it wasn't a class leader.

If I say anthing negative towards an import, it's not because I don't like them, it's simply stating they are not the standard of the world. Imports have duds and winners, but so do the Domestics. Don't let public perception blind you from other products.

Dan the Man

[Ames Tiedeman]

This is likely to keep Ford and GM on their toes.

[Troy in Ft Walton Beach]

Dan,

You speak the truth. This holds true in nearly any product. It'll be interesting to see if the A-Bat takes off. With fuel prices the way they are and with no sign of them decreasing, Hybrid trucks will become more mainstream IMO. My only hope is that the price won't be out of reach for the average Joe.

[Jim]

Looks awesome. If I wanted something 240" long and takes 43"+ to turn around, I'd have bought a Tundra. The A-BAT managing to do it all, including 4x8 boards, within 181" is truely impressive. I'd like to know what the turning radius is with the 112" wheelbase; plus how water-proof is the midgate. Avalanche had water leak problems. The slide-out rear tray may not work as well as the straight-forward Ridgeline bucket under the bed.

[Troy in Ft Walton Beach]

Is there a way to secure 4x8 sheets when the midgate is lowered? I'd hate to have a fender bender.

[Glenn]

I used to drive a Silverado and before that a Dodge Ram 2500, however this time around I decided to try something entirely different. I bought a Honda Ridgeline. All I can say is WOW! I only have to lug around tools so fitting sheets in the bed was never an issue as one of my two business partners is responsible for transporting it if necessary. After driving my Ridgeline for the past eight months I would never go back to a regular truck as they are worlds apart. Given my experience, I think Toyota may be onto something here with the A-BAT just as Honda has with the Ridgeline. I enjoy my Ridgeline just as much as I do riding my HD. It took some real thinking outside the box to even consider it, but I'm glad I did.

[Larry]

I love it. I'm hoping they go to production ASAP. It works for me an active guy looking to the future.

[andy]

There is a market for these...Subaru had it & forgot to market the Baja. Ask anyone who owns a Baja & they will tell you they love it. I don't know how many people see mine at the gas station that don't know what it is. Build the A-bat...& they will come (oh & don't forget to market it)

[Jim D - North of Boston]

First glance, it looks good. I wonder how it will handle up here in New England in the snow and ice. Some pickups like to swing around at the slighest tap of the brakes when on ice and snow (of course if you are driving like a maniac like most Boston drivers!).

I would like to see estimates on cost, MPG and horsepower.
On the whole, I am in line for a test drive!

[Irish Rogue]

Congrats to Toyota. The A BAT is just what I need to do light hauling some times and haul the wife and I most of the time. At $3.00 per gallon, the hybrid makes a lot of sense. Come on Toyota - announce the mpg, sell price, and marketing date.

[Travis White - Austin, Texas]

I absolutely LOVE the looks (and concept) of this vehicle. I'd trade my Toyota Tacoma in right now if they would only make this vehicle available to the public. This one, my friends, is a solid winner for Toyota if they will only bring it to market. I certainly hope they do. What a PERFECT vehicle for running around town. I'd like to see mileage figures for how long this will run (electricity only) on a full charge. I hope this is a "plug-in" and not just a Prius-type hybrid. I want the option of driving "electricity only" for some number of miles - hopefully greater than 50. Come on Toyota! Show us that famed innovative spirit!! Wow.. vehicles are becoming exciting again.

[teastyday]

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