Like the Toyota 3.0 turbodiesel Hilux from Australia?
Well, of course. I've driven the 4cyl TD Hilux in Guatemala in the jungle, and it's a focking bear! That would be ideal. They only thing is, I think they still use torsion bar suspension up front, unlike the Tacoma. No thanks. But if that was all that was out there...
The VW Amarok is another beast. But the $40K pricetag is ridiculous, and I'm not sold on VW's common rail with all the High Pressure Lift pump failures.
Another great truck is the Mitsubishi L200. It's a very capable truck with a 4 cyl TD motor. Again, not in the USA. Thank you Chicken Tax.
Mahindra was the hope for an economical, small pickup that was capable of towing and hauling. Sadly, the EPA estimates were in the toilet (19/21): well below the projected 30ish MPG, and Mahindra broke their contract with Global Vehicles which set up all the dealers and financing in the USA. After GV did all the ground work, Mahindra felt that they could go over GV's head to the people they contracted with. Not so hot in legal terms. So, they've got like 3 lawsuits on their hands (two from GV, and a new one from the dealers that have invested hundreds of thousands each, and haven't seen a product in over 3 years).
It was too good to be true: 28-32 MPG, 4 cyl diesel, 1.25 ton capacity, plenty of torque to tow, and under $30K.
Why is it that US truck manufacturers STILL make these focking ridiculous "BRO-Dozer" trucks with V8 diesels. Yes, farmers need those. But the rest of would settle for 4 cyl, towing power, and MPG.