The Toyota Hilux is designed for people who like to travel the world, regardless of their path. Whether you are heading to the city roads or for off-road trips, this pickup truck is suitable for all.
Furthermore, it serves you with a bold exterior, spacious interior, and a robust engine that makes your driving experience not only easy but enjoyable too.
Therefore, before making the purchasing decision of this classic Toyota Hilux pickup truck, read this article thoroughly to get familiar with its legacy, specifications, and potential price range in depth.
Overview of the Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux, originally produced as a Hi-Lux, is a pickup truck series introduced to the market by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota back in 1968.
Since then, this vehicle has been broadly recognized for its strong performance, durability, and endurance to carry heavy loads.
The Hilux Toyota comes with a powerful engine option that perfectly aligns with a strong body, especially beneficial for those who need a vehicle that can handle hard tasks. For instance, in construction or a jungle trek.
However, its dynamic look and easy-to-drive features enable you to use this amazing pickup truck for both work and outdoor fun.
Throughout the years, Toyota has modified the Hilux features by adding modern technology, a pleasant interior, and advanced safety measures to furnish a compatible vehicle in this evolving era.
Likewise, whether you use it for off-road trips or work, the Hilux has proved itself as a most versatile vehicle for a long time without compromising its reliability.
A Legacy of Toyota Hilux Reliability
The Toyota Hilux holds an impressive reputation for its toughness, luxury, power, and performance over five decades. The series has built over 8 generations, with over 20 million sold units in more than 180 countries.
In the section that follows, let’s take a close look at every generation of Toyota Hilius.
1. First Generation (1968-1972)
The Japanese market specification started the production of the Toyota Hilux first generation in March 1968. The pickup truck initially starts with the short-wheelbase form and a 1.5L inline-four engine. It generates a maximum power output of 77 PS (57 kW; 76 hp).
Later on, the car was conceived by the Toyota organization, and was manufactured by Hino Motors at Hamura Plants, one of the Toyota factories.
2. Second Generation (1972-1978)
In the next leading years, the company came up with a new variant, adding a more comfortable interior and upgraded exterior named “RokeHi (ロケハイ)”, a shortened form of Rocket Hilux.
At first, a 2.25 m (7.4 ft) “long bed” was introduced in the North American market. Thereafter, this variant was sold in the worldwide market at the beginning of 1969.
3. Third Generation (1978-1983)
Minoru Oya redesigned the previous variant launched in 1968 by widening the front and rear track of the vehicle and keeping the same processor in January 1979.
Furthermore, he also modified the front suspension from coil springs to a torsion bar design, and continues using the same double wishbone layout.
The Hilux is known as the pickup in the American market that includes single round headlights and a less rigid body.
4. Fourth Generation (1983-1988)
In the North American market, the Xtracab extended cab is the fourth generation of the Toyota Hilux, presented in 1983 (sold in 1984). The designer modifies the car structure by adding six inches of space next to the seat, which provides extended storage.
Later on, the 1986 and 1987 model year cars again went through a minor alteration in interior and exterior styling.
Meanwhile, Hilux has established its dominant position in Australia, North America, the United Kingdom, and Japan market segments.
5. Fifth Generation (1988–1997)
In 1988, the next version of Hilux was announced, marking the fifth generation of the series for its buyers. This variant has the longer wheelbase option (3,099 mm), rather than the regular one (2,616 mm).
This pickup truck boosted an amount of space behind the front seats than the previous version to empower the optional jump-seats for rear passengers.
Consequently, with this model, Toyota confidently stands tall in front of its competitors.
6. Sixth Generation (1997-2004)
In the sixth generation, Hilux received a minor alteration in its exterior structure with a few more engine options for better enduring qualities.
Following this update, the Hilux designer revised the exterior in 2001 for the 2002 model year.
Unfortunately, in 2005, Toyota officially shut down its manufacturing facilities for pickup trucks in the Japanese market. Accordingly, this will be the last variation of the Hilux in Japan.
7. Seventh Generation (2004-2015)
The seventh generation of Hilux is a segment of the IMV Project Production Vehicles, directed by the chief engineer Kaoru Hosokawa. Its manufacturing operation officially started in Thailand in August 2004.
In this proposal, the project developers have laid out three different pickup truck bodies named: Toyota as IMV1 (a two-door single cab), IMV2 (a two-door Xtra cab), and IMV3 (four-door double cab).
8. Eighth Generation (2015-2023)
In May 2015, the last (eighth) generation of Hilux was launched in Bangkok, Thailand, and Sydney, Australia. This can be characterized as the first generation of the Toyota IMV family.
However, later on, Fortuner and Innova were the next installments of the series in July and November, respectively.
Moreover, the vehicle features the “keen look” design with the slimmer headlight to convey a more stylish look than the previous variants.
Design and Exterior Features
The Hilux has a strong and tough design that shows it is fully prepared for both adventure and work. At the front, it has a bold trapezoidal grille with a chrome surround, giving it a dynamic look.
The headlights of the car are sharp and consist of modern LED rear combi lamps for improved nighttime visibility. Additionally, in some models, you can also attain the benefits of fog lamps for driving smoothly in bad weather.
From the side, the Hilux is perfectly aligned with the striking lines and high ride height, which make the vehicle immaculate for off-road adventure trips. Moreover, its wheels are sleek and sporty, with super chrome alloy that adds an elegant look to them.
At the back, this pick truck also has a wide cargo bed, which is particularly useful for carrying heavy loads. In some instances, you can also find a rear bumper step for easy access to the backspace.
Therefore, check the table below to comprehend the exterior attributes of the car more precisely.
| Exterior Feature of Toyota Hilux |
|
| STD MT – Diesel | High MT and High AT – Diesel |
| Dusk Sensing Halogen headlamps | Dusk Sensing LED Headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lamp W/ Integrated LED turn indicators |
| Halogen Rear Combination Lamps | LED Rear Combination Lamps |
| Bold New Trapezoid-shaped grille with Silver surround | Bold Piano Black Trapezoidal grille with Chrome surround |
| STEEL STEP PAINT Rear Bumper | STEEL STEP CHROME Rear Bumper |
| Machine-finished alloy wheels | Super Chrome alloy wheel design |
| Electrically Adjustable, with Side Turn Indicators | Chrome, Electrically Adjustable, Retractable Side Mirrors with Side Turn Indicators |
| Chrome Belt line |
Overall, the Toyota Hilux has a robust exterior that fits in the city streets or on the cross-country roads flawlessly.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The Hilux Toyota offers its buyers an appealing design and a comfortable interior layout. Likewise, its leather seats are comfortable and well-cushioned enough to make your long journey pleasant and memorable, especially for those who don’t travel much.
There is plenty of space for the passengers in the double-cab models, where tall adults can stretch out with ease in the back.
Moving forward, the pickup truck’s dashboard layout is both stylish and user-friendly.
Other than that, you’ll be amazed to learn that you can operate a touchscreen infotainment system in the vehicle, and easily connect your Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to take calls or simply enjoy music during your road trips.
Also, there are multiple USB cables and charging points situated near the system, so that you can keep your handset completely charged during your long drives without any stress.
Talking about the technology, the Toyata Hilux includes all the useful technology in the truck, such as, rearview mirror, parking sensors, and keyless entry.
In some higher variants, you may also find lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control for the enhanced convenience of your entire driving experience.
Lastly, look at the table below for the comprehensive interior attributes.
| Interior Features of Toyota Hilux |
|
| STD MT – Diesel | High MT – Diesel & High AT – Diesel |
| Fabric Seats | Leather Seats |
| Centre Console Box with Lid | Centre Console Box with Soft Armrest |
| Manual Air Conditioner | Automatic Climate Control Air conditioner [Dual Zone] with second row A/C vents |
| Manual Adjust Driver Seat | Power Adjust Driver Seat |
| Chrome Plated Inside Door Handles |
On the whole, the combination of vibrant interior and advanced technology makes the car an enjoyable and productive vehicle for those who drive it.
Detailed Technical Specifications
As we have aforementioned, the Hilux is designed with robust engineering and a powerful engine to deliver exceptionally durable performance. Every part of this pickup truck made the model stand out from other cars on the market.
Here is the breakdown of the primary technical specifications that show why the Toyota Hilux is trusted across the world.
1. Durable Engine
The Hilux has a strong and heavy engine that supports long durability even in tough conditions. It usually offers both petrol and diesel options to its buyers. Check the table below for more details in depth.
| Displacement | 2755 cm3 | ||||||
| Fuel Type | Diesel, Petrol | ||||||
| Max. Output | STD MT & High MT — 150 kW [204 PS] (MT) @ 3400 rpm High AT—150 kW [204 PS] @ 3000-3400 rpm | ||||||
| Max. Torque | STD MT & High MT — 420 Nm (MT) @ 1400–3400 rpm High AT — 500 Nm @ 1600–2800 rpm | ||||||
| Cylinder Nos. & Layout | 4 & Inline | ||||||
| Emission Standard | BS VI | ||||||
2. Transmission
The vehicle has manual and automatic transmission options. However, a manual gives the driver more control, especially on off-road trips, while an automatic works smoothly in city traffic.
| Type | 6 MT / 6 AT | ||||||
| STD MT | Transmission 6MT with iMT [Intelligent Manual Transmission] | ||||||
| High MT | Transmission 6MT with iMT [Intelligent Manual Transmission] | ||||||
| High AT | 6AT [Sequential Shift + Shift lock] | ||||||
3. Dimensions & Weight
The Toyota Hilux pickup truck is well-crafted and designed with a good size, which makes it suitable for both work and adventurous vacations. The dimensions and weight might differ depending on the diverse models. Here, we have illustrated common factors you may find in every model of Hilux.
| Overall [L X W X H] | 5325 mm X 1855 mm X 1815 mm | ||||||
| Wheel Base | 3085 mm | ||||||
| Min. Turning Radius | 6400 mm | ||||||
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 Liters | ||||||
| Seating Capacity | 5-seater | ||||||
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 2910 kg | ||||||
| Payload Capacities | 470 kg | ||||||
4. Off-Road Features
This amazing pickup truck is well-equipped to go over rough terrain without any sort of difficulty. Most models of Hilux come with 4WD, intended to give you a smooth ride on slippery roads.
Thus, examine the pointers below to understand the features more precisely.
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5. Safety & Security
The manufacturer of the Toyota Hilux has completely taken care of both the driver and the passengers by adding advanced features to this vehicle. For instance, airbags, anti-theft alarm, electronic stability control, and many more, as listed in the table below.
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6. Available Colour Matrix of Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux is not just about performance, it also furnishes the vehicle with stylish colors under the unique names. Whether you wish for a trendy, eye-catching look or a classic one, Hilux has something for everyone.
- Emotional Red: Only available in High AT & MT grade.
- White Pearl Crystal Shine: Only available in High AT & MT grade.
- Attitude Black: Offered the Hilux Black Edition, which is based on the High 4×4 AT variant only.
- Super White: Mainly available in STD grade and 4×4 AT variant.
- Grey Metallic: Exclusively offered in High AT & MT grade.
Therefore, for a 3D visual representation, you can also visit the official virtual showroom of Toyota anytime, anywhere.
7. Further Specifications
Beyond the Hilux’s robust engine, stylish design, and off-road capabilities, here we have outlined some further significant attributes in this spectrum.
- Chassis: The Hilux is equipped with a robust ladder-frame chassis for durability and heavy-duty use. The vehicle has double wishbones in the front and a leaf spring rigid axle in the rear.
- Stabilizer: An anti-roll bar is featured in the front of the car to reduce the body roll and further improve the handling, especially on the tough dirt roads.
- Brakes: The pickup truck uses a reliable braking system with ventilated discs in front and drum brakes at the rear. Additionally, you can attain the benefits of advanced features such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) to upgrade safety and handle sudden braking situations smoothly.
- Wheels & Tyres: The Hilux typically comes with the Bridgestone, 265/65R17 112S, Radial, Tubeless, and Bridgestone, 265/60R18 110H, Radial, Tubeless, depending on the variant models.
In essence, the aforementioned specifications of the Toyota Hilux show its strength, performance, and comfort, making it a worthwhile option for those who are looking for a vehicle that perfectly coordinates with their tough work duties.
Potential Prices of Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux delivered its buyers a variant that offers distinct features and compatibilities that suit their requirements and budget. Here, we have broken down the price of this vehicle according to the showrooms in India.
But remember, this range of prices might differ because of the location, tax laws, and the dealers.
| Variant | Transmission | Estimated Price |
| STD 4X4 MT | Manual/Diesel | ₹30.40 Lakh |
| High 4X4 MT | Manual/Diesel | ₹37.15 Lakh |
| High 4X4 AT | Automatic (TC)/ Diesel | ₹37.90 Lakh |
| Black Edition | Automatic (TC)/ Diesel | ₹37.90 Lakh |
In a nutshell, at the time of purchasing, do not forget to contact your nearby Toyota dealership for accurate information about the recent pricing, depending on your location, to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Toyota Hilux is not just a vehicle, it functions more like a travel companion that you can take on every journey you embark on.
With its elegant build, durable performance, and modern technology, start exploring your off-road camping adventures without any hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the starting price of the Toyota Hilux in India?
Ans: The base model of the Hilux Toyota starts from ₹30.40 Lakh and might go up to ₹37.90 Lakh.
2. Is the Toyota Hilux for sale in the United States?
Ans: No, this pickup truck is not available in the US, because of the “Chicken Tax,” under which a buyer has to pay a 25% tariff on the light vehicle imported in the U.S., and that makes Hilux a bit expensive.
3. Is the Toyota Hilux pickup truck worth purchasing?
Ans: Yes, purchasing a Hilux is worthwhile, as it is known for its durability, reliability, and off-road capabilities. So, those who are looking for a vehicle that can be compatible with tough tasks should consider the Toyota Hilux for once.
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