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Dec 21, 2023

Here's Why America Deserves The Indestructible Toyota Hilux

Despite the Hilux's old-school nature, find out how this tough-as-nails global

Despite the Hilux's old-school nature, find out how this tough-as-nails global best-seller could fit into Toyota's North American pickup truck lineup

Isn't it weird that one of the most popular vehicle body styles in the world is a pickup truck? It is almost certain that wherever you are, even in the U.S. where models like the Toyota Hilux was never sold, many will know about it. There seems to be something intriguing when a vehicle is made so well that people literally struggle to break it on purpose.

Even Top Gear didn't manage to do that and ended up building a plinth to put the Hilux on as a reminder of its strength. This showcases what's possible from an engineering standpoint and it proves that even a simple work truck can be exciting. Now, the Hilux isn't sold in the U.S. and that's a shame. We firmly believe that the nation that loves trucks the most needs the Hilux more than ever before.

RELATED: 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport Review: Should Toyota Replace The Tacoma With This Global-Best Seller?

The Hilux is sold in the vast majority of countries other than the U.S., where the Hilux's spot is filled by the Tacoma. The Hilux, in some sense, is very similar to the previous generation Tacoma. It is a mid-sized truck (perhaps a little smaller than the Tacoma) that mostly serves the Europe, Australia, and African markets.

Globally, the Hilux still sells incredibly well and is one of the most common trucks on the road. In fact, for a long time, it was the best-selling vehicle in Australia. However, the dated design and features of the current model mean it was recently overtaken by the all-new Ford Ranger.

What you might not know is that the Hilux was actually sold in the U.S. in the past. First introduced in 1968, it was in 1972 the model was introduced in North America and was selling really well. Even more impressively, it was crowned as pickup of the year in 1974. Back then, the American market valued domestic products incredibly highly; therefore, Toyota's achievement is certainly impressive. In later years (around the mid-90s), the Tacoma went on to take the the place of the Hilux.

RELATED: Here's Why The Toyota Tacoma Is NOT An American Hilux

As is the case with all modern cars, regulations, and needs of customers have made the Hilux less durable and dependable. Specifically, its 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine (which produces a respectable 201 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque) is now chocked down with a diesel particulate filter and exhaust gas recirculation system that clogs up the intake and exhaust systems which then leads to problems down the line.

That being said, it still classifies as one of the toughest vehicles one can buy and can be even more durable if one carries out the correct modifications from new. Underneath, the Hilux sits on a ladder frame with a leaf-sprung solid rear axle and an independent front. This setup is nearly identical to the old Tacoma as the Hilux even uses a very similar six-speed transmission. The leaf-sprung rear end is choppy when unloaded and the transmission is nowhere near as advanced as what can be found from Ford.

This setup might be incredibly old now (roughly seven years old), but this is what makes it appealing. The current Hilux is in a similar situation as the 5th generation 4Runner which is also dated but manages to maintain its sales figures. This, however, doesn't mean that Toyota shouldn't update these vehicles.

RELATED: An Electric Toyota Hilux Is Coming, Highlighting The Need For Compact Electric Trucks In The U.S.

Isn't it a shame that one of the most well-known pickup trucks in the world isn't sold in the country of the pickup truck? We believe that the Hilux would be incredibly useful and successful in the U.S. market as it would offer something that is currently missing. That something is a full-on no-frills work truck. You see, most trucks in the current domestic market are trying to become what trucks were never meant to be. All models offer a dozen different trim levels from simple trucks to full-on luxurious beasts that could compete with luxury sedans if needed.

The Hilux could provide a bare-bones solution to people who need a truck purely for work. It is simple, the interior is as utilitarian as modern-day interiors get, and its smaller size and economical diesel engine would make it incredibly appealing in today's ever-changing world. A 4.0 gas-powered V-6 is available in GR sport models, but that powertrain would obviously be considered too thirsty in the current climate of engine downsizing and emission reulations

After recent world events, people seem to be redeveloping a lust for the smaller and more economical truck and the Hilux falls perfectly within that category. Sure, it will never have the payload or towing capacity of a full-sized pickup, but its simplicity would certainly be appealing to many.

RELATED: The Real Reason Why The U.S. Doesn't Get The Indestructible Toyota Hilux

The first reason the U.S. doesn't receive the Hilux is the fact that the country has a tax policy that requires a 25 percent tariff (a.k.a the chicken tax) when importing a light-duty truck that is built outside the United States. This, of course, is being done to force manufacturing in the US; therefore, helping the country's economy. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that; however, it can lead to customers within United States, missing out on great vehicles like the Hilux.

The above, however, isn't the only reason America doesn't get the Hilux. Even if Toyota wasn't facing a 25 percent tariff, we believe that the company would never make the risky move of importing the vehicle. In the U.S., the truck is viewed as a status icon; therefore, manufacturers pay greater attention to the design and features of these vehicles. This, in part, is a reason why we now have so many trim levels.

Having said that, the Hilux's strength and the reason why it should be sold in the United States (which is its simplicity) might also be the reason why Toyota will never bring the vehicle over to North America. The vast majority of people might not be interested in its simple underpinnings.

Therefore, for now, the Japanese automaker will continue to sell the more polished and better-equipped Tacoma which if you overlook the engine, is nearly identical to the Hilux anyway. In fact, these two models are so similar that we can get a good idea of the upcoming Hilux's underpinnings just by taking a look at the all-new Tacoma that has just been released.

Theo has dedicated his life to cars. He has studied the only Automotive Journalism course in the world located at Coventry University and describes this passion as a clinical obsession. Give Theo four wheels and he will drool over the piece of metal, plastic, and glass in between them for hours. Once he is done, he will let you know if it's good or not.