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Toyota Hilux
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The Toyota Hilux, and Toyota Tacoma, are compact pickup trucks built and marketed by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The Hilux name was adopted as a replacement for the Stout in 1969, and remains in use worldwide. In North America, the Hilux name was retired in 1976 in favor of Truck, Pickup Truck, or Compact Truck, until it was renamed the Tacoma in 1995. One popular option package, SR5 (Sport Rally 5-Speed), also became synonymous with the truck, even though it was used on other Toyota models as well.
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The Toyota Hilux, and Toyota Tacoma, are compact pickup trucks built and marketed by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The Hilux name was adopted as a replacement for the Stout in 1969, and remains in use worldwide. In North America, the Hilux name was retired in 1976 in favor of Truck, Pickup Truck, or Compact Truck, until it was renamed the Tacoma in 1995. One popular option package, SR5 (Sport Rally 5-Speed), also became synonymous with the truck, even though it was used on other Toyota models as well. In 1984, the Trekker, the camper version of the Hilux, was changed to the 4Runner in North America and Australia, and as the Hilux Surf in Japan. The 4Runner, now a full SUV, shares few visual cues with its brother Tacoma in more recent models.
As the Hilux name was dropped in North America in 1976, any details listed here purporting to relate to the Hilux from that date may not be entirely correct when applied to the vehicle that continues to be marketed by Toyota as the Hilux throughout the rest of the world.
The product lines for North America and elsewhere diverged at that point and in many cases on a year for year basis the vehicles sold in North America only resemble the Hilux, with major mechanical/chassis differences.
Predecessor
1935
The original Toyota pickup was the 1935 Type G1 truck. It shared many components with the company's Type A1 sedan, and was a 1.5 ton stake-bed commercial truck.
1947
After World War II, Toyota returned with a compact pickup truck, the Toyopet Model SB. This was the ancestor of the Stout, and remained in production from 1947 through 1957.
Engine:
1964
Toyota entered the North American market with the 1964 introduction of the second generation Stout. It was larger than the similar Datsun and Mazda compact trucks, and looked like a Chevrolet C/K.
Engine:
- 1964-1968 - 1.9 L (1897 cc) 3R I4, 85 hp (63 kW)
First generation
The Hilux started production in March 1968 as the RN10 in short wheelbase form with a 1.5 L engine.
This was upgraded to a 1.6 L I4 engine in February 1971.
Non American markets:
- 1968-1971 - 1.5 L (1490 cc) 2R I4
In April 1969, a long wheelbase version was added to the range. The short wheelbase version also continued in production for many more years. The long wheelbase version was not sold on the North American market until 1972.
In spite of the name "Hilux", it was a highly-luxurious vehicle only when compared to the Stout. Hilux was engineered and assembled by Hino Motors to augment the Hino Briska, Briska and Stout or to replace them in some markets (e.g. North America). For the North American market, the only body style was a regular cab short bed and all were rear-wheel drive. It used a typical truck setup of A-arms and coil springs in front and a live axle with leaf springs in back. A 4-speed manual transmission was standard.
American markets:
- 1969 - 1.9 L (1897 cc) 3R I4, 85 hp (63 kW)
- 1970-1971 - 1.9 L (1858 cc) 8R SOHC I4, 97 hp (72 kW)
- 1972 - 2.0 L (1968 cc) 18R SOHC I4, 108 hp (81 kW)
Non American markets:
- 1968-1971 - 1.5 L (1490 cc) 2R I4
- 1971-1972 - 1.6 L (1587 cc) 12R I4
Second generation
In the middle of 1972, the 1973 Hilux was released as the RN20. A more-comfortable interior was specified along with exterior updates. A 7.5 ft (2.3 m) "long bed" was optional for the first time in America, although it had been available in other markets since April 1969.
American markets:
- 1973-1974 - 2.0 L (1968 cc) 18R SOHC I4, 108 hp (81 kW)
Non American markets:
- 1972-1978 - 1.6 L (1587 cc) 12R I4
- 1977-1978 - 2.0 L (1968 cc) 18R I4
The truck was radically redesigned in 1975. Larger and more luxurious in every way, the truck also introduced the 20R engine and SR5 upscale trim package. A 5-speed manual transmission was optional. The Hilux name was dropped in North America in favor of "Truck" the next year. Buyers of the Hilux in North America found that their owners' manuals named it as the "Pickup".
Engine:
- 1975-1980 - 2.2 L (2189 cc) 20R SOHC I4, 96 hp (72 kW)
Third generation
In North America the Hilux saw the use of four wheel drive. It had a solid front axle and leaf suspension. The body saw a redesign that included single round headlights and a less complex body. These trucks became known as first generation 4WDs.
For the North American market, the 1981 model year saw a vehicle development deal between Toyota and Winnebago Industries (primarily) and two other aftermarket customizers. Toyota was attempting to enter the SUV market. The vehicles which resulted from this collaboration were the Trekker (Winnebago), Wolverine, and the Trailblazer (Griffith). All three employed the Hilux 4x4 RV cab and chassis, and an all-fiberglass rear section (the Trailblazer had a steel bed with a fiberglass top). There were at least 1,500 Trekkers, 400 Trailblazers (only 41 currently registered by the DMV), and an unknown number of Wolverines sold in North America. Research and development work on the Trekker lead to the development of the 4Runner, which was released in 1984. The 4Runner was sold in North America, the United Kingdom and Australia. The 4Runner was called the Hilux Surf in some other markets (e.g. Japan).
Engines:
- 1981-1983-2.4 L(2366 cc) 22R SOHC I4, 96 hp (72 kW) at 4800 rpm and of torque at 2800 rpm.
- 1981-1983-2.2 L Diesel I4, at 4200 rpm and of torque (SR5 long bed only.).
Fourth generation
The big news for the 1984 redesign was the introduction of the Xtracab two-row extended cab option. Also two diesel engines were offered, the 2L and the turbocharged 2L-T. The diesels were discontinued in the U.S. after the 1985 model year, for unknown reasons. The next year saw the introduction of an optional fuel injected engine, the 22R-E, and a turbocharged option, the 22R-TE. The solid front axle was swapped out for an independent front suspension/torsion bar setup in the 4x4 model in 1986, and optional automatic front locking hubs and an electronic transfer case was added as well. A V6 engine was introduced in 1988.
Engines:
- 1984-1988 - 2.4 L (2366 cc) 22R SOHC I4, 96 hp (72 kW) at 4800 rpm and 129 ft·lbf (174 N·m) at 2800 rpm
- 1984-1986 2.2 L 1L (2188 cc)Diesel I4, 62 hp (46.2 kW) at 4200 rpm and 93 ft·lbf (126 N·m) (SR5 long bed only)
- 1984-1985 - 2.4L (2446 cc) Diesel I4 2L SOHC, 83 hp (62 kW) at 4200 rpm and at 2400 rpm; 2L-T (2446 cc) SOHC, 92 hp (69 kW) at 4000 rpm and at 2400 rpm
- 1985-1988 - 2.4 L (2366 cc) 22R-E SOHC FI I4, 112 hp (78 kW) at 4800 rpm and 137 ft·lbf (185 N·m) at 2800 rpm
- 1986-1987 - 2.4 L (2366 cc) 22R-TE SOHC FI turbo I4, 135 hp (101 kW) at 4800 rpm and 173 ft·lbf (234 N·m) at 2800 rpm
- 1988 - 3.0 L 3VZ-E V6, 145 hp (112 kW) @ 4800 rpm; 180 ft·lbf @ 3400 rpm
Fifth generation
The next redesign, in 1989, saw a longer-wheelbase option, 122 in (309.9 cm) versus 103 in (261.6 cm) for the regular wheelbase. One-piece cargo box walls eliminated the rust-prone seams found in earlier models. The V6 Xtracab SR5 earned Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year award that year. Production began at the NUMMI plant in Fremont, California in 1991.
The Hilux (Seventh Generation)in South America was produced in Colombia since 1994 to 1998 by SOFASA (Only Petrol engine 2.4 cc), sold and export to(Venezuela and Ecuador). For Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay was produced in Argentina since 1997 to 2005 (Sarate Plant. Petrol and Diesel engine). Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru was imported from Japan since 1989 to 1997 (Petrol and Diesel Engine).
South American 7-G Versions:
- Single Cab chasis (2wd, 4wd Just Petrol) (Colombia)
- Single Cab Long Bed (2wd,4wd, Petrol and Diesel) (All South American countries)
- Crew Cab (2wd,4wd, Petrol and Diesel)(All South American countries)
The Hilux in South America was produced in Colombia since 1998 to 2005 by SOFASA (Only Petrol engine 2.7 cc), sold and export to(Venezuela and Ecuador where Single Cab 2wd Chasis/Long Bed called Stout II). Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru was imported from Japan since 1998 to 2004 (Petrol 2.7 cc and Diesel Engine 2.8D). This generation not sold in Argentina and Brazil because the 7th Generation received facelift.
South American 8-G Versions:
- Single Cab chasis (2wd, 4wd Just Petrol) (Colombia and Ecuador)
- Single Cab Long Bed (2wd,4wd, Petrol and Diesel) (All South American countries)
- X-Tra Cab (4wd, Petrol and Diesel) (Bolivia)
- Crew Cab (2wd,4wd, Petrol and Diesel)(All South American countries) (Named Hilux Millenium from 2002)
In Germany the Hilux was sold as the Volkswagen Taro.
Engines:
- 1989-1995 - 2.4 L (2366 cc) 22R-E SOHC FI I4, 112 hp (84 kW) at 4600 rpm and 142 ft·lbf (192 N·m) at 3400 rpm
- 1989 - 3.0 L 3VZ-E V6, 150 hp (112 kW)
Volkswagen even signed a deal to build and market them under the Volkswagen Taro name; this agreement ended in 1996.
Facelift
The name Tacoma comes from an Lushootseed word for the volcano Tahoma in the Cascade Mountains, known as Mount Rainier in English, which is visible from Tacoma, Washington.
The Tacoma frame differs from the Hilux frame, although both appear similar from the outside. Both the Tacoma and Hilux variants are sold in Mexico.
The ninth generation of compact pickup trucks from Toyota, was radically updated, with a new frame and body, new suspension, and new engines. All versions now featured coil springs in front with a live axle and leaf springs in back.
The Tacoma was restyled in 1998 when the front fascia and the frame were the primary changes as well as the addition of new badging. It was also restyled in 2001 when a new "double cab" (crew cab) option was added, and a flashy S-Runner was offered as well.
Engines:
- 1995-2004 2.4 L (2438 cc) 2RZ-E 16-valve DOHC I4, 142 hp (106 kW) (4x2)
- 1995-2004 2.7 L (2693 cc) 3RZ-E 16-valve DOHC I4, 150 hp (112 kW) (4x4)
- 1995-2004 3.4 L 5VZ-FE 24-valve DOHC V6, 190 hp (142 kW)
Japan
Thailand
Toyota shifted production from the Hilux to the Tiger in the 1990s and made it the global export hub. The Thailand made Hilux Tiger went through the following versions:
1998-1999 - Hilux Tiger with 5L engine
2000-2001 - Hilux Tiger with 5L EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) Engine
2001 - Hilux Tiger with 1KZ engine (short lived replaced right away with D4D engine)
Late 2001- late 2004 : Hilux Tiger SportCruiser with D4D engine
Sixth generation
Both the Tacoma and the Hilux were updated in 2005. The Tacoma was based on the new Land Cruiser Prado chassis, while the Hilux rides on a refreshed version of the ladder frame found on previous versions. The new Hilux got bigger, now classified as a mid-size pick up. The Tacoma had a new 4.0 Liter V6 engine that produces and torque. Its design was very similar to the 4Runner.
Hilux sold in European, Australian and Asian Markets are built and assembled in Thailand and is known as the Hilux Vigo, for the South African and Icelandic markets the Hilux is built in Durban, South Africa. Those sold in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Mexico (only 2wd, petrol and diesel) single cab, double cab and new for 2009; exclusive 5-door SUV (SW4) are made in Argentina. The Hilux Vigo platform was used as the basis for Toyota's IMV program which spawned the Innova MPV and Fortuner SUV/PPV.
The new Tacoma won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Pick-up award and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 2005. In Malaysia, the Hilux is only available in 2.5 L with the option of single cab or double cab. The double cab model has an automatic transmission variant. It uses the same engine as other Asian countries (in-line, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC Turbo Diesel with common rail direct injection), however the specs for Malaysia’s models are slightly different in that its maximum output is 75 kW at 3600 rpm and maximum torque is 260 nm at 1600-2400 rpm.
Engines (markets):
- 2005 2.0 L gasoline VVT-i DOHC I4 (South Africa, Indonesia)
- 2005 2.5 L diesel D-4D DOHC I4, - 156 hp (Asia, Europe, South Africa, South America)
- 2005 2.7 L gasoline VVT-i DOHC I4, 160 hp (Australia, The Philippines, South Africa, USA)
- 2005 3.0 L diesel D-4D DOHC I4, Turbodiesel, commonrail 16-valve direct injection, 173hp (127KW) (Asia, South Africa, South America, Australia, Europe). This version is crafted at Toyota's facility in Zárate, Argentina.
- 2005 4.0 L gasoline VVT-i DOHC V6, - 236 hp (Australia, South Africa, USA)
- 2008 4.0L Supercharged DOHC V6 306 hp/225 kW (Australia only, TRD edition)
Facelift
A facelifted version of the Hilux was unveiled by Toyota's Malaysian distributors, UMW Toyota Motor in August 2008. Toyota has released Left Hand Drive facelifted Hilux Vigo in August 2008 while Right Hand Drive Hilux Vigo 2009 facelifted model is expected to be released in September 2008.
Toyota also introduced rear access system called "Smart Cab" to replace all Xtra Cab models in E and G grade. Purely done by Thai engineer team. Smart Cab models are only for Thailand domestic market.
Reputation
The Hilux has gained a reputation for exceptional sturdiness and reliability, even during sustained heavy use, and is often referred to as "The Indestructible Car". This was further reinforced when on the BBC motoring show Top Gear, a 1988 Hilux with 190,000 miles (308,000 km) on the odometer was subjected to extraordinary abuse. This consisted of driving it down a flight of steps, scraping buildings, crashing headlong into a tree, being washed out to sea and completely submerged, driving it through a garden shed, dropping a caravan onto it, hitting it with a wrecking ball, setting the cabin & bed area on fire, and, finally, placing it on top of a block of flats that was subsequently destroyed by a controlled demolition. Although it was now suffering from severe structural damage, the truck was still running after being repaired without spare parts and only with typical tools and equipment that would be found in a car's toolbox, such as spanners, motor oil, and a monkey wrench (adjustable spanner). The Hilux currently resides as one of the background decorations in the Top Gear studio.
In the 2006 series (Series 8, Episode 3), a Hilux was chosen by Jeremy Clarkson as his platform for creating an amphibious vehicle. With assistance, Clarkson rigged the truck with a massive outboard motor and steering mechanism in the pickup bed. The truck, redubbed the "Toybota" (a portmanteau of "Toyota" and "boat"), was driven by Clarkson over several miles by road and two miles (3 km) across open water, before capsizing during a quick turn. Once recovered, the vehicle was moved back to the Top Gear Studio, where a confident Clarkson stated that he would be the only one capable of driving his car home, since it was the indestructible Hilux. However, Clarkson could not get the Hilux started which led his co-hosts to believe that Clarkson had finally destroyed the "indestructible". In the 2007 series (Series 10, Episode 2), Clarkson opted for a Nissan pickup instead of a Hilux in a second amphibious challenge, successfully crossing the English Channel in the vehicle.
In 2007, Top Gear ran a special program in which Clarkson and James May raced a customized 2005 model Hilux to the magnetic north pole from Northern Canada against Richard Hammond using a dog sled. The race, known as the Hilux Arctic Challenge, made the truck the first car to make it to the magnetic North Pole.
Outside television, these vehicles have been known to exceed 300,000 miles (~500000 km) with regular maintenance. It is also infamous for being used as an improvised fighting vehicle - a "technical" - by militias and irregular military forces, especially in Third World conflicts. The Toyota War between Libya and Chad was so named because of the use of Hilux trucks as light cavalry by the Chadian army). These vehicles have also been used in the Iraq war as Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). Militias have been known to outfit this vehicle with stolen, post-Soviet missiles and equipment. The Toyota War saw use of the Hilux as a pulling vehicle; serving as an aircraft tug and tank pull for the T-62 heavy tank. There are currently 37 customized Hilux used by the People's Liberation Army in the Southern region of China.
In October 2007, the Swedish car magazine Teknikens Värld performed an evasive manoeuvre (a moose test) that revealed that the Hilux pickup truck was less than ideal for turning abruptly at speed. The car failed the test and only the driver's skill prevented it from overturning. After the test Toyota stopped the sales of Hilux equipped with 16 inch wheels in Europe.
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