Do they make Toyota Hilux in the US?
The short answer: No. Toyota does not manufacture the Hilux in the United States; the Hilux is built for export in overseas plants, while the U.S. market relies on the Toyota Tacoma for its midsize pickup needs.
In more detail, the Hilux is a global model produced in several countries to serve regional markets outside the United States. The U.S. has not carried a Hilux since the 1980s/early 1990s, and there are no current official plans to reintroduce the model in America. Below is a look at where the Hilux is produced today and how it fits into Toyota's overall pickup strategy.
Current production and markets
The Hilux is manufactured in multiple overseas facilities to support global demand. The following countries are key production bases for the model outside the United States:
- Thailand — A major hub for Hilux production, supplying markets across Asia, Africa, and beyond.
- Indonesia — Local production supports Southeast Asia and export markets.
- Argentina — Manufactured by Toyota Argentina for South American markets.
- South Africa — Produced by Toyota South Africa Motors for the regional market.
- Brazil — Produced by Toyota do Brasil to serve Latin American customers.
These overseas plants reflect Toyota’s strategy of building the Hilux close to regional demand, rather than shipping a U.S.-spec model from a U.S. plant.
US market context
What American buyers see today
The United States continues to be served by the Toyota Tacoma, a distinct midsize pickup that shares a lineage with the Hilux but is engineered specifically for U.S. market regulations and consumer preferences. Toyota has not marketed a Hilux in the U.S. since the 1980s/early 1990s, and there are no announced plans to reintroduce the Hilux in the American market.
Will the Hilux return to the US?
As of now, Toyota has not confirmed any plan to bring the Hilux back to the United States. The Tacoma remains the brand’s current midsize option for U.S. buyers, with engineering and specifications tailored to U.S. safety, emissions, and road-use standards. Any future decision to reintroduce a Hilux-branded vehicle in the U.S. would depend on regulatory approvals, market strategy, and product alignment with Toyota’s global lineup.
Summary
In summary, Toyota does not manufacture the Hilux in the United States. The model is built at overseas plants to serve global markets, while the U.S. market continues to rely on the Tacoma for midsize pickup performance. For now, the Hilux remains an international model, not a U.S.-made or U.S.-sold vehicle.
Is it illegal to own a Toyota HiLux in the US?
The Toyota Hilux is not sold in the U.S. due to a combination of factors, primarily the 25% "Chicken Tax" on imported trucks, which makes it economically unviable, along with stricter U.S. emissions and safety regulations that the Hilux does not meet. Additionally, Toyota developed the Tacoma for the North American market to compete with other U.S. trucks.
This video explains why the Toyota Hilux is not sold in the U.S.: 1mMotor coutureYouTube · Feb 20, 2025
Key reasons for the Hilux's absence in the U.S.
- The "Chicken Tax": A 25% tariff on imported light trucks that makes it expensive to bring the Hilux into the country.
- Emissions and safety standards: The Hilux is not built to meet U.S. EPA and FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) regulations, and modifying it to meet these standards is costly.
- Market strategy: Toyota created the Tacoma specifically for the American market, and they are not interested in introducing the Hilux, which could compete with the Tacoma and might not appeal to U.S. consumers.
What this means for U.S. buyers
- You cannot buy a new Toyota Hilux from a U.S. dealership.
- While you can legally import older models that are at least 25 years old due to the 25-year rule, the costs of importing, plus the necessary modifications, make it extremely expensive and impractical.
- The Toyota Tacoma is the truck available in the U.S. that is based on the same platform and fills a similar role, though the Hilux is built for more rugged global markets and the Tacoma is tailored for American consumer preferences.
Can you get a Toyota Hilux in America?
Yes, but only under limited circumstances. Private individuals can import a Hilux if it follows the following federal regulations or meets exemptions: 25-Year Import Rule: Vehicles over 25 years old are exempt from NHTSA and EPA standards, making the classic models of Hilux the most common and recognized legal imports.
What is Toyota Hilux called in the USA?
The Toyota Hilux was sold in the U.S. as the Toyota Pickup until 1995, when it was replaced by the Toyota Tacoma. It was also known simply as the "Toyota Truck" after the early 1970s. There is no modern version of the global Hilux sold in the US, but a compact utility vehicle called the Hilux Champ is coming to the US market to fill a more affordable, no-frills niche, though it is not a direct replacement for the global Hilux.
- Past name: Before 1995, the Toyota pickup truck sold in the US was known as the Toyota Pickup, or simply "Toyota Truck".
- Current replacement: The Tacoma replaced the pickup/Hilux in the US market in 1995.
- New model: The new Toyota Hilux Champ is being released in the US as a compact, affordable, customizable chassis, different from the global Hilux and the Tacoma.
Is a Hilux just a Tacoma?
The main difference between Hilux and Tacoma lies in their market focus and availability. The Hilux is a global workhorse designed for commercial use with diesel engine options, superior towing capacity (3,500kg), and utilitarian design. It's available worldwide except in the US.
