Does Toyota make a pickup truck?
Yes. Toyota currently produces pickup trucks, including the midsize Tacoma and the full-size Tundra for the North American market, and the Hilux is sold in many other regions worldwide.
To understand the landscape, it helps to map which models are offered today, where they are sold, and how they differ in size, capability, and powertrains—along with a brief look at the brand’s history in pickups and its future direction in electrification.
Current Toyota Pickup Models
Here is a snapshot of Toyota's core pickup offerings and how they are positioned in the market.
- Toyota Tacoma — midsize pickup sold primarily in the United States, Canada, and select international markets; known for its off-road variants such as the TRD Pro.
- Toyota Tundra — full-size pickup available in the United States and some neighboring markets; features updated powertrains, including a hybrid option (i-Force MAX) and modern tech.
- Toyota Hilux — global staple in many regions outside North America; renowned for durability and versatility, and not typically sold new in the U.S. market.
In summary, the U.S. market currently centers on Tacoma and Tundra, while Hilux serves as Toyota’s flagship global pickup in many other countries.
Global Availability and Market Focus
Understanding regional availability helps explain why Toyota’s pickup lineup looks different depending on where you are.
- Hilux — widely sold across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Latin America; not generally offered as a new vehicle in the United States.
- Tacoma and Tundra — the primary Toyota pickup options in the United States and parts of Canada; sold with region-specific trims and features to suit local demand.
These distinctions show Toyota’s strategy of maintaining a global compact/durable pickup (Hilux) while offering larger and more regionally tailored trucks (Tacoma and Tundra) in North America.
Historical Context and Market Evolution
Tracing Toyota’s pickup history helps explain today’s lineup and its regional focus.
- 1940s–1950s: Toyota begins exporting light trucks from Japan, laying the groundwork for a robust pickup legacy.
- 1960s–1990s: The Hilux becomes a global symbol of reliability and ruggedness, expanding Toyota’s truck footprint worldwide.
- 1995: The Tacoma is introduced to North America to address a growing demand for a midsize pickup in the U.S. market.
- 2000s: The full-size Tundra arrives in the North American lineup, offering higher payload and towing capacity.
- 2022–2023: The second-generation Tundra debuts with modern technology and an optional hybrid powertrain (i-Force MAX), reflecting a push toward efficiency.
- Late 2020s–present: Toyota continues refining its pickup lineup, including potential electrified variants in markets where infrastructure supports them.
Overall, Toyota maintains a two-pronged strategy in the United States—Tacoma and Tundra—while sustaining a global Hilux platform for other regions.
Future Directions and Electrification
As part of a broader industry shift, Toyota has signaled ongoing electrification and hybridization for its pickups where market conditions allow. In North America, the Tundra’s hybrid option demonstrates the brand’s move toward more efficient powertrains, while globally Toyota continues to explore electrified variants and advanced propulsion technologies to meet regional goals and infrastructure realities.
Key takeaway for enthusiasts and buyers: Toyota’s pickup portfolio remains robust, with a clear focus on regional needs—Tacoma and Tundra in North America, and Hilux in most other markets—while pursuing smarter, cleaner powertrains across its lineup.
Key Takeaways
- Toyota’s current U.S. pickup lineup centers on the Tacoma (midsize) and Tundra (full-size).
- Globally, the Hilux remains the main Toyota pickup platform outside North America.
- Future developments include continued hybridization and potential electrified options where feasible.
Summary: Toyota does make pickup trucks, with Tacoma and Tundra serving the U.S. market and Hilux dominating many other regions worldwide. The brand continues to adapt its lineup with modern powertrains and electrification plans to meet regional demand and sustainability goals.
