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How many HP is a Toyota HiLux?

The Toyota HiLux doesn't have a single horsepower figure. Power depends on the engine and the market. In the current lineup, the top-spec 2.8-liter diesel makes about 204 PS (roughly 201 hp), while petrol versions run around 159–165 hp, and the 2.4-liter diesel sits near 150 PS (about 148 hp).


Engine options and horsepower across the lineup


Power output varies mainly by engine type and market. Here are the main options you’ll encounter in recent HiLux models.



  • 2.8 L diesel (1GD-FTV): 204 PS (150 kW) at 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque; roughly 201 hp.

  • 2.4 L diesel (2GD-FTV): 150 PS (110 kW) and about 400 Nm of torque; roughly 148 hp.

  • 2.7 L petrol (2TR-FE): about 159–165 PS (118–123 kW) and around 240–250 Nm of torque; roughly 157–164 hp.


These figures reflect the most widely cited outputs across markets and model years. Real-world performance varies with transmission choice (manual vs. automatic), drivetrain, and vehicle condition.


Regional differences and model years


In Australia, Europe, and many parts of Asia, the 2.8 L turbo-diesel is a common flagship option, delivering the strongest horsepower and torque. North American buyers historically see the Hilux lineup paired with petrol powertrains, while the United States uses a Tacoma nameplate for a related family of trucks. Engine availability and tuning shift over time to meet emissions regulations and market preferences.


Understanding horsepower in context


Horsepower indicates how much work the engine can perform over time, but it doesn't tell the whole story. Torque, gearing, vehicle weight, and drivetrain all influence how that power translates to real-world acceleration and towing. In many markets, power is listed as PS (Pferdestärke); the conversion to horsepower (hp) is roughly 1 PS ≈ 0.986 hp, so the numbers shown here align with typical conversions consumers see.


What this means for buyers


For most buyers today, the 2.8 L diesel option provides the strongest performance and towing capability in the HiLux range, followed by the 2.4 L diesel for a balance of efficiency and capability. The petrol 2.7 L remains a viable choice where diesel options are less common or where low-end torque is less critical.


Summary


The Toyota HiLux offers multiple horsepower figures depending on engine, market, and configuration. The flagship 2.8 L diesel tops the lineup at about 204 PS (roughly 201 hp) with strong torque, while the 2.4 L diesel sits around 150 PS (about 148 hp) and the 2.7 L petrol lands near 159–165 PS (roughly 157–164 hp). Buyers should check the exact specification for their region and model year to know the precise horsepower figure.

Are Toyota Hilux sold in the US?


No, the Toyota Hilux is not sold in the US, and it was replaced by the Tacoma in the American market in 1995. Reasons include safety and emissions standards, the "chicken tax" on imported trucks, and a desire to sell a model designed specifically for the US market. The Hilux is available in most other countries and older models (over 25 years old) can be imported into the US.
 
Reasons for unavailability

  • Safety and emissions standards: The Hilux must meet specific US safety and emissions regulations, which would require significant and costly re-engineering. 
  • The "Chicken Tax": A 25% tariff on light trucks imported into the US makes it more expensive to sell the Hilux directly from overseas. 
  • Market strategy: Toyota chose to sell the Tacoma in the US, a model designed for the North American market with more creature comforts and a different design. 
  • Competition: Selling the Hilux in the US could cannibalize sales of the Tacoma, a model that is already established in the market. 

What you can do
  • Buy a Tacoma: The Tacoma is the US equivalent of the Hilux and is the mid-size truck available from Toyota in North America. 
  • Import an older model: It is possible to import a Hilux into the US if the vehicle is at least 25 years old, as it would be exempt from current US regulations. 



How much horsepower does a 3.0 Hilux have?


About the Toyota Hilux 3.0L
The 3.0L engine is a 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine that produces 171 horsepower and 343 Nm of torque and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.



Is the Toyota Hilux a V8?


The HiLux has been driven by plenty of engines over its life – from sluggish naturally aspirated four-cylinder diesels to modern turbo-diesels and even a supercharged petrol V6 in the TRD model, but never a V8 from the factory.



How many horsepower is a Toyota Hilux?


Toyota Hilux produces Max horsepower of 221 hp and 550 Nm torque @ 1600-2800 RPM. Hilux 2755 cc Diesel Engine version has horsepower of 221 hp and 550 Nm torque. Hilux 2755 cc Diesel Engine version has horsepower of 201 hp and 420 Nm. Hilux 2755 cc Diesel Engine version has horsepower of 201 hp and 500 Nm.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.