Is the Toyota Hilux available in North America?

The Toyota Hilux is not officially sold in the United States or Canada.

In North America, Toyota's midsize pickup option is the Tacoma, a model derived from the Hilux lineage but specifically engineered for the U.S. market. This article explains the current status, regional differences, and what that means for buyers and enthusiasts.

Current status in North America

The Hilux is not listed in Toyota’s official North American lineup, meaning there is no factory-authorized Hilux for sale in the United States or Canada. North American buyers rely on the Toyota Tacoma for a midsize pickup with similar heritage, while the Hilux remains a global model focused on other regions.

Here are the main reasons this remains the case across the region:

• Market positioning: The Tacoma already serves the North American midsize pickup niche with locally tuned specs and features.


• Regulatory and certification costs: Importing a different Hilux variant would require EPA, DOT, and crash-test compliance, adding time and expense.


• Demand and profitability: Toyota weighs potential sales against the cost of homologation, distribution, and dealer support; Hilux volumes in North America are not viewed as sufficiently profitable.


• Production and supply chain strategy: Plant allocations and logistics prioritize Tacoma-based production for the U.S. and Canadian markets.


• Brand strategy and heritage: The Hilux thrives as a global model; the Tacoma is the North American iteration built to meet local expectations.

Taken together, these factors help explain why Toyota keeps the Hilux outside the North American lineup.

Global footprint of the Hilux

The Hilux is a cornerstone of Toyota’s global truck lineup, sold in many markets with region-specific engines and configurations. Availability and specs vary by country and year, but the model enjoys strong recognition outside North America.

• Australia and New Zealand: A major market for rugged, diesel- and petrol-powered Hilux variants with wide aftermarket support.


• Europe and the Middle East: Offered with a mix of diesel engines and body styles to suit local tastes and regulations.


• Africa and Asia: Widely available with diesel options and 4x4 capabilities for both personal and fleet use.


• Latin America: A broad footprint across many countries, adapted to local emissions rules and road conditions.

In short, the Hilux remains a global-focused model, while the North American market continues to rely on the Tacoma for similar capability and size.

What about buying a Hilux in North America?

Official import of the Hilux into the United States or Canada is not offered through Toyota’s North American operations. For enthusiasts or fleets, there have historically been rare private import routes, but these come with warranty, parts, and compliance caveats and are not recommended for general buyers.

Private imports and warranty considerations

If a private import is pursued, buyers should expect potential challenges around warranty coverage, parts availability, and local regulatory compliance, which can offset the appeal of acquiring a Hilux in North America.

Future outlook

There has been no official announcement from Toyota about bringing the Hilux to the United States or Canada in the near term. Toyota continues to market the Tacoma in North America, and any decision to introduce Hilux would depend on market demand, regulatory factors, and strategic priorities.

Summary

Conclusion: The Toyota Hilux is not officially available in the United States or Canada. Toyota maintains the Tacoma as the North American midsize pickup, while the Hilux remains a global model sold in many other regions. For buyers seeking Hilux-style capability, the Tacoma remains the primary North American option, with international Hilux markets serving as the broader context for the nameplate.

Is the Tacoma just a Hilux?

When comparing with the Hilux, the Tacoma receives engineering with greater priority on ride quality, handling, comfort, and safety over ruggedness and payload capacity.

Can you get a Toyota Hilux in the USA?

No, you cannot buy a new Toyota Hilux from a dealership in the USA, as it has not been sold there since the mid-1990s. The Toyota Tacoma is sold in the US as its equivalent. While it is not officially available, you can legally import a Hilux that is over 25 years old or one that is specially modified and certified to meet US regulations. 
Why you can't buy a new one

• Market replacement: Toyota replaced the Hilux in the US market with the Tacoma to better suit American consumer preferences. 
• The Chicken Tax: The 25% tariff, known as the "Chicken Tax," was imposed on imported light trucks in the 1960s and made it economically unviable for Toyota to import the Hilux. 
• US regulations: New models do not meet US safety and emissions standards, so they cannot be legally sold in the country without significant and costly modifications. 

How to get one

• Import an older model: You can legally import a Hilux that is at least 25 years old. For example, older models are available for import from other countries. 
• Import a new model: It is possible to import a new Hilux, but it is an expensive and difficult process. You will have to pay a 25% tariff and comply with US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, which can be a major challenge. 
• Buy from a specialty importer: Some companies specialize in importing and modifying vehicles for the US market. 

Alternative

• Buy a Toyota Tacoma: If you want a new Toyota pickup, the Tacoma is the American equivalent of the Hilux and is readily available at dealerships across the US. 

Is North America getting the Toyota Hilux?

Test the North American Toyota Hilux will come with three separate engine options the first one being a 2.8 L turbocharged diesel making 201 horsepower.

Can I buy a Hilux in Mexico and bring it to the US?

Yes, but it is very difficult and expensive for a modern Hilux, as it must be modified to meet U.S. safety and emissions standards, a process that can cost thousands of dollars. The easiest way to legally import a Hilux is to purchase one that is over 25 years old, as these vehicles are exempt from many modern regulations. 
Modern Hilux (under 25 years old)

• Compliance: The modern Hilux is not officially sold in the U.S. and does not meet U.S. emissions or safety standards, so it cannot be legally registered for on-road use without significant and costly modifications. 
• Cost: Modifications can be extremely expensive, potentially costing over $10,000$ 10 comma 000$10,000 to $20,000$ 20 comma 000$20,000 just for testing and certification to meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. 
• Difficulty: This process is complex, and it may be very challenging to find a company that can perform the necessary modifications and paperwork to get it certified for use on U.S. roads. 

Older Hilux (over 25 years old) 

• Exemption: Vehicles that are 25 years or older are generally exempt from the DOT and EPA standards that apply to newer vehicles.
• Simplicity: This makes importing older models a much more viable option for enthusiasts, as the modification requirements are far less extensive. 

Other options

• Toyota Tacoma: If you don't want to deal with the hassle and expense of importing, the Toyota Tacoma is the equivalent truck available in the U.S. and is a much simpler and more affordable option. 
• Temporary import: You may be able to get a temporary permit to bring a Mexican-plated vehicle into the U.S. for a limited time, but it must be returned to Mexico after the permit expires. 
• Import specialists: Companies that specialize in importing vehicles can handle some of the complexity, but the costs for modern models will still be very high.