What are Toyota Pickup trucks called?

In short, Toyota’s pickup trucks carry two main names depending on the market: the Hilux worldwide, and in North America the Tacoma (midsize) and Tundra (full-size). In the United States, trucks were historically marketed simply as Toyota Pickup until the mid-1990s.

Global naming and regional differences

Toyota’s pickup family uses a global name for most markets, but the model name you see depends on where you are and which generation you’re looking at. Below is how the names map to current market realities.

Current lineup names by market

• Hilux — the global name for Toyota’s midsize pickup, sold in most regions outside the United States.


• Tacoma — the North American midsize pickup currently sold in the United States, Canada, and parts of the region.


• Tundra — the North American full-size pickup, introduced in the late 1990s and renewed in the 2020s.

Today, the Hilux remains the staple name in global markets outside North America, while the United States relies on Tacoma (midsize) and Tundra (full-size) for its pickup lineup. Hilux is not sold new in the U.S. market as of the latest model years.

Historical naming in the United States

Understanding the U.S. naming history helps explain the current lineup. The country’s pickup trucks carried a single model name for decades before the split into distinct lines for size and market.

1. 1964–1995: Toyota Pickup — the name used for the light-duty pickup in the United States during this era before the introduction of a dedicated midsize model.


2. 1995–present: Tacoma — introduced in 1995 to replace the traditional U.S. pickup branding for the midsize segment.


3. 1999–present: Tundra — introduced as a full-size pickup in the United States, becoming Toyota’s flagship large pickup option.

In summary, the United States now distinguishes between Tacoma (midsize) and Tundra (full-size), while the Hilux remains the global name for Toyota’s pickup line in other regions.

Current U.S. lineup and global context

In the United States today, Toyota’s pickup offerings are the Tacoma and the Tundra. The Hilux continues to be a mainstay in many other markets around the world, reflecting Toyota’s broad global strategy for light trucks. The naming framework highlights both market-specific strategies and a unified family lineage for Toyota’s pickup trucks.

Summary

Toyota’s pickup names fall into two main tracks: Hilux for global markets outside North America, and Tacoma plus Tundra for the U.S. and Canada. Historically, the U.S. market used the Toyota Pickup name until the mid-1990s, when Tacoma took over the midsize segment and Tundra was introduced for the full-size segment. Today’s lineup is shaped by regional demand, regulatory environments, and a long-standing focus on versatile, durable pickups.

What pickup trucks are made by Toyota?

Better known as the Land Cruiser, this pickup version was the first of Toyota's legendary truck offerings. Over time, the lineup would come to include renowned names like Stout, Hi-Lux, 4Runner, T100, Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia. These trucks continue to deliver Toyota quality, durability and reliability—every day.

What are the two types of Toyota trucks?

The two Toyota trucks are the Toyota Tacoma (a mid-size truck) and the Toyota Tundra (a full-size truck). Both are known for being durable and capable, but they are designed for different needs, with the Tacoma being more compact and versatile and the Tundra offering more space and higher towing capacity.
 

• Toyota Tacoma: A mid-size pickup truck that is agile and versatile, ideal for those who need a truck for both daily use and adventure. 
• Toyota Tundra: A full-size pickup truck that provides more interior space and a higher towing capacity, suited for heavier jobs and demanding tasks. 

Which is better, Tacoma or Tundra?

The better truck depends on your needs: choose the Tacoma for off-road capability, maneuverability, and strong resale value, while the Tundra is better for heavy-duty towing, hauling, and more interior space. The Tacoma is a more nimble mid-size truck, whereas the Tundra is a larger full-size truck with more powerful engine options and greater towing capacity.
 
You can watch this video to compare the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra: 59sRealistickYouTube · Mar 7, 2025
Choose the Tacoma if:

• You prioritize off-road performance: The Tacoma is built for rugged terrain and excels in off-road situations. 
• You need a more maneuverable truck: Its smaller size makes it easier to navigate tight city streets, park, and drive on crowded trails. 
• You want strong resale value: The Tacoma has a reputation for retaining its value well. 
• You want better fuel efficiency: The Tacoma generally offers better gas mileage, especially the hybrid models. 

Choose the Tundra if:

• You need maximum towing and hauling capacity: The Tundra is a full-size truck designed for heavy-duty tasks and has a higher towing capacity than the Tacoma. 
• You need more interior and passenger space: The Tundra's larger cabin provides more room for passengers, which is ideal for families or those who frequently transport multiple people. 
• You want more power: The Tundra comes with more powerful engine options, providing greater horsepower and torque. 

This video provides a detailed comparison of the Tacoma and Tundra: 55sWalser Automotive GroupYouTube · Aug 8, 2025

What is a Toyota pickup called?

The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota since 1995.