What category is a Toyota Hilux?
The Toyota Hilux is a pickup truck that falls into the category of a light commercial vehicle (LCV). LCVs are a class of vehicles designed for commercial use, typically with a payload capacity of less than 3.5 tons. The Hilux is a popular choice for both personal and commercial use, known for its ruggedness, reliability, and versatility.
What is a Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV)?
A light commercial vehicle (LCV) is a classification of vehicles that are designed for commercial use, such as transporting goods or equipment. These vehicles are typically smaller and more maneuverable than larger commercial trucks, with a payload capacity of less than 3.5 tons. LCVs are often used by businesses, tradespeople, and individuals who need a versatile vehicle for work-related tasks.
The Toyota Hilux as an LCV
The Toyota Hilux is a prime example of an LCV. It is a pickup truck that is designed for both personal and commercial use, with a range of features and capabilities that make it well-suited for a variety of tasks. Some of the key characteristics of the Toyota Hilux as an LCV include:
- Payload Capacity: The Hilux has a payload capacity of up to 1,240 kg, making it capable of carrying a significant amount of cargo or equipment.
- Ruggedness and Durability: The Hilux is known for its robust construction and reliability, making it a popular choice for use in challenging environments or for heavy-duty tasks.
- Versatility: The Hilux is available in a range of body styles and configurations, including single cab, extended cab, and double cab models, allowing it to be tailored to different needs and applications.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Hilux is available with a range of fuel-efficient diesel and gasoline engines, which can help to reduce operating costs for businesses and individuals.
Overall, the Toyota Hilux is a versatile and capable LCV that is well-suited for a wide range of commercial and personal applications.
What type of vehicle is the Toyota Hilux?
Toyota Hilux is a 5-seater 4X4 pickup truck based on the same platform as the Fortuner.
What is a Toyota Hilux classified as?
Class. Compact pickup truck (1968–2004) Mid-size pickup truck (2004–present)
Why is the Hilux illegal in the US?
The Toyota Hilux is not sold in the US primarily due to the "Chicken Tax," a 25% tariff on imported light trucks that makes it financially impractical. Additionally, the Hilux was not originally designed to meet the US's stricter safety, emissions, and fuel economy standards. Toyota also created the US-specific Toyota Tacoma to meet American market preferences for more features and comfort, and to avoid tariffs on vehicles produced in the US.
Reasons the Toyota Hilux isn't sold in the US
- The "Chicken Tax": This 25% tariff on imported light trucks was enacted in 1964 and makes it too expensive to import the Hilux and sell it competitively in the US.
- Different market and design: Toyota developed the Tacoma specifically for the North American market, which has different tastes and needs than the global Hilux. The Tacoma is typically more spacious and includes more features and comfort options.
- Safety and emissions standards: The Hilux was not designed to meet the US's strict Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) or EPA emissions regulations. Re-engineering the truck to meet these standards would be costly and time-consuming.
- Market competition: Toyota already has a successful mid-size truck in the US with the Tacoma and doesn't want the Hilux to compete with its own product.
What is a Toyota Hilux called in the USA?
The Toyota Tacoma is the US equivalent to the Toyota Hilux, though the two trucks have diverged over time to meet different market needs. The Tacoma was developed specifically for the North American market, while the Hilux is sold globally elsewhere.
Key differences
- Design and features: The Tacoma is slightly larger and wider to appeal to American tastes and features are more focused on comfort and technology. The Hilux is designed for a global, often more utilitarian, market and can be more rugged.
- Engine: Historically, the Tacoma has come exclusively with gasoline engines, whereas the Hilux has been offered with a variety of engines, including many diesel options, which are not popular in the US light truck market.
- Market focus: The Tacoma is built in North America to comply with local regulations, while the Hilux is built in various other countries around the world, like Thailand.
