What gen is a 1991 Toyota Pickup?
The 1991 Toyota Pickup belongs to Toyota’s fourth-generation lineup for the U.S. market, commonly referred to as the Hardbody generation. This generation ran from the late 1980s into the mid-1990s, with broader Hilux variants continuing in other markets into the late 1990s.
Generation context
In the United States, the 1991 Pickup sits squarely in the fourth generation, a shift from the earlier rounded, utilitarian designs to a tougher, boxier, more durable platform. While sold as the Toyota Pickup in the U.S., many other markets continued to use the Hilux name for similar trucks. The Hardbody era is known for its reinforced frame and rugged engineering, designed to handle work duties and light off-roading.
Cab configurations and body styles
Before listing the main body options, note that the fourth-generation lineup offered two primary cab configurations in the U.S., with variations by trim and market:
- Regular Cab
- Xtracab (extended cab with smaller rear doors for extra seating)
In other regions, there were additional variants and trim packages, but the Regular Cab and Xtracab were the core choices for the 1991 model year in the U.S.
Engine and drivetrain basics
To understand what powered a 1991 Pickup, it helps to know the common engine and drivetrain options that were available during the fourth generation. Availability varied by market, but typical configurations included:
- Gasoline inline-four engines (notably in the 2.4-liter class, from the 22R/22R-E family)
- A V6 option offered in some markets or trims (commonly around 3.0 liters)
- Drivetrain choices included two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD), with manual or automatic transmissions
These combinations contributed to the generation’s reputation for durability, practicality, and off-road capability.
Why generation matters for buyers and restorers
Knowing that a 1991 Toyota Pickup is a fourth-generation model (Hardbody) helps with parts compatibility, electrical-era specifics, and maintenance expectations. It also clarifies the expected ride characteristics, frame design, and available features relative to earlier generations or newer successors.
Summary
The 1991 Toyota Pickup is a fourth-generation model—the Hardbody generation—recognized for its rugged, squared-off styling, Regular Cab and Xtracab options, and a mix of inline-four engines with possible V6 variants, plus 2WD and 4WD configurations. This generation bridged older small-truck design with modern reliability, making it a popular choice for restoration and practical use today.
