What generation is a 1983 Toyota Pickup?

The 1983 Toyota Pickup is widely considered the start of the third generation Hilux/Pickup in most markets. This model year embodies a mid-cycle redesign that separated it from the earlier-generation trucks and introduced a more modern cab, updated sheet metal, and revised mechanicals.

To understand where a 1983 pickup fits, it's helpful to place it within Toyota's generational lineup for the Hilux/Pickup family, which evolved from the late 1960s through today with several distinct design eras.

Generation overview

Here is a concise map of the Hilux/Pickup generations and their approximate year ranges to situate the 1983 model within the lineage.

• First generation: roughly 1968–1972


• Second generation: roughly 1972–1983


• Third generation: roughly 1983–1988

The 1983 model year is commonly cited as the transition point into the third generation, signaling a major styling and engineering refresh that set the tone for the remainder of the decade.

Key changes in the third generation

The third-generation Hilux/Pickup introduced several defining updates that differentiated it from its predecessors, including styling refreshes, improved interior comfort, and revised chassis and drivetrain components.

Design and engineering hallmarks

• New exterior styling with more angular lines and a squared-off cab silhouette


• Updated interior with improved instrumentation and comfort features


• Reworked chassis and suspension to improve ride quality and durability


• Expanded engine and transmission options across regional markets

These changes broadly aligned the 1983 pickup with contemporary mid-1980s trucks, reinforcing Toyota's reputation for rugged, long-lasting pickups.

Market notes

In North America, the 1983 model year is commonly documented as the first year of the third-generation Hilux/Pickup, though regional variations in designation can exist due to market-specific naming and revisions. Some markets continued to use earlier designations for a short period, but the consensus among major automotive histories centers on 1983 as the start of the third generation for the Hilux/Pickup family.

Summary

The 1983 Toyota Pickup sits at a pivotal point in Toyota's pickup lineage as the opening year of the third generation Hilux/Pickup. It represents a shift toward a more modern design language and updated mechanicals that defined the model through the late 1980s, before giving way to the next generation in the subsequent years.

What are the generations of Toyota pickups?

Toyota has produced multiple generations of pickup trucks, with the most prominent lines being the historical Toyota Pickup (which was the Hilux in most global markets) and its successor, the Toyota Tacoma in North America. The original Toyota Pickup/Hilux had eight generations sold globally, while the Tacoma has been through four generations since its 1995 debut to replace the Pickup in the U.S. market.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the history of the Toyota Tacoma from 1995 to the present: 55sAlphaSharkYouTube · Mar 25, 2023
Toyota Pickup / Hilux (Global)

• Generations: There have been eight generations of the Toyota Hilux, with the name "Pickup" used in the U.S. market until 1995. 
• Timeline: The first generation was produced in 1968. The eighth generation began in 2015. 
• Notable Features: Each generation has introduced new features, with the Hilux evolving from a basic commercial vehicle into a more versatile and modern truck. 

This video shows the evolution of the Toyota Tacoma from the oldest models to the newest one: 57sThe Fast Lane TruckYouTube · Oct 12, 2023
Toyota Tacoma (North America) 

• Generations: The Tacoma is currently in its fourth generation, having started with the first generation in 1995. 
• Timeline:
  • 1st Gen: 1995–2004 
  • 2nd Gen: 2005–2015 
  • 3rd Gen: 2016–2023 
  • 4th Gen: 2024–Present 
• Notable Features: Each generation has seen changes in size, power, and features, such as the introduction of the TRD off-road package in the first generation and hybrid powertrain options in the fourth. 

This video explains which Toyota Tacoma generation to buy: 1mAutotraderYouTube · Apr 3, 2025

What engine did the 1983 Toyota Pickup have?

2.4-liter 22R inline-four
It is powered by a 2.4-liter 22R inline-four linked with a five-speed manual https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1983-toyota-pickup- 25/

What generation is a 1982 Toyota Pickup?

1979 – 1983 Toyota Truck [Fourth (4th) Generation]

What year is a 3rd gen Toyota Pickup?

Q: When was the Toyota Pickup - 3rd Gen produced? A: The Toyota Pickup - 3rd Gen was sold for model years 1979 to 1983.