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What is a Toyota Vigo?

The Toyota Vigo, also known as the Toyota Hilux, is a popular and widely-acclaimed pickup truck that has been in production since 1968. It is renowned for its ruggedness, reliability, and versatility, making it a favorite among both commercial and personal users around the world.


What is the Toyota Vigo?


The Toyota Vigo is a mid-size pickup truck that has been manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota since the late 1960s. It is part of the Hilux series, which is one of Toyota's longest-running and most successful vehicle models. The Vigo is known for its robust construction, off-road capabilities, and dependable performance, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications, from construction and agriculture to outdoor recreation and personal transportation.


Key Features of the Toyota Vigo



  • Rugged Design: The Toyota Vigo is built on a sturdy body-on-frame construction, which provides excellent durability and off-road capabilities. It is designed to withstand the rigors of tough terrain and heavy-duty use.

  • Powerful Engines: The Vigo is available with a range of powerful and efficient engine options, including diesel and gasoline variants, providing ample power for towing, hauling, and off-road driving.

  • Versatile Configurations: The Vigo is offered in various body styles, including single cab, extended cab, and double cab, allowing customers to choose the configuration that best suits their needs.

  • Reliable Performance: The Toyota Vigo is renowned for its reliability and dependability, with a reputation for being able to withstand harsh conditions and high mileage without major issues.

  • Comfortable and Practical: Despite its rugged nature, the Vigo offers a comfortable and practical interior, with features such as spacious seating, ample storage, and user-friendly controls.


The Toyota Vigo's combination of ruggedness, power, and versatility has made it a popular choice for a wide range of users, from farmers and construction workers to outdoor enthusiasts and families. Its reputation for reliability and durability has also contributed to its enduring popularity in many markets around the world.

Is the Toyota Hilux Vigo reliable?


The Toyota Vigo is a reliable and diverse vehicle. It is ideal for work and for play. With its strong payload capacity, towing capability, and features that provide good off-road performance, it remains one of the favourite pickup trucks among its class.



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 Toyota Vigo?


Toyota Vigo Hilux is one of the most demandable pickup trucks in the context of technological aspects.



What is the difference between Toyota Hilux and Vigo?


Both make use of Toyota's diesel engine technology. However, it is important to mention that the former benefits from modern engine management, turbocharging, and often higher torque figures. A typical Vigo fitments include 2.5 – 2.7 litre petrols and 2.5 litre turbodiesel options.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.