What is the American version of the Toyota Hilux?
In the United States, the Toyota Hilux has never been sold under that name. The historical American counterpart was the Toyota Pickup, and today the U.S. market is served by the Toyota Tacoma—the modern successor to the Hilux lineage in North America.
Historical pathway in the United States
Below is a concise timeline showing how the Hilux lineage reached the American market, what it was called here, and what replaced it.
- The Hilux name was used in many markets, but the U.S. market never carried the Hilux badge. Instead, Toyota offered a compact pickup in the U.S. under the name Toyota Pickup from the late 1970s through 1995.
- In 1995, Toyota introduced the Tacoma for the U.S. market, positioning it as a more modern, mid‑size pickup to meet North American standards. The Toyota Pickup was discontinued as Tacoma took over the role.
- Today, the Tacoma remains Toyota's compact/midsize pickup in the United States, while the Hilux name continues to populate markets around the world, keeping the family interconnected.
In summary, the American history of the Hilux lineage is anchored by Toyota Pickup (historical) and the current Tacoma (modern equivalent).
Global naming variations
The Hilux name is widely used outside the United States, reflecting Toyota's global truck family. In the U.S., that lineage has lived on through the Toyota Pickup years and, since 1995, the Tacoma, which serves as the direct American counterpart to the Hilux in spirit albeit as a distinct model.
Current status and key differences
The United States does not import the Hilux; instead, it uses the Tacoma. Here are some practical differences between the U.S. Tacoma and the Hilux versions sold in other markets to help readers orient the comparison.
- Market naming: Hilux (global), Toyota Pickup (U.S. historical name), Tacoma (current U.S. model).
- Vehicle class: The Hilux is typically considered a compact pickup in many markets, whereas the Tacoma is categorized as a midsize pickup in the United States.
- Body and bed options: The Tacoma offers North American cab configurations and bed lengths tailored to U.S. buyers; Hilux offerings in other regions vary by market and generation.
- Engines and tech: Tacoma models in the U.S. feature modern powertrains and technology suited to North American standards, while Hilux variants elsewhere range across multiple generations with different options.
For readers comparing Hilux and Tacoma, the key takeaway is that the Hilux remains a global nameplate, while the U.S. market has its own dedicated truck in the Tacoma, developed to meet local needs.
Summary
In the United States, the Toyota Hilux does not appear as a sale name. The historical American counterpart was the Toyota Pickup, and the current American-equivalent is the Toyota Tacoma. The Hilux name remains active worldwide, but in North America the Tacoma carries the lineage forward.
Is a Hilux just a Tacoma?
No, a Toyota Hilux is not just a Tacoma; they are distinct vehicles that share a history but have developed separately to cater to different markets. The Hilux is a global workhorse, while the Tacoma is designed for the North American market with a focus on comfort and modern technology, and the Hilux is not sold in the United States.
You can watch this video to learn about the differences between Toyota Hilux and Tacoma: 1mBuraq RiderYouTube · Aug 14, 2022
Key differences between the Hilux and Tacoma
| Feature | Toyota Hilux | Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Market | Global (sold outside the U.S.) | North America |
| Design Focus | Utilitarian, durable, rugged workhorse | Lifestyle-oriented, modern technology, comfort |
| Engine Options | Includes diesel options (e.g., 2.8L 4-cylinder) | Primarily gasoline engines (e.g., 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder) |
| Platform | Uses the IMV platform (shared with the Fortuner SUV) | Uses a separate, more premium platform |
| Towing | Often has superior towing capacity | Varies by model |
| Features | More basic, utilitarian interior and less technology | More advanced technology (e.g., infotainment) and comfort-focused interior |
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Historical context
- The original Toyota pickup sold in North America was a version of the Hilux.
- Toyota introduced the Tacoma in 1995 as a model specifically developed for American tastes, making it distinct from the global Hilux.
- Since the mid-2000s, the development of the two trucks has been entirely separate, with each vehicle evolving on its own path.
Are Toyota Tundra and Hilux the same?
Not surprisingly, the Tundra trumps the HiLux with its superior towing capability – 4.3 versus the HiLux's 2.5 tonne. The American pick-up also comes equipped with a tow pack, as well as Trailer Sway Control and a Tow transmission mode.
What is the Toyota Hilux called in America?
The Toyota Hilux equivalent in the U.S. is the Toyota Tacoma. The Tacoma replaced the Hilux in the North American market in 1995, serving as a similar mid-size, body-on-frame pickup truck with a focus on durability and workhorse capabilities, though tailored with different powertrains (gas-only for many years) and comfort features for the U.S. market.
| Feature | Toyota Hilux (Global) | Toyota Tacoma (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Global workhorse, often used for commercial purposes | U.S. version tailored for North American consumers |
| Engine Options | Diesel and petrol options are common | Primarily gas engines; a hybrid is planned for 2025 |
| Design | Known for ruggedness and utilitarian design | Blends comfort and off-road capability, with a blockier appearance |
| Availability | Sold worldwide, but not in the U.S. | Built and sold across North America |
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Can you get a Toyota Hilux in the USA?
No, you cannot buy a new Toyota Hilux in the US; Toyota discontinued it in the US market in 1995 and replaced it with the Toyota Tacoma. The Hilux is not sold in the US due to economic factors like the "Chicken Tax" (a 25% tariff on imported light trucks) and different emissions and safety standards. However, it may be possible to import an older Hilux that is more than 25 years old, but this requires navigating complex import regulations, meeting US safety and emissions standards, and paying significant tariffs.
Why you can't buy a new one
- The Chicken Tax: A 25% tariff on light trucks imported into the US makes it financially unfeasible for Toyota to sell the Hilux in the US.
- Market replacement: Toyota developed the Tacoma to be the US-market equivalent of the Hilux, and it has become a very successful and popular model in North America.
- Different standards: The Hilux is designed for a global market and does not meet all of the US's specific safety and emissions standards without significant and costly modifications.
Importing an older model
- The 25-year rule: Vehicles that are at least 25 years old are exempt from federal safety and emissions standards, making them easier to import.
- Regulations and costs: Importing a vehicle requires extensive paperwork, including submitting forms to the EPA and DOT, paying import duties (including the 25% tariff), and clearing customs with a licensed broker.
- Registration challenges: Even after importing, the vehicle must still pass state-level inspections for registration and insurance, which can be difficult if it was not originally built to US specifications.
