What is the Toyota Hilux also known as?
The Toyota Hilux is best known as the Toyota HiLux in most markets, and it was sold in North America under the name Toyota Pickup for many years. The Japan‑specific SUV variant is called the Hilux Surf, with the related US/Global SUV branding commonly known as the 4Runner in export markets.
Global naming and regional variants
Across different regions and generations, the Hilux has carried several badges. Here is a quick overview of the main names attached to the same core vehicle family.
- International markets: HiLux — the standard global name used by Toyota outside North America.
- North America: Toyota Pickup — the name used for the pickup version in the United States and Canada until the mid‑1990s, when the Tacoma nameplate began to replace it.
- Japan and some markets: Hilux Surf — the Japanese domestic market SUV variant based on the Hilux, with export variants later branded as 4Runner in many markets.
- Related export name: Toyota 4Runner — the US‑market SUV name for the same design lineage, derived from the Hilux Surf lineage in later generations.
Note: The Hilux family includes both pickup trucks (HiLux/Hilux) and SUV variants (Surf/4Runner). Branding shifts by era and geography can be subtle but meaningful for buyers and collectors.
Historical timeline of naming
A concise timeline helps map how the Hilux has been branded around the world and across generations.
- 1968–1980s: The pickup version appeared in many markets as HiLux or Hilux; the North American market used Toyota Pickup in various years and regions.
- 1980s–1990s: The US market largely retained the Toyota Pickup name as newer generations rolled out; the introduction of the Tacoma in 1995 began phasing out the pickup branding in North America.
- 1990s–present: HiLux became the widely used global name outside North America, while Japan continued to market the Hilux Surf as the SUV variant, with export markets naming it 4Runner in several generations.
These naming shifts illustrate how Toyota has maintained a single, versatile platform while adapting badges to local markets, regulations, and consumer expectations.
Related models and naming notes
Understanding the Hilux’s naming requires recognizing its closely related models and the regional badge differences. The HiLux is the global pickup name, while the Surf and 4Runner represent the SUV variant lineage in Japan and the US respectively, showing how one vehicle family can span multiple badges.
Summary
In short, the Toyota Hilux is called HiLux in most markets and Toyota Pickup in North America. The Hilux Surf is the Japan‑specific SUV variant, and its US‑market SUV counterpart is known as the 4Runner in many generations. Recognizing these names helps readers track specifications, parts, and historical reviews across regions and time periods.
