What is the Toyota Pickup called?
In the United States, the truck was sold as the Toyota Pickup, while globally it was known as the Toyota Hilux; in 1995 Toyota replaced the U.S. version with the Toyota Tacoma.
The naming history reflects regional marketing and model evolution. This article traces how the same basic vehicle wore different labels across markets and eras, and how the current names came to be used in today’s markets.
Naming by Market
To understand how the name varied, note the primary labels the truck carried in different regions and times:
- United States: Toyota Pickup (approximately 1983/84–1995).
- Global/International: Toyota Hilux (the same Hilux-based pickup sold outside the U.S.).
- United States: Toyota Tacoma (introduced in 1995 as the U.S.-market successor to the Toyota Pickup).
In summary, the same platform wore different tags depending on the market and era; Tacoma is the modern U.S. reference, Hilux remains the global designation, and the Pickup name is largely historical in the United States.
Timeline of the Naming
Key milestones illustrate how the branding evolved over time:
- Early to mid-1980s: The U.S. market is introduced to the pickup as the Toyota Pickup, based on the Hilux platform.
- Late 1980s–1995: International markets continue with the Hilux branding for the same truck; the U.S. pickup retains the Toyota Pickup name.
- 1995: Toyota introduces the Tacoma in the United States as the successor to the Toyota Pickup; Hilux branding continues in other regions.
This timeline shows Toyota’s strategy of maintaining a global Hilux lineage while launching a distinct U.S.-market model under the Tacoma name.
What to Call It Today
Today, if you’re referring to the U.S.-market vehicle in casual conversation, you would call it the Tacoma. For international contexts describing the same truck family, the Hilux is the common reference. The older U.S.-market “Pickup” designation is primarily of historical interest.
Additional context
Toyota continues to use the Hilux name for its global lineup of compact/mid-size pickups, while the Tacoma remains the U.S.-specific model in the current market. The two names reflect both regional preferences and ongoing model development.
Summary
The Toyota Pickup name was used in the United States from the 1980s until 1995, when Toyota launched the Tacoma as the U.S.-market successor. Globally, the same truck has long been marketed as the Hilux. In essence, the correct name depends on where and when you’re talking about the vehicle, with Hilux serving as the global identifier and Tacoma as the U.S. reference today.
Is Toyota coming out with an $8000 pickup truck?
No, Toyota is not releasing an $8,000 pickup truck for the US market; that price point is inaccurate for any upcoming or existing Toyota trucks. The $10,000 (approximately) Toyota IMV 0 is a basic, no-frills truck sold in other markets, not the US, and the affordable new compact pickup for the US, likely called the Toyota Stout, is estimated to start between $22,000 and $25,000.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Toyota IMV 0: 55sTop4CarsYouTube · Oct 27, 2025
- Toyota IMV 0: This is a low-cost truck unveiled in other markets, with a target starting price of around $10,000. It is not intended for the U.S. market and lacks many features found on trucks sold in the US.
- Upcoming US compact truck (Stout): Toyota has confirmed it is developing a new compact pickup for the US, but it is expected to be more expensive.
- Estimated Price: The starting price is estimated to be in the $22,000 to $25,000 range.
- Timeline: It is anticipated to be a 2026 or 2027 model year truck.
- Features: It will likely be a unibody construction truck with hybrid powertrain options, similar to other Toyota vehicles.
What is the name of the Toyota pickup?
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota since 1995.
How much will the 2025 Toyota Stout cost?
With sales beginning in early 2026. Keep an eye out for official announcements as Toyota gears up to shake up the midsize pickup. Market.
Which is better, Tacoma or Tundra?
The better truck depends on your needs: choose the Tacoma for off-road capability, maneuverability, and strong resale value, while the Tundra is better for heavy-duty towing, hauling, and more interior space. The Tacoma is a more nimble mid-size truck, whereas the Tundra is a larger full-size truck with more powerful engine options and greater towing capacity.
You can watch this video to compare the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra: 59sRealistickYouTube · Mar 7, 2025
Choose the Tacoma if:
- You prioritize off-road performance: The Tacoma is built for rugged terrain and excels in off-road situations.
- You need a more maneuverable truck: Its smaller size makes it easier to navigate tight city streets, park, and drive on crowded trails.
- You want strong resale value: The Tacoma has a reputation for retaining its value well.
- You want better fuel efficiency: The Tacoma generally offers better gas mileage, especially the hybrid models.
Choose the Tundra if:
- You need maximum towing and hauling capacity: The Tundra is a full-size truck designed for heavy-duty tasks and has a higher towing capacity than the Tacoma.
- You need more interior and passenger space: The Tundra's larger cabin provides more room for passengers, which is ideal for families or those who frequently transport multiple people.
- You want more power: The Tundra comes with more powerful engine options, providing greater horsepower and torque.
This video provides a detailed comparison of the Tacoma and Tundra: 55sWalser Automotive GroupYouTube · Aug 8, 2025
