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Why are Toyota Hilux not allowed in US?

The Toyota Hilux, a popular and rugged pickup truck, is not officially sold in the United States. This is due to a combination of regulatory and safety concerns that have prevented the Hilux from being imported and sold in the US market.


Regulatory Barriers


The primary reason the Toyota Hilux is not available in the US is that it does not meet certain federal safety and emissions regulations required for vehicles sold in the country. The Hilux is designed and manufactured for global markets, and its specifications do not always align with the stricter standards enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US. Specifically, the Hilux may not meet crash test requirements and emissions control standards that are mandatory for all new vehicles sold in the United States.


Safety Concerns


Another factor contributing to the Hilux's exclusion from the US market is the perception of its safety features compared to American-made pickup trucks. The Hilux, while renowned for its durability and off-road capabilities, is often seen as lacking the advanced safety technologies and crash protection that are expected in the US. This includes features like airbags, crumple zones, and electronic stability control, which are required on all new vehicles sold in the country.


Potential Liability Issues


Automakers selling vehicles in the US must also consider potential liability concerns. If a Hilux were to be involved in a serious accident, the manufacturer could face legal challenges and financial liabilities due to the truck's perceived safety deficiencies compared to domestic pickup models. This risk factor has likely discouraged Toyota from pursuing the necessary regulatory approvals to sell the Hilux in the United States.


Conclusion


In summary, the Toyota Hilux is not sold in the United States due to a combination of regulatory barriers, safety concerns, and potential liability issues. While the Hilux is a highly capable and popular truck in many global markets, its specifications do not align with the strict safety and emissions standards enforced in the US, preventing its official importation and sale in the country.

What is the US equivalent of the Toyota Hilux?


In 1992, Toyota introduced a newer pickup model, the mid-size T100 in North America, necessitating distinct names for each vehicle other than Truck and Pickup Truck. Since 1995, the 4Runner is a standalone SUV, while in the same year Toyota introduced the Tacoma to replace the Hilux pickup in North America.



Why is Hilux banned in the US?


Why Is the Toyota Hilux Banned in the US? The US government's Chicken Tax policy has caused a 25 percent tariff to be added to the cost of light trucks imported from abroad. This makes the Hilux unaffordable to compete with other compact pickup trucks in the US since it is subject to an extra 25 percent fee.



Does Mexico sell Toyota Hilux?


2024 Toyota Hilux arrives in Mexico with two new diesel mild-hybrid versions. On May 16, Toyota de México announced the arrival of the 2024 Toyota Hilux in the country.



Why is the Toyota Hilux so cheap?


One reason the Hilux Champ doesn't cost much is the utter bare-bones nature of the truck. This is first and foremost a commercial vehicle, closer to the chassis cab Ford F-350 box truck you rent at U-Haul in terms of features and amenities than anything Toyota sells to the U.S. consumer.



Can I import a Toyota Hilux to the USA?


Importing a Toyota Hilux into the USA involves complying with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Vehicles over 25 years old are generally easier to import due to the exemption from certain federal safety and emission standards.



Why is Toyota Hilux banned in US Reddit?


Short answer - tariffs make it expensive to bring over any light truck that isn't also domestically produced in North America. The Fortuner, while a SUV (and primarily designed to carry passengers), is on the Hilux platform.



Will the Toyota Hilux be available in the US?


Due to this extremely high tariff fee, car manufacturers are basically forced to produce all of their light trucks inside of the US*. The Hilux is considered a light truck so America is deprived of this gem of a vehicle. This causes our trucks to be vastly different than the rest of the trucks seen worldwide.



What is a Toyota Hilux called in the USA?


Instead, Toyota offers the Tacoma in the U.S., which is essentially the same vehicle as the Hilux but tailored to the North American market. This strategy has been effective, as the Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck for nearly 20 years.



Can I bring a Toyota Hilux to USA?


Yes, you can legally own a Toyota Hilux in the USA, but there are specific conditions and regulations you must follow, especially regarding the importation of vehicles that are not originally manufactured for the U.S. market.



Can I buy a Toyota Hilux in Canada?


One reason why the Toyota Hilux isn't sold in Canada or the United States relates to safety standards and regulations that apply to the North American automotive market. Canada and the United States have strict automotive safety requirements, and imported vehicles must comply with these standards for approval.


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.