Why cant I buy a Toyota Hilux in the US?
The Toyota Hilux is a legendary pickup truck known for its durability, reliability, and off-road capabilities. It has a cult following worldwide, but if you're in the United States, you might be disappointed to learn that the Hilux is not available for purchase. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind this and what alternatives are available for American consumers.
1. Emissions and Safety Regulations
One of the primary reasons the Toyota Hilux is not sold in the United States is due to strict emissions and safety regulations. The Hilux, as it is manufactured for other markets, does not meet the stringent standards set by the U.S. government. These include:
- Emissions Standards: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces strict emissions requirements that vehicles must meet to be sold in the U.S. The Hilux's diesel engines, popular in many markets, would require significant modifications to comply with these standards.
- Safety Standards: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has specific crash test and safety equipment requirements. The Hilux would need to be redesigned to meet these, which can be costly and time-consuming for Toyota.
2. Market Competition and Strategy
Another reason Toyota does not sell the Hilux in the U.S. is due to market competition and the company's existing product lineup. Toyota already offers the Tacoma, a midsize pickup truck that is highly popular in the U.S. market. Introducing the Hilux could create internal competition between the two models, potentially cannibalizing Tacoma sales.
Additionally, the Tacoma is specifically designed and manufactured to cater to the preferences of American consumers, including features, size, and performance tailored to U.S. roads and lifestyles. The Hilux, on the other hand, is more utilitarian and rugged, which might not align with the expectations of many U.S. buyers.
3. The Chicken Tax
The "Chicken Tax" is a 25% tariff imposed on imported light trucks, which dates back to the 1960s. This tariff makes it economically unfeasible for Toyota to import the Hilux into the U.S. without significantly increasing its price. While Toyota could manufacture the Hilux domestically to avoid the tariff, this would require a substantial investment in new production facilities, which may not be justified given the overlap with the Tacoma.
4. Alternatives for U.S. Consumers
If you're a fan of the Toyota Hilux and live in the U.S., there are a few alternatives to consider:
- Toyota Tacoma: The Tacoma is the closest alternative to the Hilux and is designed specifically for the U.S. market. It offers excellent off-road capabilities and a range of configurations to suit different needs.
- Importing a Hilux: While challenging, it is possible to import a Hilux into the U.S. However, this requires navigating complex import laws and ensuring the vehicle complies with U.S. regulations, which can be costly and time-consuming.
- Other Rugged Trucks: Consider other midsize trucks with similar capabilities, such as the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, or Jeep Gladiator.
Conclusion
While the Toyota Hilux is an iconic vehicle beloved by many, its absence from the U.S. market is due to a combination of regulatory, economic, and strategic factors. For American consumers, the Toyota Tacoma serves as a strong alternative, offering many of the features and capabilities that make the Hilux so popular worldwide. If you're still determined to own a Hilux, importing one is an option, but be prepared for the challenges that come with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you import a car from Mexico to the US?
Nonresidents may import a vehicle duty-free for personal use up to (1) one year if the vehicle is imported in conjunction with the owner's arrival. Vehicles imported under this provision that do not conform to U.S. safety and emission standards must be exported within one year and may not be sold in the U.S.
Are Hilux and Tacoma the same?
Tacoma more lifestyle focused, Hilux largely commercial
Up until 1995, the then fifth-generation Hilux was imported into the US, branded as the Pickup model line. During that year, the Pickup was replaced by a different, American designed and built midsize pickup named the Tacoma.
Are Tacoma and Hilux the same?
Though they may appear similar outside, the Tacoma has a larger, more powerful engine than the Hilux and a more comfortable interior. The new Tacoma also has a larger towing capacity and more excellent safety features, such as additional airbags, than the Hilux.
Is it illegal to own a Toyota Hilux?
Is there a ban on the Hilux in the USA? No. There is no ban on the Toyota Hilux in the United States, and owning one is perfectly legal. However, remember that Toyota doesn't sell the Hilux in the US due to the high retail price due to taxes.
Why is the Toyota Hilux not sold 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.
Can you buy a Toyota Hilux in the 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.
How much does a Toyota Hilux cost in the US?
The Toyota HiLux is available from $26,475 to $75,310 for the 2025 range of models in Extra Cab, Dual Cab and Single Cab body types.
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.
How much does a Toyota Hilux cost in US?
The Toyota HiLux is available from $26,475 to $75,310 for the 2025 range of models in Extra Cab, Dual Cab and Single Cab body types.
Is the new Hilux coming to the US?
Globally on the business end of things be ready to Shell out the 25%. Chicken tax that's on the price and the import. Pay for Venezuela Argentina South Africa Pakistan Thailand or Malaysia which are
