History of the Toyota Hilux pickup truck

The Toyota Hilux pickup truck, launched in 1968, boasts a 50-year history and is now in its eighth generation. Sold in over 140 countries worldwide, it is considered a classic pickup truck. "Hilux" is a combination of "high" and "luxury," signifying high-end and luxury.

First Generation Hilux

The Hilux debuted in March 1968. Designed and developed by Toyota, the first-generation Hilux pickup truck was produced by Hino Motors at its Hamura plant. The first-generation Hilux pickup truck had a 2540mm wheelbase and dimensions of 4215 x 1580 x 1570mm. The first-generatio Hilux did not feature rearview mirrors.

The engine was a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 70PS, the same engine used in the Toyota Ace. The transmission was a 4-speed manual. In February 1971, the engine was upgraded to a 1.6-liter, 83-horsepower engine.

The Hilux features an independent frame structure, with a double wishbone/coil spring front suspension and leaf springs at the rear. The transmission is a 4-speed manual with a column shifter.

 

The Hilux has a passenger capacity of three, a payload of 1,000 kg, and a cargo bed length of 1,850 mm. In April 1969, a longer-wheelbase model with a 2,250 mm cargo bed was introduced.

The first-generation Hilux pickup truck was retired in 1972. After nearly five years, Toyota launched the second-generation Hilux pickup truck in 1972.

Second-generation Hilux

The second-generation Hilux was launched in May 1972. Compared to the first-generation Hilux, the front grille has been upgraded, giving it a more imposing appearance.

 

The second-generation Hilux pickup truck is available in two wheelbase versions: the long-wheelbase model has a wheelbase of 2795mm and overall dimensions of 4680*1580*1585mm; the short-wheelbase model has a wheelbase of 2580mm and overall dimensions of 4275*1580*1580mm.

 

The second-generation Hilux began to feature rearview mirrors, but they were placed on the hood, a significant difference from the doors of current models.

The cargo box length and maximum payload capacity remain unchanged. In addition to the upgraded 1.6-liter engine from the first generation, the short-wheelbase model also features a 2.0-liter, 105-hp four-cylinder gasoline engine designed for highway use, providing a smoother ride.

A 4-speed manual transmission is standard. The Highway model was equipped with the Hilux's first 3-speed automatic transmission.

To meet increasingly stringent safety requirements, a vacuum brake booster was standard, and a load-sensing brake proportioning valve was adopted. In October 1975, to meet 1975 emissions standards, the engine range was consolidated to a 1.6-liter, 80-horsepower (12R-J) gasoline engine.

The second-generation Hilux pickup truck was withdrawn in 1978, nearly five years after its release. In 1978, Toyota launched the third-generation Hilux pickup truck.

Third-Generation Hilux

The third-generation Hilux went on sale in September 1978. It was equipped with the second-generation 1.6-liter, 80-horsepower (12R-J) gasoline engine. The exterior underwent significant changes, with the rearview mirrors relocated to the doors, similar to today's models.

The third-generation Hilux underwent a comprehensive interior upgrade, adopting a sedan-like design and offering excellent ride comfort. The new high-end Super Luxury model featured an extended cab, 90mm longer than the standard cab, increasing interior space.

A minor facelift in October 1981 introduced a two-row crew cab model for recreational use.

The double-wishbone front independent suspension remained unchanged, with torsion bars replacing coil springs. Front disc brakes were standard on Luxury models and above. In October 1979, the first four-wheel drive model was introduced to the Hilux lineup, equipped with a 2-liter engine (18R-J).

After nearly five years, the third-generation Hilux was retired in 1983, marking the arrival of the fourth-generation Hilux.

Fourth-Generation Hilux

The fourth-generation Hilux was released in November 1983. Its distinctive appearance was characterized by its front and rear blister fenders. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) models included the Comfort and Popular series.

 

The engine lineup for RWD models included 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter gasoline engines (12R-J, 2Y) and 2.2-liter and 2.4-liter diesel engines (L, 2L). All four-wheel drive (4WD) models featured new bodywork. The engine lineup for 4WD models included a 2-liter gasoline engine (3Y-J) and a 2.4-liter diesel engine (2L).

Single and crew cab versions were also offered, bringing the total number of model variations from 17 to 20. A high-bed model with bottom-hinged doors on three sides also joined the lineup of this generation.

In May 1984, Toyota's first SUV, the Hilux Surf (known as the 4Runner in overseas markets), was released. It was a station wagon based on the fourth-generation Hilux 4WD.

Following a five-year generation cycle, the Hilux was retired in 1988, and the fifth-generation Hilux was launched that same year.

Fifth-Generation Hilux

The fifth-generation Hilux, launched in September 1988, focused on power, reliability, and comfort. The exterior underwent significant upgrades, bringing it more in line with modern vehicle aesthetics and incorporating streamlined design.

To enhance its functionality as a utility vehicle (known at the time as an RV or recreational vehicle), the interior features were further upgraded.

 

The dashboard and other interior features were designed to be more car-like than before. The engine lineup for rear-wheel drive models included a 1.8-liter gasoline engine (2Y) and a 2.4-liter diesel engine (2L), while the engine lineup for all-wheel drive models included a 2-liter gasoline engine (3Y) and a 2.8-liter diesel engine.

 

To meet diverse customer needs, the number of rear-wheel drive models with automatic transmissions was increased, and the luxurious SSR package was offered for short-body 4WD models.

In 1989, after Toyota and Volkswagen reached a cooperation agreement, overseas production of the Hilux began in Hanover, Germany. The product was sold in Europe as the Toyota Hilux and Volkswagen Taro.

 

In a minor facelift in August 1991, the front suspension of the hatchback 4WD model was changed to an independent double wishbone suspension with a torsion bar, further improving ride comfort and stability.

 

In August 1994, the rear-wheel drive model's engine lineup became the same as the 4WD model (including a 2-liter gasoline engine [3Y] and a 2.8-liter diesel engine), and a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine was added in August 1995.

Due to its large number of models, the fifth-generation Hilux lasted for 10 years and was withdrawn from the market in 1997.

Sixth-Generation Hilux

The sixth-generation Hilux, launched in September 1997, included both a commercial truck model and a personal sports pickup truck. The latter was equipped with equipment and features suitable for a utility vehicle, featuring a longer cabin height and length, and improved quietness.

With a 100mm longer width, the Hilux is a versatile pickup truck with a generously sized cargo bed and two auxiliary seats in the rear of the cab.

Powertrain configurations include two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Engine options include 2-liter and 2.7-liter gasoline engines (1RZ-E, 3RZ-E) and 2.4-liter and 3-liter diesel engines (2L-TE, 5L). Model variations include two-wheel drive/four-wheel drive crew cabs and two-wheel drive/four-wheel drive crew cabs.

The sixth-generation Hilux, spanning over 10 years and two centuries, was withdrawn from the market in 2005.

Seventh-Generation Hilux

The seventh-generation Hilux, launched in August 2004, is a new pickup truck sold in over 140 countries worldwide. It inherits the rugged design of the sixth-generation model, offering 21st-century customers the high levels of durability and comfort they have come to expect, along with ample interior space.

 

It features a passenger car-style interior, improved comfort, and the ride and convenience of a passenger car.

As part of the Innovative International Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) project, Toyota developed five new models on a single platform: three pickups (the Hilux), a minivan (the Innova), and a multipurpose vehicle (the Fortuner).

The seventh-generation Hilux is the first vehicle not manufactured in Japan. Most vehicles are produced in Thailand, South Africa, and Argentina and delivered to customers worldwide. Some models are also produced in Malaysia, Pakistan, and Venezuela.

Due to its extensive model range, the seventh-generation Hilux lasted over 10 years and was withdrawn from the market in 2015, marking the launch of the latest generation—the eighth-generation Hilux.

Eighth-Generation Hilux

The eighth-generation Hilux was launched in May 2015. To truly understand customer expectations and the challenges they face daily, the development team traveled the globe, obtained direct customer feedback, and drove the vehicle on a wide variety of roads to gain a feel for different operating conditions.

 

The entire development concept for the eighth-generation Hilux revolved around "redefining toughness," aiming to make the new Hilux "tougher" based on a broader interpretation of the term. The eighth-generation Hilux is designed to be not only tougher but also minimize stress.

In addition to its traditional toughness, it boasts excellent ride comfort, making long, hard drives less taxing, a quiet cabin that allows for communication in all conditions, and increased range thanks to improved fuel efficiency. You can also count on it to deliver the legendary ruggedness, performance, responsiveness, and safety you've come to expect from this model.

Conclusion

Since its birth in 1968, the Hilux has sold over 16 million units in over 180 countries and regions. Throughout its history, the Hilux's quality, durability, and reliability have earned it a loyal global following and a legendary reputation. Fifty years have made it a global classic.