Toyota has established itself as a world-renowned automobile giant, thanks to its lineup of highly reliable and efficient vehicles. Among its popular models, the Toyota Hilux stands out as a renowned pickup truck that balances performance with utility. The name Hilux is derived from two words: ‘high’ and ‘luxury’. Spanning nine generations, the Hilux has gained global recognition over the years for its reliability and versatile usage. In response to the recent shift towards sustainable mobility, Toyota has introduced an all-electric variant of this celebrated pickup truck.
History of Toyota Hilux
Toyota Hilux has proven itself with excellent off-roading capabilities and a powerful engine. Toyota Hilux found its roots in Briska pick-up trucks by Hino Motors. Hilux debuted in 1968 with a collaboration of Toyota and Hino Motors.
A lesser-known fact about Toyota is that it has sold more than 19 million Hilux units across the globe. Moreover, the pick-up truck has been engineered over the years to bridge the gap between its commercial and regular use.
Let’s go through all the generations in the Toyota Hilux history and how it has earned people’s trust to become one of the top pick-up trucks.
FIRST GENERATION TOYOTA HILUX (1968-1972)
The first generation of Toyota Hilux debuted in 1968 as the successor to Briska and Light Stout. This Toyota Hilux old model boasted a 1.5-litre engine providing 76 hp. Moreover, it was a rear-wheel drive with 4-speed manual transmission. This generation in Toyota Hilux history was a single-cab pick-up truck with a seating capacity of 3 passengers. Besides, it allowed a payload of around 1,000 kilograms in its 1,850 millimetre long truck bed.
This generation of Hilux mainstreamed the concept of a bonnet-type pick-up truck and became popular in Japan. In 1969, Toyota introduced a longer wheelbase with a 2,250 mm cargo bed. Moreover, Toyota Hilux received an upgrade of a 1.6-litre engine providing 83 hp in 1971.
SECOND GENERATION TOYOTA HILUX (1972-1978)
The second generation of Toyota Hilux was introduced in 1972 with a Highway model added to its line-up boasting 105 hp with a 2.0-litre engine. The payload capacity and cargo bed size remained unchanged, while the wheelbase increased by 10 mm and 45 mm for the Deluxe and Highway models, respectively.
The 2nd generation Toyota Hilux was equipped with tandem master cylinder brakes with a master vacuum brake booster as standard and load-sensing brake proportioning valves as an option. Besides, the Highway model featured a 3-speed automatic transmission. Toyota discontinued the 2.0-litre engine in 1975 to meet the emission standard. That said, this engine was replaced with a 1.6-litre engine producing 80 hp.
THIRD GENERATION TOYOTA HILUX (1978-1983)
In 1978, the third generation of Toyota Hilux made its debut. Engine specifications remained unchanged from the old Hilux models in the previous generations. Moreover, It adopted the double wishbone suspension system type from its predecessors, except for the torsion bar, which replaced the coil springs. Safety standards also increased as all the models in this generation came equipped with front disc brakes.
Thanks to the technological advancements, Toyota made significant improvements in this Hilux generation. In 1979, A trim with a four-wheel drive was added for the first time in Toyota Hilux history alongside the trim with a diesel engine featuring a rear-wheel drive.The Toyota Hilux Super Deluxe model received a 90 mm increase in its wheelbase and cabin size.
Furthermore, a tailgate embossed with the Toyota logo was available as an option. In 1981, Toyota introduced a new grade in this generation of Hilux, boasting a 2.0-litre petrol engine. The reinstated 2.0-litre engine was followed by the 2.2-litre diesel engine available in 4-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive trains.
FOURTH GENERATION TOYOTA HILUX (1983-1988)
The successful technological implementations led to the introduction of the fourth generation of Toyota Hilux. This was the first time in Toyota Hilux history that it came with a four-door double cabin as well. The 4th generation of Hilux went with a renewed interior and the addition of blister fenders on the exterior.
A new raised bed model with three-hinged sides was introduced. Moreover, this Toyota Hilux generation came with the following engine line-up:
- 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol engines with RWD
- 2.2 and 2.4-litre diesel engines with RWD
- 2.0-litre petrol engine with 4WD
- 2.4-litre diesel engine with 4WD
In this period, the recreational vehicle market had grown exponentially. With the likes of Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Bronco, Toyota had tough competition. Hence, Toyota came up with a few design changes and the introduction of more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged and 3.0-litre V6 engines.
A 3-door station wagon car body type resulted from the refreshers. Toyota Hilux Surf was launched in 1984. The vehicle characterised extreme off-roading capabilities similar to that of a Land Cruiser.
FIFTH GENERATION TOYOTA HILUX (1988-1997)
Toyota Hilux’s fifth generation focused on power, comfort, and sturdiness. The fender flares on the 4-wheel drive trim distinguished it from the RWD. Furthermore, this generation’s interior design and dashboard had a more car-like appearance. The 5th generation Toyota Hilux had the following engine line-up:
- 1.8-litre (2Y) and 2.0-litre (3Y) petrol engines with RWD and 4WD, respectively.
- The diesel category included a 2.4-litre engine with RWD and 2.8-litre engine with 4WD.
Meeting the customer demands, more RWD models featured an automatic transmission. In 1995, a 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 4WD was added to the line-up. Moreover, it was the first time in the history of Toyota Hilux that a double wishbone suspension system with a torsion bar was introduced in the four-wheel drive models.
After the A-Pillar in the 4th generation, Hilux Surf featured a B-pillar as the vehicle was produced as a 5-door station wagon while the 3-door station wagon was discontinued. Toyota suspended the production of Hilux Surf in 1995 and started manufacturing it on the Land Cruiser’s platform.
SIXTH GENERATION TOYOTA HILUX (1997-2004)
1997 marked the start of the sixth generation. With Toyota Surf separated from the Hilux category, the Japanese auto brand had to focus only on Hilux itself. For the first time in the history of Toyota Hilux, the pick-up truck was introduced in two branches, i.e. for personal and business purposes.
The pick-up truck featured both two-wheel drive and 4WD systems. Moreover, the petrol engine line-up included 2.0 and 2.4-litre engines while the diesel type boasted 2.7 and 3.0-litre naturally aspirated engines. The personal use Toyota Hilux featured a more sporty exterior with high-end technology and was better suited to off-roading. Meanwhile, the business purpose had basic specifications.
Moreover, an independent suspension system came as standard on all the models. The sixth generation of Toyota Hilux regained popularity with improved handling and functionality on tough terrains. Besides, the pick-up truck offered more payload than the previous Hilux generations.
SEVENTH GENERATION TOYOTA HILUX (2004-2015)
The seventh generation of Toyota Hilux debuted in 2004. It was a modified version of the previous generation. Built on the Toyota Fortuner’s platform, the Hilux significantly improved ride quality, better handling, road presence, comfortable interior, and load capacity. Moreover, a 4.0-litre DOHC V6 petrol engine delivering a power of 236 hp and a D-4-D 3.0-litre diesel power engine was added to Hilux’s engine line-up.
From 2011 onwards, the pick-up truck came with modern infotainment features and included Toyota Touch Multimedia System. The diesel engines met the Euro 5 emission standards for the first time in Toyota Hilux history.
EIGHTH GENERATION TOYOTA HILUX (2015-2025)
By 2015, Toyota Hilux was up for sale in more than 140 countries. Toyota started its production in different countries. For instance, Thai-made Hilux is known as Vigo and REVO. Continuing its bold look with minor design refreshers such as stronger chassis, reinforced deck structure, and improved towing capacity.
The implementation of modern safety features and improvements in comfort level resulted in more sales. The eighth generation of Toyota Hilux featured Toyota Safety Sense as standard in all the models. Besides, the pick-up truck came with improved fuel efficiency. Alongside, for the first time in Toyota Hilux history, the pick-up truck came with different suspension types for off-roading, heavy-duty use, and comfort driving mode.
Ninth Generation Toyota Hilux (2026 Onwards)
The ninth-generation Toyota Hilux offers a versatile range of powertrains to suit every need. The lineup options include a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering up to 204 PS and 500 Nm, available in 2WD or 4WD. The new Hilux hybrid features a 48‑volt mild-hybrid system that pairs the diesel engine with a lithium-ion battery, enhancing fuel economy and torque. Moreover, the all-new battery-electric (BEV) variant features dual motors with permanent all-wheel drive and a 59.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, providing an estimated range of around 240 km, marking Hilux’s first step into full electrification.
FAQs
When was the Toyota Hilux first introduced?
The Toyota Hilux was first launched in 1968 as a compact pickup designed for reliability and versatility.
How many generations of the Toyota Hilux have been produced?
The Toyota Hilux has evolved through nine generations, each improving in performance, comfort, and durability.
Why is the Toyota Hilux considered iconic worldwide?
It’s renowned for its toughness, off-road capability, and long-standing reputation for dependability in extreme conditions.
This was all about the history of the Toyota Hilux, which is one of the sought-after pick-up trucks across the world. Make sure you follow the tips for buying a pick-up truck when you browse through a list of used Toyota Hilux in the UAE. Besides, you can look out for other popular Toyota models in the used cars for sale in the UAE.
Stay connected to the UAE’s leading car blog to know more facts about popular car makes and models.
Cover Credits: global.toyota
Related Posts
