How the Toyota Hilux has changed since 1968

The Toyota Hilux already spans more than five decades, securing a reputation for toughness and reliability along the way. It has journeyed to both the North and South Poles, participated in motorsports via the gruelling Dakar Rally, and even had a war named after it (the Chadian-Libyan war of 1987 or the “Toyota War,” so-called because the Hilux was used as a troop transport by both sides).

The Hilux remains a benchmark for toughness and reliability

The Hilux actually started out in the 1960s as a small truck called the Briska, made by Hino. Toyota had some inputs on how the Briska can be improved, and in 1967 the two companies agreed to manufacture the vehicle under the Toyota marque.

Here’s how the Toyota Hilux embarked on its journey towards being one of Toyota’s most iconic vehicles.     

First Generation (1968-1972)

Conceived as a light-duty commercial vehicle, the Hilux was named using a portmanteau of “high” and “luxury”. The first Hilux had a chassis code designation of N10, and came in two cargo bed sizes: standard (1,850 mm) and extended wheelbase (2,250 mm). There were also aluminum van and refrigerated versions.

The first Hilux was actually a small Hino truck called the Briska

The first Hilux was mounted on a separate frame construction riding on double wishbone/coil springs in front and leaf spring suspension at the rear. Power initially came from a 1.5L 4-cylinder OHV engine generating 69 hp, coursing to the rear wheels through a column-mounted 4-speed manual transmission.

The engine would eventually be replaced by a 1.6L model that made 83 hp. Three passengers sat abreast on a bench-type seat. The standard wheelbase variant was sold in the U.S. market under the name Toyota Truck, equipped with bigger 1.9L and 2.0L engines.       

Second Generation (1972-1978)

The second-generation Hilux carried the N20 chassis code, and came in both 1.5L and 1.9L engines. The 4-speed manual had a floor-mounted option, which meant that the bench could be exchanged with bucket seats for two occupants.

The extended wheelbase version was finally made available in the U.S., with a 2.5L engine and 5-speed manual transmission.   

An automatic transmission first became available on the second-generation Hilux

This generation marked two milestones: it was the first Hilux to be introduced in the U.K., and the first to offer a 3-speed automatic transmission, partnered with a 2.0L R-series engine.

The engine would eventually be replaced in 1975 with a 1.6L powerplant to comply with emissions standards.

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Third Generation (1978-1983)

Chassis code N30 was used on the third-generation Hilux, which saw a suspension upgrade from coil springs to torsion bar. Front disc brakes became standard kit for higher-spec variants, and customers can order a special tailgate embossed with the Toyota name.    

The third generation was the first to have a diesel engine and four-wheel-drive

The third generation was notable for being the first to use a four-wheel drivetrain, with a driveline and transfer case adapted from the Land Cruiser 40 Series, powered by a 2.0L gasoline engine. It’s also the first Hilux to offer a diesel engine, in the form of a 2.2L oil burner.     

Fourth Generation (1983-1988)

The fourth-generation Hilux featured a refreshed design by way of blistered arches, and a revamped interior. Single and double cab versions were released, along with an elevated-bed variant equipped with all three sides hinged at the bottom.

The engine choices were expanded; 2WD versions came with four engines (1.6L and 1.8L gasoline, 2.2L and 2.2L diesel), while 4WD variants offered a 2.0L gasoline and 2.4L diesel.

The fourth generation served as the basis for the Toyota 4Runner SUV

By this time, recreational vehicles such as the Ford Bronco and Nissan Pathfinder were gaining prominence. In response, Toyota modified the Hilux by installing a one-piece fiberglass canopy and rear bench seats, as well as installing bigger 2.4L turbo and 3.0L V6 gasoline engines. The result was the Hilux Surf, sold in other markets as the Toyota 4Runner.

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Fifth Generation (1988-1997)

With the fifth generation, Toyota sought to differentiate the Hilux 4WD from the 2WD variants with the use of overfenders. The former came with 2.0L gasoline and 2.8L diesel powerplants, while 1.8L gasoline and 2.4L diesel engines powered the latter.

This generation was the last Hilux line to be sold in the United States

Double cab 4WD models also received a front independent double-wishbone suspension with torsion bar. Meanwhile, the interior was revised again to give a more sedan-like look and feel.

In August 1994, the 2WD range began to adopt the 4WD engine lineup, and a 2.4L turbodiesel option was added one year later. In US markets, the Hilux was eventually replaced with the larger Tacoma for the 1995 model year.

Sixth Generation (1997-2004)

After spinning off the Hilux Surf/4Runner into a separate model range, Toyota focused on the Hilux’s dual role as both workhorse and personal-use sports pickup.

Variants used for business had more basic features, while the lifestyle trims had their cabin’s height and length extended, with improved sound insulation. Front independent suspension became standard across the range.

The sixth-generation Hilux assumed dual roles as a business and leisure model

It offered the Hilux as a single or double cab body, in either 2WD or 4WD drivetrains with four engine choices: 2.0L and 2.7L for gasoline, 3.0L naturally-aspirated and 2.4L turbo for diesel.

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Seventh Generation (2004-2015)

This release saw the Hilux using the IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) platform, which it shared with the Fortuner midsize SUV and Innova MPV, resulting in increased interior space and upgraded load capacity.

The 2.5L D-4D engine would be accompanied by a 3.0L 16-valve equivalent, making the Hilux compliant with Euro 4 emissions standards.

Toyota brought Hilux production out of Japan for the first time with the seventh generation

The seventh generation also marks the first time that Hilux production was brought outside of Japan, with most units assembled in Thailand, South Africa, and Argentina.

Hilux units for the 2012 model year underwent exterior and interior restyling, with mid-range and top-spec variants getting the latest Toyota Touch Multimedia system.

Eighth Generation (2015-Present)

Toyota used feedback from its global customer base to design and engineer the Hilux using the “redefining toughness” development concept.

This meant that the new model now featured increased durability, enhanced comfort and communications, as well as improved cruising range brought about by better fuel efficiency.

Toyota gathered feedback from customers worldwide in creating the current Hilux

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The present Hilux uses a stronger ladder frame chassis with a reinforced deck. Improved 4WD capability also translates into uprated towing capacity.

By 2015, 16 million Hilux units have been sold worldwide, with Europe making up almost 25% of this figure. In the Philippines, the Hilux has sold nearly 21,000 units in 2019, the second best-selling Toyota model next to the Vios.

For the 2020 model year, the Hilux underwent a facelift while retaining the current IMV platform. The new Hilux Revo sports a bolder appearance, with a fascia comprising a more prominent grille, new Bi-Beam LED headlamps, and a more aggressive bumper. Redesigned double C-shaped taillamps make the truck even more visible during stops.

The new Hilux for the 2020 model year looks more aggressive and packs more power

Inside, a black color motif lends a premium appearance to the cabin, while a new 8-inch touchscreen now includes Apple CarPlay connectivity. Variable Flow Control power steering regulates steering stiffness based on vehicle speed, to reduce driver stress.

The standard 2.8L diesel engine has been tweaked to produce an incredible 500 Nm of torque, while adjustments to the suspension promise a more comfortable ride while retaining the Hilux’s class-leading payload capacity. And for the first time, the Hilux Revo is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assistive features such as Pre-Collision Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert.      

Do you own a Hilux, whether new or old? What’s your Hilux story? Keep reading Philkotse.com to learn more about your favorite rides.