The Toyota HiLux is without a doubt one of the best-known utes in the world. And for good reason. Since its inception in 1968, it’s won the hearts of those who needed a vehicle that defined ruggedness and durability. Whether they were working tough farmland or venturing far into the unknown, the HiLux was more often than not the vehicle of choice.
But how did this vehicle become such a legend within the industry? Well, let’s dive into its global history and find out.
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The early years
1968-1972
The Toyota HiLux was first introduced in 1968, and it was an instant hit. While the vehicle was conceived by the boffins at Toyota, it was, in actual fact, constructed by Hino Motors on the Toyota Stout platform. And it wasn’t always referred to by the name we now know it as.
In places like America, the Toyota HiLux was marketed as the Toyota Truck. This was an attempt to win a slice of the US market, with its unquenchable thirst for pickup trucks. But it didn’t really work.
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The Chicken Tax
In the States, the Toyota Truck (HiLux) was only ever seen as a niche vehicle and presented to the US market in limited numbers. Thanks in part to a thing called The Chicken Tax. Which imposed a 25% tariff on all vehicles constructed outside of the red, white, and blue. By the time the 1990s rolled around, the Toyota HiLux had all but disappeared from the roads. Making way for the musclier and more Americanised version of the vehicle, the Toyota Tundra.
Now, hold on to your hats here, because I’m just going to come right out and say it. In terms of classic lines and handsome features, the first iteration of the HiLux is, in my mind, one of the best-looking in history. And one of the most woeful when it comes to performance. It was powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produced, wait for it, a whopping 76 horsepower. Which was enough to get most jobs done, and not a lot else.
When people think of the Toyota HiLux, they think of rugged dependability, and that’s by design. From its very first model, Toyota ran a series of reliability tests to prove the ute’s toughness. Including driving it up a 20-degree slope with a 1-ton payload. The HiLux passed with flying colours. Paving the way for the Toyota HiLux to become known as a vehicle that could handle anything.
The Second Generation
1972-1978
In 1972, the second-generation HiLux was introduced, and it was even more popular than the first. The new HiLux had a more powerful 2.0-litre engine (the 18R), which produced 87 horsepower. It also had a longer wheelbase, which helped make it more stable on the road. But the most significant changes were still yet to come.
On the big screen:
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The Toyota HiLux’s reputation for toughness and durability was cemented in pop culture when it was featured in an episode of the incredibly popular TV show Top Gear. Viewers were glued to their couches as Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson attempted to destroy a HiLux by drowning it in the sea, setting it on fire, and strapping it to the roof of an apartment building rigged with explosives. Only for it to start, run, and drive after its torture test. The episode became an instant classic, and it helped to reinforce the HiLux’s status as an utterly indestructible vehicle. Later on, Top Gear hosts Jeremy Clarkson and James May would go on to be the first people to drive to the North Pole in, you guessed it: a Toyota HiLux.
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The third generation
1978-1983
In 1978, the third-generation HiLux was introduced, and it was a significant departure from the previous models. The new HiLux had a more contemporary design and was made available with a range of engines. Including a 1.8-litre diesel engine that produced 67 horsepower and a 2.4-litre petrol engine that produced 96 horsepower. Which, while still sounding measly, was a huge improvement over previous offerings in the Hilux range. But the most noteworthy change was the introduction of four-wheel drive derivatives.
Likely one of the most pivotal transformations in the Toyota HiLux’s history. This enhancement singlehandedly led to the HiLux quickly becoming the vehicle of choice for adventurers, explorers, and workers slogging it out on the land who wanted the ultimate vehicle to help them live life on their terms.
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The fourth generation
1983-1988
In 1983, the fourth-generation HiLux rolled out of the factory, timed to coincide with the “era of the ute” again; it was a substantial upgrade over the previous models, with welcome changes such as optional auto-locking hubs.
But, not all changes were for the best. In 1985, the fourth-generation HiLux lost its versatile front suspension, with Toyota opting to fit an Independent Front Suspension (IFS) setup where the live axle once lived. The fourth generation HiLux boasted a design that increased aerodynamics and was made available with a range of engines. Including a 2.4-litre diesel engine that produced 72 horsepower and a 2.8-litre diesel engine that made 91 horsepower.
The fourth-generation HiLux was also available with a range of new mod-cons, including air conditioning, power windows, and power locking systems (the peak of cockpit tech at the time!). These features made the HiLux more comfortable and convenient to drive, with features like air-con being a must for anyone looking to traverse the tough Aussie Outback. And paved the way for the HiLux to become a cult-like favourite among farmers, city-slickers and tradespeople.
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The fifth generation
1988-1997
In 1988, the fifth-generation HiLux was introduced, and it was another significant upgrade over the previous models. This new model of HiLux owned a more angular design and was available with a range of engines. Including a 2.4-litre diesel engine that produced 82 horsepower, a 3.0-litre diesel engine that delivered 97 horsepower, and (finally) a 3.0-litre V6 petrol motor that pushed out 150 ponies at 4,800 rpm.
The fifth-generation HiLux also came with a range of new features that reflected the technological advancements of the time, including power steering and a rear anti-lock braking system.
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The sixth generation
1997-2005
In 1997, the sixth-generation HiLux was introduced, and it was a significant departure from the previous models. The new HiLux had a more modern design and a youthful look and hit the market with the usual range of engine options, including turbodiesel and V6 petrol variants.
The sixth-generation HiLux was also available with a whole host of new features, including airbags, power windows, and a CD player that let drivers across the nation rock out to the NSYNC chart-topper of the time while they traversed paddocks and outback roads.
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The seventh generation
2005-2015
In 2005, the seventh-generation HiLux was introduced and became one of the most commonly seen iterations on the road today. This time, the newest HiLux had a more aggressive design with even more modern touches, especially on the front end. The seventh generation of the HiLux also benefited from the introduction of the D4D motor. Which was designed with economy and power in mind and churned out 171 horsepower.
This generation of HiLux also saw the introduction of the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) model. While this variant played host to a multitude of physical and technological changes, including up-specced interior trim, a muscular exterior with pumped wheel arches, bold curves, and a supercharged 4.0-litre engine. It was frankly an abomination, not even coming close to delivering on the power and handling characteristics TRD is known for.
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The eighth generation
2015-present:
In 2015, the eighth-generation HiLux was introduced. And really, this is the only iteration that comes close to living up to the “HIgh LUXury” connotations of its name. The new HiLux features an all-new design and is available with a range of engines, including a 2.4-litre diesel engine that produced 147 horsepower and a 2.8-litre diesel engine that produced 174 horsepower.
One of the safest models to date, the eighth-generation HiLux boasts pre-collision systems, including automatic braking, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. Safety aside, this example, aside from what I reckon is a relatively outdated offering of engines, is the most tech-packed and comfortable with quality sound, infotainment, and climate systems. Along with digital dash clusters, and other mod cons, making it one of the easiest models to live with.
The HiLux’s legacy
It’s not hard to see why the Toyota HiLux has become a legend in the automotive world. It’s a vehicle that has stood the test of time and demonstrated that it could be quite literally bomb-proof. It has been used in wars and expeditions and is heavily utilised by law enforcement, local governments, and the mining sector. As well as wheelers around the world.
But the HiLux’s legacy goes beyond its toughness and durability. It’s a vehicle that has captured the hearts of millions of people around the world. And it has become a cultural icon. It’s been featured in movies, TV shows, and video games, and it has become a symbol of adventure, freedom, independence, and, contrarily, terrorism.
For years, men and women from all walks of life globally have counted on the Toyota HiLux to get the job done. While the lineage of the HiLux can be traced back for decades, we don’t reckon this is the last we’ll be seeing of it. With the times well and truly changing and a push for more electric vehicles, it’s likely we’re on the cusp of seeing the Toyota HiLux in a way we’ve never seen them before.
