Full Model Change for Toyota Hilux Pickup Truck

Toyota City―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION today announced full model changes for its Hilux pickup trucks, both for the two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) models. First marketed in 1968, Toyota Hilux trucks have been sold throughout Japan and exported to 140 countries around the world.

A "powerful," "tough" and "comfortable" vehicle was the target in developing the new 2WD (4x2) and 4WD (4x4) pickup trucks. A major emphasis was put on enhancing basic features that are demanded of trucks such as performance, utility and durability, in addition to designing comfortable interiors.

In particular, the new 4x4 model was given dynamic and refined styling plus powerful performance with a newly-adopted 2.8-liter 3L type diesel engine. The result is a full-fledged recreational vehicle (RV) that not only serves practical needs but also provides comfortable riding on city roads and freeways as well as power to fight rough roads. Thus, the 4x4 model is sensationally fun to drive under any conditions.

Styling

A new styling of the Hilux pickup truck features a strong front mask and one-piece pressed doors, dynamic fender lines, a further inclined front windshield and generous use of flush surface finishes.

The 4x4 model features a trapezoidal front grille integrated with the bumper and bold wheel flares that extend outward for a more dynamic RV style.

Cabin space

The high quality of the cabin design resembles that of a passenger car, with the instrument panel mounted on a large, smoothly curved safety pad and pillar trimming on all models.

Ergonomics-based improvements result in more easily visible meters and a shorter reach to audio switches (100mm less than that of previous models).

Cabin width has been enlarged by 30-40mm and rear seat legroom of the double-cabin type by 25mm for significantly greater cabin space.

Engine

The 4x4 models are mounted with the new 2.8-liter 3L type diesel engine with a net maximum output of 9IPS. Based on the 2.4-liter 2L type engine in previous Hilux trucks, the 3L type high-performance engine is the result of significant design changes, including an enlarged piston displacement, use of a direct valve drive system and improvement of the intake and exhaust systems. These new features result not only in a greater output but also in improved quietness and reliability.

The 4x2 models are powered by the 2.4-liter 2L-II type diesel engine, designed from the former 2L type engine but achieving a higher power output, fuel efficiency and reliability. A direct valve drive system contributes to this overall improvement.

In addition, the reliability of the 2-liter 3Y type and 1.8-liter 2Y type gasoline engine, available for 4x4 and 4x2 models respectively, has also been enhanced.

Body and deck

The rigidity of the body has been improved to further cut down on vibration and suppress noise.

Made of large solid panels, the body displays better rustfighting performance by means of a more generous use of antirust steel sheets, a wax coating for rust prevention and anti-chip paint on rocker panels.

The steel low-deck models have a double-wall deck of which the side panels and tailgate consist of an inner and outer panel. The construction is designed to protect the outer panel from damage often caused by cargo, as well as to enhance the deck's rust-resisting performance and ruggedness.

All 4x4 short-body models have rope hooks on the inner deck panel and a flush-surfaced outer panel, creating a new and more stylish RV that is not found in other trucks.

Under the deck, the 4x2 Super Single Just Low model has two spare tires, one stacked on the other, which makes space for a larger payload.

A larger model lineup

An automatic transmission version has been added to the long-body low-deck deluxe models of the 4x2 lineup. Furthermore, with additions of the super deluxe and standard models to the short-body low-deck group, the 4x2 lineup now consists of 16 types.

The 4x4 short-body group, featuring the "SSR Package" luxury option, offers 10 types.

The new Toyota Easy Carry System (TECS) includes special deck models designed and assembled by Toyota, which are based on the 4x2 Super Single Just Low model to give more room for a greater payload. The TECS lineup comprises six trucks: refrigerated, insulated, aluminum, wooden, FRP deck and power gate.