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Photo of a Toyota Hilux

Toyota Hilux

From a 1.5 L pickup in 1968 to Toyota's first electric body-on-frame vehicle.12

Researched October 25, 2026 from 36 sources

Also called

  • Son of Land CruiserThe 1979–1985 pickups earned it through drivetrain parts shared with the Land Cruiser.3

At a glance

0150300
62–221 hpPower
07.515
10–12.9 s0–100 km/h
0100200
130–136.1 km/hTop speed
0300600
123–550 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
940–2,272 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.4671011

Engine
Gas I4/V6; gen 7: 2.5/3.0 L diesels; gen 9: 2.8 L 48V diesel/BEV249
Layout
Front-engine RWD/4WD; BEV: permanent AWD24
Gearbox
4–6-speed manuals; 3–6-speed automatics, depending on generation46
Built at
Originally Hino Hamura Plant, Japan; gen 7 built outside Japan14

The story

Toyota conceived the Hilux to replace the Briska and Light Stout; Hino built it for the March 1968 debut. Its name blends 'high' and 'luxury', while the original 1.5 L pickup carried 1,000 kg on a separate frame.1

1968: 1st gen: 69 hp, 1,000 kg payload19681972: 2nd gen: 105 hp Highway arrives19721978: 3rd gen: more cab room, then 4WD19781983: 4th gen: flared arches, then Xtracab19831997: 6th gen: independent front suspension19972015: 8th gen: quieter, then more torque20152025: 9th gen: battery power joins diesel2025 Hino/Toyota Briska: 1961–1968Toyota Hilux (1st generation) (N10): 1968–1972N10Toyota Hilux (2nd generation) (N20): 1972–1978N20Toyota Hilux (3rd generation) (N30/N40): 1978–1983Toyota Hilux (4th generation) (N50/N60/N70): 1983–1988Toyota Hilux (5th generation) (N80/90/100/110): 1988–1997Toyota Hilux (6th generation): 1997–2004Toyota Hilux (7th generation): 2004–2015Toyota Hilux (9th generation): 2025–present 1960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones12345818192021
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1961–1968Hino/Toyota Briska
1968–1972Toyota Hilux (1st generation) (N10)
1972–1978Toyota Hilux (2nd generation) (N20)
1978–1983Toyota Hilux (3rd generation) (N30/N40)
1983–1988Toyota Hilux (4th generation) (N50/N60/N70)
1988–1997Toyota Hilux (5th generation) (N80/90/100/110)
1997–2004Toyota Hilux (6th generation)
2004–2015Toyota Hilux (7th generation)
2025–presentToyota Hilux (9th generation)
19681st gen: 69 hp, 1,000 kg payload
19722nd gen: 105 hp Highway arrives
19783rd gen: more cab room, then 4WD
19834th gen: flared arches, then Xtracab
19976th gen: independent front suspension
20158th gen: quieter, then more torque
20259th gen: battery power joins diesel
  1. 1968

    1st gen: 69 hp, 1,000 kg payload

    March's Toyota-conceived launch replaced the Briska and Light Stout, with Hino handling development and production at Hamura.1

  2. 1972

    2nd gen: 105 hp Highway arrives

    May brought longer wheelbases and a new 2.0 L Highway version intended to make expressway driving smoother.1

  3. 1978

    3rd gen: more cab room, then 4WD

    September brought a Super Deluxe cab stretched by 90 mm; a four-wheel-drive version followed in 1979.14

  4. 1983

    4th gen: flared arches, then Xtracab

    A November launch brought blistered wheelarches. The 1984 Xtracab put a short bed on a long-bed frame for more cabin space.13

  5. 1997

    6th gen: independent front suspension

    September split the range into business and personal-use lines; every version now had independent front suspension.15

  6. 2015

    8th gen: quieter, then more torque

    May's launch emphasized comfort and quietness. The 2020 2.8 L diesel update brought 201 hp, with 500 Nm for automatics versus 420 Nm for manuals.167

  7. 2025

    9th gen: battery power joins diesel

    November's reveal set up a 2026 BEV with a 59.2 kWh battery and a 2.8 L 48V diesel; a hydrogen fuel-cell version is scheduled for 2028.28

Every generation

  • Hino/Toyota Briska
    Hino/Toyota Briska1961–1968
  • Toyota Hilux (1st generation)
    N101968–1972
  • Toyota Hilux (2nd generation)
    N201972–1978
  • Toyota Hilux (3rd generation)
    N30/N401978–1983
  • Toyota Hilux (4th generation)
    N50/N60/N701983–1988
  • Toyota Hilux (5th generation)
    N80/90/100/1101988–1997
  • Toyota Hilux (6th generation)
    Toyota Hilux (6th generation)1997–2004
  • Toyota Hilux (7th generation)
    Toyota Hilux (7th generation)2004–2015
  • Toyota Hilux (9th generation)
    Toyota Hilux (9th generation)2025–present

Power over the years

From 69 hp to 221 hp in 54 years.

0100200300 197019801990200020102020 hp 1968 · 69 hp · 1st gen 1.5 L 2R (70 PS)1969 · 85 hp · North America: 1.9 L 3R1970 · 97 hp · North America: 1.9 L 8R1972 · 105 hp · 2nd gen Highway 2.0 L 18R1975 · 96 hp · North America: 2.2 L 20R1979 · 62 hp · 3rd gen 2.2 L diesel1981 · 97 hp · 3rd gen 2.4 L 22R2016 · 174 hp · SR Double Cab automatic2018 · 148 hp · UK Invincible 50 2.4 L2020 · 201 hp · UK 2.8 L diesel2022 · 221 hp · South Africa GR-S II2026 · 201 hp · Europe 2.8 Hybrid 48V 221 hp South Africa GR-S II 69 hp 1st gen 1.5 L 2R (70 PS)
124671012
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1968691st gen 1.5 L 2R (70 PS)
196985North America: 1.9 L 3R
197097North America: 1.9 L 8R
19721052nd gen Highway 2.0 L 18R
197596North America: 2.2 L 20R
1979623rd gen 2.2 L diesel
1981973rd gen 2.4 L 22R
2016174SR Double Cab automatic
2018148UK Invincible 50 2.4 L
2020201UK 2.8 L diesel
2022221South Africa GR-S II
2026201Europe 2.8 Hybrid 48V

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Single Cab / Extra Cab / Double Cab

    Standard

    Single Cab / Extra Cab / Double Cab

    2016

  • Active / Icon / Invincible / Invincible X

    Standard

    Active / Icon / Invincible / Invincible X

    2020

  • Standard

    Rogue / Rugged X

    2025–2026

  • Performance

    GR Sport (South Africa)

    2019

    174 hp

  • Performance

    GR Sport II

    2024

    201 hp

  • Performance

    GR-Sport III (South Africa)

    2024–2025

    221 hp

  • Special

    Legend 45 / Dakar Edition (South Africa)

    2014–2015

  • Special

    Mako

    2021

  • Special

    Arctic Trucks AT35

    2021

    201 hp

  • Limited

    Mojave

    1983

    3,500 built

  • Invincible 50

    Limited

    Invincible 50

    2018

    148 hp

    50 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • Fourth generation: blistered fenders surround both front and rear wheels.1
  • 1988–1997: flared wheel arches mark 4WD models; rear-drive versions have flatter sides.1
  • Sixth generation: a side crease slopes down toward the front indicators.5
  • Eighth generation: headlights wrap onto the fenders, with Hilux lettering inside their housings.13
  • Ninth generation: slim lamps join a TOYOTA bar; the battery-electric version loses the traditional grille.8

Year by year

  1. 1983–1984 (North America)

    1983 brings square headlights; 1984 adds square-cut wheel openings. Earlier trucks have round lamps and rounded arches.318

  2. 1984–1986 (North America)

    Xtracab lengthens the cabin for 1984; 1986 4x4s replace the solid front axle with independent front suspension.3418

  3. 2011 / 2012 model year

    The seventh-generation facelift smooths the bodywork ahead of the A-pillars.57

  4. 2015 / 2016 UK

    The eighth-generation body blends its front bumper into the wheel arches, replacing separate-looking arch extensions.1513

  5. 2020

    Eighth-generation facelift adds a more sculpted grille and bumper; Invincible and Invincible X gain new LED headlights and rear lamps.56

  6. 2026

    The ninth generation gains slim headlights linked by a TOYOTA bar, plus new rear side steps for access to the bed.2

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Toyota Hilux
    Hilux
    Photo of a Volkswagen Taro
    Volkswagen Taro

    Volkswagen Taro

    Check the make badge: the Taro is Volkswagen's barely altered, badge-engineered Hilux.5

  • Photo of a Toyota Hilux
    Hilux
    Photo of a 4Runner / Hilux Surf (1984)
    4Runner / Hilux Surf (1984)

    4Runner / Hilux Surf (1984)

    The early SUV shares the pickup's nose; look for a removable fiberglass rear roof and continuous cab/body.18

  • Photo of a Toyota Hilux
    Hilux
    Photo of a Toyota Tacoma
    Toyota Tacoma

    Toyota Tacoma

    Later Tacomas have a larger midsize body than early compact Hilux/Pickups; North America's separate Tacoma line began in 1995.418

Against its rivals

  • Isuzu V-Cross

    Hilux vs Isuzu V-Cross

    Top-trim price lower is better

    Hilux37 INR lakh
    Isuzu V-Cross26 INR lakh
    22

Prices

Value today $8.3K–$34.9K2032

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 1990200020102020 Value today: $8,300–$34,900 1983 · $8,308 · US list, Mojave 2020 · $16,100 · 1992 diesel Crew Cab, mileage unknown, BaT2021 · $10,750 · 1972 Hilux pickup, BaT2024 · $12,251 · 1972 Hilux pickup, 27k miles shown; rolled over, BaT2024 · $25,000 · 1980 SR-5 5-speed, 86k miles, BaT2025 · $19,000 · 1996 Crew Cab turbodiesel 4x4, ~173k miles, BaT2026 · $26,250 · 1993 SSR Double Cab, 5k km shown, BaT2026 · $8,300 · 1976 SR-5, 81k miles shown, BaT2026 · $34,900 · 1987 diesel Crew Cab, 143k km shown, BaT $34.9K BaT, 2026
420213233343536
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1983Price when new$8,308US list, Mojave
2020Auction sale$16,1001992 diesel Crew Cab, mileage unknown, BaT
2021Auction sale$10,7501972 Hilux pickup, BaT
2024Auction sale$12,2511972 Hilux pickup, 27k miles shown; rolled over, BaT
2024Auction sale$25,0001980 SR-5 5-speed, 86k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$19,0001996 Crew Cab turbodiesel 4x4, ~173k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$26,2501993 SSR Double Cab, 5k km shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$8,3001976 SR-5, 81k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$34,9001987 diesel Crew Cab, 143k km shown, BaT
2026Value today$8,300–$34,900

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “Seven years as Australia's best-selling vehicle”
    • “2022–23 Dakar double”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 9 generations

  • Market

    • 4 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 36 sources
  1. Evolution from 1st gen to 8th gen | HISTORY | Hilux 50th Anniversary Special Website | Exclusive Product Stories | Toyota Brand | Mobility | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website global.toyota
  2. The all-new Toyota Hilux newsroom.toyota.eu
  3. How to Buy a 1979-1985 Toyota Pickup - 4 Wheel and Offroad Magazine motortrend.com
  4. Toyota Hilux - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. History of the Toyota Hilux | Toyota UK mag.toyota.co.uk
  6. The New Toyota Hilux, with Added Power, Performance and Style - Toyota Media Site media.toyota.co.uk
  7. Toyota Hilux Buyer's Guide (2005-2025) - Buyer's Guide - AutoTrader autotrader.co.za
  8. World premiere of the all-new Toyota Hilux - Toyota Media Site media.toyota.co.uk
  9. Tips for buying a second-hand pickup: Toyota Hilux - Farmers Weekly fwi.co.uk
  10. Dual-cab 4x4 ute comparison review: Toyota Hilux whichcar.com.au
  11. 2021 Hilux AT35 celebrates 30 years of conversions | Toyota UK mag.toyota.co.uk
  12. Toyota Confirms Price for the new Limited Edition Hilux Invincible 50 - Toyota Media Site media.toyota.co.uk
  13. A NEW ERA FOR THE PICK-UP, BUT EVERY INCH A HILUX newsroom.toyota.eu
  14. 2026 Toyota HiLux review | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  15. 2026 Toyota HiLux SR5: 3500km on-road review 4x4australia.com.au
  16. New GR Sport II leads Toyota Hilux 2024 line-up - Toyota Media Site media.toyota.co.uk
  17. Hilux Mako designed to eat small fry for breakfast - Toyota NZ toyota.co.nz
  18. Why We Love Them: Toyota Pickups | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  19. Hino Briska - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. 1987 Toyota Hilux Crew Cab Diesel 4×4 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $34,900 on August 22, 2026 (Lot #259,211) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  21. No Reserve: 5k-Kilometer 1993 Toyota Hilux SSR Double Cab 4x4 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $26,250 on March 23, 2026 (Lot #234,622) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  22. Toyota Hilux review, test drive: price, design, features, performance, off roading | Autocar India autocarindia.com
  23. Toyota Stout - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. Kaoru Hosokawa, Chief Engineer for the 7th generation Hilux | MESSAGE | Hilux 50th Anniversary Special Website | Exclusive Product Stories | Toyota Brand | Mobility | Toyota Motor Corporation Official global.toyota
  25. Hiroki Nakajima, Chief Engineer for the 8th generation Hilux | MESSAGE | Hilux 50th Anniversary Special Website | Exclusive Product Stories | Toyota Brand | Mobility | Toyota Motor Corporation Officia global.toyota
  26. Second consecutive DAKAR victory for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing | PRESS RELEASE | W2RC/DAKAR RALLY | GAZOO Racing toyotagazooracing.com
  27. CONSECUTIVE W2RC TITLES FOR TGR AS NASSER AND MATHIEU COMPLETES 2023 RALLY OF MOROCCO | PRESS RELEASE | W2RC/DAKAR RALLY | GAZOO Racing toyotagazooracing.com
  28. Goes to Hollywood: Toyota "Dream Truck" Featured in Movie Hit | STORY | Hilux 50th Anniversary Special Website | Exclusive Product Stories | Toyota Brand | Mobility | Toyota Motor Corporation Official global.toyota
  29. Arctic Trucks Blog: 2007 Magnetic North Pole Expedition arctictrucks.com
  30. Forza Horizon 5 Series 3 Update forza.net
  31. Toyota Issues Update For Hilux Pickup Truck After Moose Test Failure | Carscoops carscoops.com
  32. No Reserve: 1976 Toyota Pickup SR-5 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,300 on August 4, 2026 (Lot #255,790) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 1992 Toyota Hilux Crew Cab 4x4 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,100 on October 28, 2020 (Lot #38,434) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 1996 Toyota Hilux Crew Cab Turbodiesel 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $19,000 on December 22, 2025 (Lot #224,538) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 1972 Toyota Hilux Pickup for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,251 on October 15, 2024 (Lot #166,814) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. One-Owner 1980 Toyota Pickup SR-5 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $25,000 on September 26, 2024 (Lot #164,279) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • global.toyota
  • newsroom.toyota.eu
  • motortrend.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • mag.toyota.co.uk
  • media.toyota.co.uk
  • autotrader.co.za
  • fwi.co.uk
  • whichcar.com.au
  • carexpert.com.au
  • 4x4australia.com.au
  • toyota.co.nz
  • bringatrailer.com
  • autocarindia.com

Photo credits

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