The Toyota Hilux went into production in March 1968 and has since grown to become one of the most legendary and iconic pickup trucks available on the market. The Hilux is showing no signs of slowing down, with the Toyota releasing the latest model this year (2023). Its ever-growing presence is being felt in all parts of the world.
In Kerala, India, one cannot register the Toyota Hilux for personal use. This is because the car exceeds the state's listed load-bearing capacity, and can only be registered for commercial use! Australia and New Zealand are obsessed with off-roaders, with the Toyota Hilux claiming one of the largest market shares in its category. Many will say that a Ford Ranger trumps the Toyota Hilux, however, there's a lot that can be accomplished with the Hilux. Dependable, sturdy, and powerful, over the last five decades, the Toyota Hilux has been the base for both enthusiasts and experts alike to experiment with their own custom builds, leading to some very interesting projects.
11 Project Luxy: Ronny Dahl
With the country's diverse – and at times difficult – terrain, 4X4 pickup trucks are all the craze in Australia. Ronny Dahl is a specialist who prides himself in creating accessible builds for the everyday consumer. Project Luxy is Dahl's attempt at such a build for the Toyota Hilux. He aimed to create a full tourer spec, making sure to walk viewers through every step. He even gives arguments for, as well as against, modding the Hilux to ensure amateur enthusiasts are fully equipped while taking on this project.
Dahl used Maxxis Razr AT-811 (all-terrain) tires, coupled with smaller 17" P-Core rims; this gives an extra inch for sidewalls and also protects the rims when driving over rocky terrain. He opts for Autosafe Industries' Ute Master Load Lid, an obvious choice, to keep all the stuff you store at the back protected from whatever weather you may face while off-roading, as well as from stray debris. For the suspension, he goes for the OME BP-51 Reserve Reservoirs, which provides a 2-inch lift. Ronny Dahl's build is quite comprehensive, he's uploaded detailed videos on his channel diving deep into the various options available for the Toyota Hilux.
10 Armored Hilux: AutoCraze
Another build from Australia (most on this list are, they really love the Hilux!), the Armored Hilux build by AutoCraze Australia. Whether you own an old Toyota Hilux or have just bought a new one, AutoCraze will turn it into a literal tank!
The Armored Hilux build uses black Rhino Armory wheels, Rival Under Body armor, a DT 4X4 Rival Bar, an AC Stainless Steel Snorkel, the AutoCraze 2-inch Lift Kit, a Roll R Cover, a Thunder Winch, Custom "Armored" Head Rests, and many more armor-themed fittings. With an enthusiastic and experienced team, AutoCraze prides itself in executing all types of build ideas, this isn't the only build by them on this list!
9 Budget Tourer Build: 4X4 Australia, WhichCar?
4X4 Australia decided to create this Budget Tourer build for the Toyota Hilux as a challenge to modded Ford Rangers. 4X4 provided an in-depth, step-by-step outlay of the build on their online portal, WhichCar? They bought an old Toyota Hilux 3.0-liter turbo diesel manual dual cab via auction (which had already clocked 93,000 miles) and then went to town on it.
For the suspension, they opted for the TJM XGS Series 4000 40-mm suspension lift. To ensure that the engine runs smoothly and doesn't overheat, they went in for the TerraTuff front-mount intercooler kit, with a Sherpa snorkel and a TerraTuff SEPR8R Catch Oil Can. They added EFS side rails for extra protection and a Yakima LocknLoad Platform on the roof for extra storage. To ensure competent off-road capability, they installed TJM's Pro Locker for differential locking. Next, they were able to make their build much quieter with Carbon Off Road's 3-inch turbo back with hotdog/resonator and cat setup for the exhaust. At the back, they installed the Trade Tuff tray, made by JDW Custom Fabrications, Australia. The aluminum tray helped significantly reduce the build's weight. They then added Cooper Evolution M/T tires for better off-roading and ended with the final addition of a Diesel Power Australia tuning module for additional power. 4X4 Australia was able to create a competent tourer, on the smallest budget possible.
8 Mega Mean Build: Xtreme Adventures
A Covid project, it took Xtreme Adventures Australia 7 months to build this monster. Designed to brave any and all terrains and conditions, this build will carry you to hell and back. Practically a campsite on wheels, the Mega Mean build is rigged with top-end components, from the GMF bonnet-mount antenna to the Shower Ensuite, Rooftop Tent Nest Edition (which houses a rooftop tent). You can really feel the yearning for freedom while it was being built.
For the suspension, they installed the Outback Explorer 2.5” monotube remote reservoir 4” lift and decked the build out with electronics from REDARC, including Canopy Electrical, a RedVision Display, and TVMS & BMS systems. They installed a Legendex bar and mounted the Hardkorr BRZ 9” spotlights onto it. They also added a 170W Hardkorr solar panel to the roof, with two sets of TREDS mounted onto the rail system. Finally, they added a 2000W induction cooktop into the bench slide and an 85-liter Bushman upright fridge.
7 Sonic Hilux Off-Road Build: AutoCraze
The second build on this list by AutoCraze, the electrifying Sonic build, was meant to take an already customized off-road Hilux to the next level aesthetically. Using a custom blue Rival Bar, BFG KM2 tires, Fuel Boost wheels, a LED Light Bar, an AC 2" Lift Kit, Headlight trims, an AC Stainless Steel snorkel (matte black), and color-coded EGR Studded Flares, AutoCraze was able to build one of the sexiest pickup trucks yet!
6 No Limits 2020 Off-Grid Build: REDARC
REDARC claims its No Limits Off-Grid build (based off the 2020 Toyota Hilux) "can do anything and go anywhere." This car is built for extreme adventurers, those who venture off-grid for months on end. Rocking two REDARC 60Ah lithium batteries, charged by the Manager30, the car can be charged up using the installed vehicle solar (180W solar panel) or 240V mains power. They also made sure you can power up household appliances off-grid by including a REDARC 1000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter. The amount of care, detail, and components used to ensure this Hilux can truly take you wherever your heart desires – all the while being off-grid – is incredibly impressive.
5 Great White Build: Custom 4X4, New Zealand
This build comes from Australia's prettier neighbor, New Zealand. The Great White build was an attempt to keep the Toyota Hilux alive in New Zealand, as they faced a massive paucity of parts. Custom 4X4 scoured the world, sourcing parts from as far as Argentina, to ensure that only the best went into the build.
The highlights are the ARB Old Man Emu Shock Absorbers combined with Kendra R/T tires to make the Great White build terrain resistant. They added a LED Light bar, housed above a 5mm Bash plate. Rock sliders beneath the body and TRD flares were added for exterior protection. Custom 4X4 offers two packages, the Great White Upgrade Package, and the Great White Jnr (Junior) Package.
4 Patrol Truck Build: IAG
A testament to the legend that is the Toyota Hilux, International Armored Group states: "Please note that certain configurations are restricted to law enforcement or military only." With the Patrol Truck build, IAG takes the Toyota Hilux to a completely different arena. Offering up to CEN B6, B6+/NIJ Level III levels of security, IAG's build offers a seating capacity of up to nine people. This build is ballistic-proof and blast-proof. Matched with Hilux's off-road capabilities, it makes IAG's Patrol Truck build one of the most maneuverable and affordable armored vehicle options on the market for people interested in heavy-duty protection, as well as for law enforcement and the military!
3 Pandem/Rocket Bunny Build: Kei Miura
Kei Miura, the legendary brains behind the Rocket Bunny wide-body kits, and the Pandem project, unveiled his wide-body kit for the Toyota Hilux in December 2018. Going back to his JDM roots, this build is for those who value aesthetics over all else. This build features broad fenders (sporting rivets), a widened wheelbase couped with massive wheels, and stands lower than a stock Hilux. Kei Miura has designed this build for any old Toyota Hilux, as well as new. Compromising a little on function – one may not be able to achieve the Hilux's maximum load capacity – this build is guaranteed to make everyone on the street freeze, transfixed at this 'poetry in motion' iteration of the Hilux.
2 Pathfinder: RAD
RAD is a Thailand-based garage, and their Pathfinder build is motivated to give direct competition to the Ford Ranger Raptor. The body kit and suspension mods make the Pathfinder build more rugged and capable. RAD took care to not only increase functionality but to also add to the aesthetic qualities of the Hilux. It also looks more rugged! They installed an aftermarket grille, metal off-road bumpers, a bonnet scoop, roof-mounted LEDs, fender extensions, and a bulged tailgate to create visual ruggedness. An Old Man Emu suspension is used, with 2", 4", and 6" lift options; this build is also fitted with automatically reclining side steps.
1 BONUS - Junk-to-Gem Build: Mick McMullen
People are often left with no option but to sell, or scrap, their old cars. But Australian Mick McMullen had other ideas for an old Toyota Hilux. He took a 1990 Hilux and turned it into vintage gold. He undertook this project to highlight the magic McMullen Paint and Panel could achieve, and does he deliver!
He found a completely wrecked 1990 Hilux at an auction in 2012 and completely overhauled the components, interiors, and exteriors to create this stunning, vintage Hilux. He performed a full bare-metal respray of the body, shaved down the door handles, and installed custom door latches. He also installed a handmade custom tub tray. The interiors are all custom fitted, and the wheels are retrofitted from a Mitsubishi Magna. The center caps for the wheels are in fact plugs for a sink his wife had found during her renovation of their bathroom!