There's a well-earned reputation for quality and reliability that Toyota enjoys the world over. And then there's the Hilux pickup truck, the poster boy for bulletproof Toyotas. If you wanted a tough, reliable work truck, there's no reason to really look elsewhere. Except, the Toyota Hilux has never really been an option for us in the United States. Being available in limited numbers in America from the early 70s through to the 90s, the Hilux was very much a niche pickup truck. By the time the mid-90s rolled around, the Hilux had all but disappeared.

The larger Toyota Tacoma eventually took its place in the US and quite successfully, too. But when the Toyota Hilux is still one of the most popular trucks worldwide, why isn't it available in North America? Especially now, when Toyota is going all experimental and sporty with the Hilux Revo EV Concept and the 2023 Hilux GR Sport, respectively. We answer that and also tell why the Hilux will not matter anymore for Americans from 2024, as there is a cooler and way better Toyota pickup on the prowl.

Updated June 2023: We can't officially enjoy the bulletproof Toyota Hilux in the US. But there is still a way to buy the Hilux in America. But all of this doesn't matter anymore as an all-new Toyota pickup is turning out to be way better than the iconic Hilux. We have updated this article with information on the exciting new truck that has stolen the show from the Hilux.

Related: The BR75 Turns The Toyota Hilux Into The Coolest Adventure Camper

What Makes The Toyota Hilux Pickup Indestructible?

Toyota initially introduced the Hilux to the Japanese market in March 1968. Soon after, the Hilux’s success led the truck beyond Japanese borders to the international market. It finally arrived in the North American market in 1972 and replaced three other Toyota models.

The Hilux’s arrival in the North American market was the start of its second generation. Now, with a significantly upgraded interior, the Hilux was more faithful to what it was meant to be: a versatile pickup truck that offers comfort and smooth rides. The Hilux was dubbed the Truck or Pickup Truck in 1976 for the North American market.

1969 Toyota Hilux front third quarter view
Toyota

Toyota Hilux proved itself to be mind-blowingly durable from the start, even after decades of use. A 190,000-mile 1988 Hilux was brought by Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear. He tested it out to see if Toyota's "toughest vehicle in the world" claim is true or not. It survived many obstacles, including drowning in seawater for a night, having a trailer dropped onto it, getting hit by a wrecking ball, and being set on fire.

How And Why Did Toyota Stop Selling The Hilux In North America?

2009 Toyota Hilux High Power front third quarter view
Toyota
 

As said, the Toyota Hilux started strong, and it continued even more potent. In the 90s, the Toyota Pickup (the alternative name for the Hilux) was a popular choice for work fleets. Owners loved their car since not only did it get the job done, but it also provided a comfortable ride and had a touch of luxury in the interior.

Despite all of that, the Toyota Hilux disappeared from the North American market in 1995. Some reasons behind Toyota's decision to pull the Hilux out of North America may have to do with emission and safety standards. Now, Toyota wasn't manufacturing the Hilux in the US anymore and replaced it with a new model for American buyers: the Toyota Tacoma.

Why Importing A New Toyota Hilux Doesn't Make Sense?

2012 Toyota Hilux extreme off-roading view
Toyota
 

The Toyota Hilux appeared on the North American market in 1972 and had a reasonably successful run until 1995. While the Toyota Tacoma can confidently hold itself against its competitors, the Hilux stays as Toyota's most famous and durable pickup truck around the world.

It is technically possible to import a Toyota Hilux to the States today, but it comes at a great price. Due to a tax policy imposed by the American government called the Chicken Tax, importing a light truck built outside the US requires a 25 percent tariff.

2016 Toyota Hilux front third quarte cinematic view
Toyota
 

This 25 percent jump in the cost makes the Hilux too expensive to compete with other compact pickup trucks in the US Market. If the Hilux was manufactured by Toyota in the US, the buyers would no longer be required to pay the extra 25 percent tariff.

Though the 25 percent tariff imposed by the US government makes the Toyota Hilux a rather unpopular option for the average consumer, the true fans of Toyota pickups can still technically import a Hilux to the states as long as they’re willing to pay the price.

Related: 10 Reasons Why The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Will Dominate The Pickup Market

Why The 2024 Tacoma Is More Desirable Than The Toyota Hilux?

Titan bronze Toyota Hilux driving in the countryside
Toyota

Although the Hilux is no more available in the US Market, its alternative makes it all up. The Toyota Tacoma has been a successful successor to the Hilux since 1995. Toyota has given America the truck that it wants with the Tacoma.

The Hilux and the Tacoma platforms are pretty similar, but the Tacoma is a bit wider than the Hilux, which makes it suitable for the wide roads in America. Another differentiator is that Hilux comes with a variety of engine options and a fair number of which are diesel options. Light pickups with diesel engine models are not that popular with American buyers. Up until last year, the Toyota Hilux was more desirable than the US-spec Toyota Tacoma.

A green 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter parked
Toyota

But now, with the dawn of the all-new fourth-gen model, the Tacoma's desirability level has shot way past that of the indestructible Hilux's. Riding on an all-new platform, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma now comes with a way more powerful 228 hp 2.4-Liter i-FORCE turbo inline-4. The last-gen 2023 Tacoma came with a 159-hp base engine.

But the real game changer is the new 2024 Tacoma Hybrid that packs an exciting 326 hp i-FORCE MAX engine. Apart from this, the other cool bits of the all-new Tacoma include a manual gearbox, the return of the Tacoma PreRunner trim, the insanely more capable 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro, and the addition of the coolest Tacoma of the all - the Trailhunter Overlander. The 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro also has a never-before-seen party trick in the form of shock absorber seats that come in as standard.

Compared to all of this, the 2023 Toyota Hilux hasn't gone beyond gas and diesel powertrains. The most powerful Hilux pickup truck today is equipped with a 2.8-Liter diesel engine with 201 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. The coolest 2023 Hilux to get is the GR Sport trim with rally-inspired performance and style. Yup! America has finally outlived the pain of badly wanting the legendary Toyota Hilux.

On the flip side, an all-new Toyota Hilux is inevitable, but we don't expect it to be as cool as the 2024 Tacoma that has been beautifully curated for America.

How To Buy A Used Toyota Hilux In The US?

1979 Toyota Hilux side view
Classic Cars

If you are someone who is tight on budget but still wants to get a Toyota Hilux, then there's a way! There are many used 1996 and older Toyota Hilux models on sale across various states. Classic.com has impressively curated all the legal Toyota Hiluxes for sale in North America. For the fan-following, this car has in the US and around the world, these are some pretty impressive pricing. So, if you are seriously looking out for one, get clicking!

Sources: Toyota, Autotrader, Classic Cars