TOYOTA HILUX: Which Version Do You Like for Used Car?

First Generation 10 Series (1968-1972)

The first generation TOYOTA HILUX went on sale in March 1968, derived by combining the Briska and Light Stout models. The production of the HILUX was unique in that product planning was handled by Toyota, but the actual development and manufacture was done by Hino Motors. The two-level front grille was a distinctive exterior feature. For the grades, the standard and deluxe were made available.

The 1,490cc gasoline engine with 70 horsepower was carried, combined with the 4-speed manual transmission with a column-mounted shifter.

In April 1970, a long-wheelbase version with a trunk length of 2,250mm was added to the lineup.

Second Generation 20 Series (1972-1978)

A model change led to the introduction of the second generation model in May 1972. A stronger front grille design with a greater presence was utilized, and the use of rounded four-lamp headlights led to a sportier look. Furthermore, the use of triangular windows was discontinued, and in its place, a cleaner design for the window area was employed.

In addition to the 1,580cc engine with 83 horsepower, the 1,968cc with 105 horsepower was installed for the “Highway” series.

In addition to the 4-speed manual transmission with column-mounted shifter carried over from the previous generation model, the floor-mounted shifter was also added. For the Highway series, the 3-speed automatic transmission was also introduced.

Minor changes made in October 1975 led to all vehicles carrying the 1,587cc engine with 80 horsepower to adhere to the 1975 gas emission regulations.

Third Generation 30/40 Series (1978-1983)

A full model change in September 1978 led to the introduction of the third generation model. For the exterior, the headlights were changed to a two-lamp style, and the front window area was also expanded. Furthermore, a super deluxe type with the length of the cabin increased by 65mm was newly introduced. This grade utilized such features as semi-reclining seats and high-quality seat covers, securing riding comfort that was more in line with a passenger vehicle standards.

The use of the 1,587cc engine with 80 horsepower was continued.

In October 1979, the 4WD carrying a 2,000cc engine, and in December, one carrying a 2,200cc diesel engine were added to the lineup.

Furthermore, minor improvements made in October 1981 led to the addition of a double cab body that sported two-row seating, further improving riding capacity.

Fourth Generation 50/60/70 Series (1983-1988)

The HILUX underwent another model change in November 1983 to produce the fourth generation model. For the exterior, the use of such features as rectangular two-lamp headlights and a front A-pillar with a sharper incline led to an even sportier look. Furthermore, changes in the interior, such as the use of knitted materials for the seat covers, demonstrated efforts to incorporate passenger vehicle elements.

The engine lineup consisted of the 1,998cc gasoline engine with 105 horsepower, the 1,812cc gasoline engine with 95 horsepower, and the 2,446cc diesel engine with 83 horsepower. The FR was available for the entire lineup, but only the 1,998cc gasoline engine with 105 horsepower and 2,446cc diesel engine with 83 horsepower were combined with the 4WD.

As for the body variation, by combining various trunk types with the single cab and double cab, an increased total of 20 variations were made available.

Fifth Generation 80/90/100/110 Series (1988-1997)

The fifth generation HILUX was introduced in September 1989. Due to the addition of the TOYOTA HILUX SURF, the interior saw increased incorporation of passenger vehicle elements, leading to greater luxuriousness in regards to the instrument panel, seats, and upholstery, and an overall improved riding comfort. Furthermore, the flare fender was installed on the FR, and the over fender on the 4WD; another distinctive feature was the use of a trapezoid-patterned front grille.

The engine lineup consisted of the 1,998cc gasoline engine with 88 horsepower, the 1,812cc gasoline engine with 79 horsepower, the 2,779cc diesel engine with 91 horsepower, and the 2,446cc diesel engine with 85 horsepower. The FR was made available with the 1,812cc gasoline engine with 79 horsepower and the 2,446cc diesel engine with 85 horsepower, and the 4WD with the 1,998cc gasoline engine with 105 horsepower and the 2,779cc diesel engine with 91 horsepower.

The transmission lineup consisted of the 5-speed manual with both floor- and column-mounted shifters, and the 4-speed automatic with floor-mounted shifter, available depending on the grade.

In August 1993, minor changes were made, such as the introduction of additional body color options.

In August 1994, an electronic fuel injection device was equipped on the 1,998cc gasoline engine, enhancing power output to 97 horsepower. Furthermore, the 2,779cc diesel engine was replaced by a newer unit.

Sixth Generation 140/150/160/170 Series (1997-2004)

Another full model change in September 1997 led to the evolution of the HILUX to its sixth generation model. The lineup was newly enriched with a business-use type that prioritized functionality, and a personal-use type that saw improvements in passenger vehicle elements. The personal-use type, as a sports pickup vehicle, saw an enlarged interior space, further improving riding comfort. Furthermore, SRS airbags were installed on the driver’s seat, further enhancing safety features. The car body size measured in length, width, and height at 4,690mm, 1,690mm, and 1,760mm respectively. The single cab was discontinued for this model, and in its stead, the extra cab that was so popular in the U.S. was added. A feature of this extra cab body was the installment of +2 seating behind the front seats.

The engine lineup was completely renewed, consisting of the 1,998cc gasoline engine with 88 horsepower, the 2,446cc diesel engine with 97 horsepower, and the 2,985cc diesel engine with 91 horsepower.

The 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions were made available. In particular, for the automatic transmission, electric 4-speed automatic transmission was utilized for some grades.

In August 1999, the 2,693 gasoline engine with 145 horsepower was added.

Minor changes made in 2001 led to alterations to the interior and exterior for the sports pickup. The designs for the front grille, bumper, and tailgate were changed to make for an appearance that emphasized wideness. Furthermore, changes were made on the interior as well, such as on the color of the illumination light for the meters, further improving quality.