Toyota Hilux
The compact pickup introduced in 1968 that grew from a one-ton work truck into a global family of two- and four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Overview
Toyota launched the Hilux in March 1968 as a bonneted compact truck combining the roles previously served by the Briska and Light Stout. Toyota conceived the vehicle, while Hino developed and initially manufactured it at Hamura. The first RN10 used a separate frame, a 1.5-litre 2R petrol engine, a four-speed column-shift gearbox and a one-tonne payload. Toyota’s generation history describes its development and specifications; the milestones chronology identifies the RN10 launch.
The name is derived from “high” and “luxury,” but the Hilux earned its reputation primarily as a working vehicle. Over successive generations it added longer bodies, diesel engines, four-wheel drive, extended and double cabs, and increasingly passenger-car-like equipment. Production also moved from a largely Japanese export programme to a regional global system. Toyota’s first-to-eighth-generation history explains the name and the development of passenger-car-like equipment and regional production, while its milestones record the addition of diesel power and overseas production developments.
In its May 2026 Japanese launch announcement, Toyota says the Hilux has been sold in more than 190 countries and regions. That cumulative reach does not mean every generation or powertrain was available in every market.
Generations
The dates below identify introductions, unveilings or specific market launches, rather than universal production periods. Toyota’s historical account covers the first eight generations; the ninth-generation passages draw on separate launch announcements. A new generation’s introduction does not establish when its predecessor ceased production in every region, and an announced powertrain does not establish worldwide availability.
First generation — introduced March 1968
The first-generation Hilux was a three-seat, rear-wheel-drive pickup with independent front suspension and a leaf-sprung rigid rear axle. Toyota’s first-generation history describes the March 1968 debut, seating and suspension. A long-wheelbase version joined the range during its life.
Second generation — introduced May 1972
The second generation arrived in May 1972 with short- and long-wheelbase bodies; its Highway version used a 2.0-litre 18R engine for easier expressway travel. See Toyota’s second-generation history.
Third generation — introduced September 1978
The September 1978 redesign placed greater emphasis on comfort and offered standard and long bodies as well as an extended cab. See Toyota’s third-generation history. Toyota added diesel power in 1979, as recorded in its milestones chronology. Four-wheel drive greatly expanded the Hilux’s use away from paved roads.
Fourth generation — introduced November 1983
The fourth generation arrived in November 1983 with a new body for its four-wheel-drive models. See Toyota’s fourth-generation history. The closely related Hilux Surf multipurpose vehicle followed in 1984, as recorded in Toyota’s milestones chronology.
Fifth generation — introduced 1988
The fifth generation combined the themes of power, sturdiness and comfort. Its cabin and equipment moved closer to passenger-car standards, while flared arches distinguished many four-wheel-drive models. See Toyota’s fifth-generation history.
Sixth generation — introduced September 1997
The sixth generation, launched in September 1997, separated the range more clearly into business trucks and personal-use sport pickups. Toyota describes that distinction in its sixth-generation history. Single, extra and double cabs, petrol and diesel engines, and market-specific payloads let Toyota address widely differing regional needs; these configurations should not be read as a uniform worldwide offering.
Seventh generation — Thailand launch August 2004
The seventh-generation Hilux was launched in Thailand in August 2004 as part of Toyota’s IMV project. Toyota’s milestones chronology identifies the Thai launch. It shared a global platform strategy with the Innova and Fortuner, and most production took place in regional plants rather than Japan, as explained in Toyota’s seventh-generation history.
Eighth generation — Thailand premiere May 2015
The eighth generation premiered in Thailand in May 2015, as recorded in Toyota’s milestones chronology. Its “redefining toughness” programme combined durability testing with efforts to improve ride comfort, cabin quietness, efficiency and safety. See Toyota’s eighth-generation history. The ninth generation’s later unveiling does not establish a worldwide end date for eighth-generation production or sales.
Ninth generation — Bangkok unveiling November 2025; Japan diesel launch May 2026
Toyota unveiled the ninth-generation Hilux in Bangkok in November 2025. Diesel and battery-electric versions were announced, with a fuel-cell version planned for selected regions. Toyota’s Asian premiere announcement distinguishes the unveiling from subsequent regional launch plans. These announcements do not establish simultaneous availability of all powertrains worldwide; the fuel-cell version remains a planned offering in that announcement.
Japan received its completely redesigned 2.8-litre diesel model in May 2026, retaining a ladder-frame pickup layout and adding updated driver assistance, connected features and off-road control systems. Toyota’s Japanese launch announcement supports this market-specific milestone. It does not establish a Japanese battery-electric launch or the timing and specifications of diesel models elsewhere.