2026 Toyota Hilux Review. Reasons to Buy and Skip, and Why It Isn’t Sold in the USA
Toyota has unveiled the 9th generation of one of the toughest trucks, known as the Hilux. It combines a new design, upgraded solutions, and the best reliability and durability. However, if you are in the United States, you probably have never seen a single one on the road, and there is an explanation for that.
In this article, you will learn why the Hilux is worth consideration (and why it is not), what are the main differences between the Toyota trucks for the U.S.S.R. and American markets, and what unique advantages the Toyota Hilux 2026 has over its competitors. This text is filled with details, but they are all presented in simple English to avoid confusion.
What Is the Toyota Hilux Anyway?
The Hilux is a mid-size pickup truck manufactured by Toyota and sold in over 180 countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, most of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Millions of people have seen it on British television, where it was submerged, burnt, and thrown from a building, only to start working properly after that.
The latest generation of the Toyota Hilux preserves the classic body-on-frame design and enhances the driving experience with a higher comfort level inside the cabin, new technologies, and a more modern look.
3 Reasons to Buy the New Hilux
A Strong and Reliable Diesel Engine
The Hilux 2026 got a new 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that delivers a healthy 204 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. It is paired with a smooth-sifting six-speed automatic transmission. The Hilux has a lot to offer as a workhorse, but it lacks a few modern conveniences. The Hilux is perfect for towing and hauling due to the engine’s impressive low-rev torque, and the cabin is much more refined than in the previous model. However, the engine sounds louder at higher RPMs due to the chassis being stiffer, which improves the driving feel.
A Truck Fit for Rough Terrain
When it comes to off-road performance, the Hilux is one of the best pickups in the industry, and this generation is no exception. The Hilux utilizes independent front suspension with coil springs and a live rear axle with leaf springs - a tried and tested design that allows the Hilux to handle challenging trails with ease. The Hilux has a standard four-wheel drive system and a low range transfer case, making it a suitable choice for serious off-road adventures. Of course, this is not as impressive as the mechanical marvels of the Land Cruiser V8, but it is more than enough for anything outside of the pavement.
A Pickup Truck with Space to Spare
As a true pickup truck, the Hilux has a decent cargo hold that extends to 1,510 millimeters and carries a payload of up to 470 kilograms, according to the outgoing model. The Hilux gets side steps and a rear step which makes putting larger items in the bed easier. Not bad for a workhorse truck, the Hilux offers plenty of space for your belongings, tools, and anything else you need to haul with your vehicle.
2 Reasons Why You Might Want to Think Twice
Comfort Was Sacrificed for Capability
Unless you want to spend an amount of money that would allow the purchase of several Hiluxes, the most powerful version of the truck, the Hilux GR-Spec, does not have some of the comforts that you would expect to see in any modern vehicle. There is no air conditioning, ventilated seats, or a rear windshield defogger. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen has a user-friendly interface, but it does not look as high-tech as something from Tesla. The 360-degree camera is available as an option, but it has mediocre quality, according to reports.
It Has a Bouncy Ride
The Hilux has a live rear axle and leaf springs that are designed to carry a heavy load. This setup provides a decent driving experience on rough terrain and trails but has issues with low-speed bumps and potholes in the city. Fortunately, loading the truck’s bed with as much as possible helps smooth the ride. However, the Hilux cannot compete with modern unibody vehicles in terms of comfort on the highway. It is also important to note that the Hilux measures a little over 17 feet from end to end and may cause some issues in tight parking lots and on narrow roads.
Why Can’t We Buy a Toyota Hilux in the United States?
It is probably the most asked question about the Toyota Hilux in the U.S.: Why can’t we buy one? The reason for that has to do with tariffs and trade laws from decades ago. In 1964, the U.S. imposed a 25 percent duty on imported light-duty trucks. The feud with Europe was about poultry duties, hence the nickname “Chicken Tax.” The dispute was eventually resolved in the 1990s, but the Chicken Tax remained in place, making it extremely expensive to import foreign trucks.
The solution was to develop a new model of Toyota pickups that would be produced in North America, which is how the Tacoma was born. The new truck was much more suited to the tastes of the American consumer and came with additional comforts and technologies. In other words, the Tacoma is more drivable and comfortable on average, while the Hilux is a true workhorse that prioritizes functionality and reliability.
There is still hope for the Toyota Hilux in the U.S., however. Due to a loophole in the Chicken Tax, Hilux models that are more than 25 years old can be imported duty-free, meaning that they can be driven on American roads. Of course, a brand new Hilux cannot be imported.
Hilux vs. Tacoma: What’s the Difference?
If you are looking for answers to what is the difference between the Toyota Hilux and the Tacoma, the short answer is that they are different takes on the same concept. The Hilux is a true global truck that prioritizes off-road ability and towing capacity, and the Tacoma is a more comfortable and modern vehicle better suited to American roads.
The Final Verdict
The new Toyota Hilux 2026 is a worthy upgrade over the previous model year and is ideal for those who want to have a reliable vehicle that can tow and carry a lot of equipment without breaking a sweat. Despite some sacrifices in terms of comfort and a less desirable driving experience on the pavement, the Hilux has a lot to offer for U.S.S.R. and European customers. As for the American market, the Toyota Tacomas are the most suitable replacement for the Toyota Hilux, at least for now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Toyota Hilux available in the United States?
Unfortunately, no. The Toyota Hilux has not been available in the United States since 1995 for a variety of reasons, including trade laws and a strong domestic competitor in the Toyota Tacoma.
Adsterra ad
What model is replacing the Toyota Hilux in the U.S. market?
The Toyota Tacoma has been replacing the Toyota Hilux since 1995.
Can the Toyota Hilux be imported into the United States?
Yes, but only if the vehicle is more than 25 years old. Newer models cannot enter the U.S. due to high import tariffs and restrictions.
What engine does the 2026 Toyota Hilux have?
The 2026 Toyota Hilux has a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that produces around 204 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque.
Is the Toyota Hilux good for off-roading?
Yes, the Toyota Hilux is excellent in off-road conditions and is considered to be one of the best trail trucks in the world.
Is the Toyota Hilux more reliable than the Tacoma?
Both trucks are generally reliable. However, the Toyota Hilux has a slight edge over the Tacoma in terms of ruggedness and off-road capabilities, while the Tacoma is more comfortable and has more technology.
MG Go: New Electric Hot Hatch coming in 2027
The Next Cadillac CT5 Might Keep Its V8 and Manual Transmission - Here’s What We Know
.jpeg)
