Hilux in the U.S. Market?

Title says it all ...

https://auto-trends.net/2019-toyota-diesel-hilux-u-s-market/

Sorry, 4 month old story, but I had never heard of it before today.

 

A diesel option Toyota truck stateside would be cool... Too bad the newer Hilux* looks like one of the new Ridgelines.

 

Just seems odd that they would introduce "Brother of Tacoma" when Tacoma sales are going strong. I know Toyota has basically said they won't do it, but making the existing Tacoma model with a diesel motor seems a much better option from a Toyota production model / manufacturing sense perspective, especially when Tacoma owners have specifically requested it. Appeasing return customers is a proven business model...but that's just me.

 

I have a Hilux in Nicaragua, and I can say it's a great truck!

Don't get me wrong; I love my Taco to death but if the Hilux comes to the states I'll consider making a switch or go with a TACO diesel.

Holding off on upgrading for a few more years to see what the future holds.

 

I'd rather them bring the landcruiser 70 series here. Specifically the LC79 dual cab GLX

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/am...ential-addition-to-any-outback-aussie-toolkit

 

Perhaps the Colorado is affecting sales more than they let on?

 

That, plus the major bad feedback they are getting on the current crappy 3rd gen powertrain. That is keeping some of us, me included, from trading my 2nd gen for a new 3rd gen. I took an extended test drive and could not stand it. Maybe when the diesel hits that will change, if i am still in the market.

 

I wonder how well the Colorado diesel sells. I haven't really researched to see. Either way, if Toyota brought the Hilux here just to carry the diesel, that would be cool. Not sure how much sense that makes. Likely would make sense to make it an option in the 3rd-gen Taco, right? I don't really care for the looks of the current Hilux, however. Just my opinion, as a side note.

 

They won't bring the hilux here, there's a 20% import tax on trucks that aren't made in North America. Now a different powertrain option? That would be pretty cool.

 

I'd like to see Toyota improve their current trucks before they start focusing too much on going to something new or different.

Power seats a decent leaf springs would be a goid place to start. Also sell a full size double cab with a 6.5ft bed.

 

I certainly miss the power seats in my old ride, esp with the 2 memory settings per key fob so a diff driver can have their own presets just by having a different key.

 

I would trade my beloved Baja in today for one of these... apart from that I plan to run the wheel off mine change them and see if I can run some more...

 

First Hilux ad in NZ way back....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyHBKX29_Q8

 

The stock trucks are kinda meh, but US SOF has some mean looking hilux rigs

 

Oh I'm sure they can be made to look awesome. The stock body lines are kinda weird (at least compared to the Taco) and the stance is a bit quirky. But I'm sure with the right set-up, they are sweet. I'd still own one, but I prefer the Taco's looks.

 

Besides the diesel engines, what makes these so much better than the Tacoma?

They are okay looking, but as far as off-road abilities, they don't appear to offer much more than our rigs. Are they more desirable because they are built in Japan?

 

Crew served weaponry helps

 

Boxed frame, better suspension, better power/economy from a diesel... yet more utilitarian of wanted. You know stuff Americans don't want.

 

I have very fond memories of a red 70s FJ 40 diesel that I owned when I was working in the mountains of Honduras back in the 90s.
It was my sweetheart. Though I bought it with a fair amount of mileage for about $2500 back then, it ran good.
O, the begone days that will never be back...

This is a facsimile of it:

 

This is awesome. My little brother lives in New Zealand currently. I'll have to share this with him.