2026 Hilux vs Gen4 Tacoma

Gen4 fans know a little about leaked patent pics….Below is a link to some similarly leaked pics for our beloved cousin overseas. This version is a heavy refresh, not sharing the TNGA-F platform, which is possibly deemed too expensive for emerging markets. Other notables include availability of the NA 2.7, however no 4.0, and an updated interior complete with (very) large screen.

https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-ne...d-interior-revealed-in-leaked-patent-diagrams

Will Hilux still be our preferred forbidden fruit, or do we now have “the better truck” stateside?

 

What's really weird about the Hilux is it's new hybrid option. 2.8 diesel with an electric motor that adds a whopping 12 kW of power and 65 Nm of torque. That's 16hp and 48lb-ft tq. The battery is only 0.21kWh versus Tacoma 1.87kWh. Not sure how that would help power or economy.

 

The Hilux of the last 30yrs or so has never been forbidden fruit in my eyes. I think the rounded front end is hideous and looks like it should be on a small economy SUV. The diesel never appealed to me either. I've driven a couple diesel Hilux's and Ragners in the middle east and they are gutless, like automatic Tacoma 2.7L gas gutless. Heck, even the diesel Ranger Raptor is slow. I watched a Thai youtube video comparing the 2.0 Diesel Ranger Raptor vs the 3.0L gas Ranger Raptor. The Diesel has 210hp/369lbft with a 10 speed and goes 0-100km/h in 11.8 seconds, that's on par with a Tacoma 2.7L gasser. Even looking at the 25 Hilux GR, it 0-100 in about 10.7 seconds and that's the highest output Hilux. For 0-60 mph reference the 2nd gen 4.0 is about 7.7 sec, 3rd gen 3.5 is about 7.5 sec, 4th gen is 7-7.5 sec (hybrid v non-hybrid), Ragner Raptor 3.0L is about 5.3 sec. Every Prius (except 1st gen) is faster to 60 than even the fastest diesel Hilux, that's sad.

What I'm getting at is I think people would be quite disappointed with a diesel Hilux on US roads, specifically considering our highway speeds. You'd have to nearly floor it just to merge on the highways to match the speed of other traffic. Not to mention t gets even worse if you add larger tires or a lift.

 

Yeah I don’t get the appeal of the Hilux.

Soo I asked ChatGPT why the hilux is sought after and…I still don’t get it. I think people are just hung up on the name plate.



1. Legendary Reliability

• The Hilux has a reputation for being extremely durable and reliable even in harsh conditions. It’s widely known for surviving environments like deserts, jungles, and war zones.
• Its simple, proven engineering makes it less prone to breakdowns compared to competitors.
• Low failure rate in extreme climates—heat, dust, mud, and water.

✅

2. Rugged Off-Road Capability

• Strong ladder-frame chassis and robust suspension for heavy-duty use.
• Excellent ground clearance (around 216 mm) and wading depth (~700 mm).
• Available 4×4 with low-range gearing, rear differential lock, and off-road assists like downhill assist control and traction control.
• Some trims like GR Sport offer upgraded shocks and wider tracks for better off-road handling.

✅

3. Strong Diesel Performance & Towing Power

• Diesel engines (2.4L & 2.8L turbo-diesel) provide high torque (up to 550 Nm), perfect for towing and heavy loads.
• Towing capacity up to 3,500 kg and payloads up to ~1,300 kg make it ideal for work and adventure.

✅

4. Global Parts Availability & Service Network

• Sold in over 180 countries, making parts and service widely accessible.
• Large aftermarket support for modifications and accessories (suspension lifts, snorkels, bull bars, etc.).

✅

5. Excellent Resale Value

• Hilux retains its value better than most pickups because of its reliability and strong demand.
• Considered an investment in many markets—buyers trust it for long-term use.

✅

6. Versatility

• Available in multiple configurations: single cab, extra cab, double cab; work-focused trims (Workmate) to luxury/off-road trims (SR5, Rogue, GR Sport).
• Comfortable interior for family use but rugged enough for commercial and off-road purposes.

✅

7. Proven Track Record

• The Hilux has been in production since 1968, with more than 50 years of continuous improvement.
• It became famous after shows like Top Gear tested its indestructibility (dropped from a building, drowned in the ocean—and still started).

 

>"What I'm getting at is I think people would be quite disappointed with a diesel Hilux on US roads, specifically considering our highway speeds. You'd have to nearly floor it just to merge on the highways to match the speed of other traffic. Not to mention t gets even worse if you add larger tires or a lift."

Trucks should be slow anyways, you guys drive too fast

The Hilux is a better product than the Tacoma mostly because the Hilux was designed from the beginning as a simple small truck. The US market always gets the most gimped variants of Japanese vehicles and if you look at Tacoma vs Hilux it's pretty obvious which is a better truck (hint, it's the one with the turbo diesel )

Basically any vehicle from a Japanese company that is designed for the US market by a US team will be worse than the international/Japanese variant 99% of the time.

 

@TacoFergie The non-hybrid 4G Tacoma is faster 0-60 than the hybrid. Source: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a60555316/2024-toyota-tacoma-hybrid-drive/

 

Power to weight ratio is a thing.

 

Not really. Source: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a...-tacoma-hybrid-quicker-rear-wheel-drive-test/

 

5,500lb Trailhunter pulls away from 4,850lb OR pretty easily.



https://youtu.be/-EfsQLr6T5Q?si=nd6q9mzIxwAheJOb

 

Have you guys ever lived or travel out of the US? I was stationed in Japan for years, and lots of locals drove 3-cylinder microvans, mini trucks, etc. I had a 2-door Mitsubishi Pajero (JDM Montero), and thought it was clutch to get to scuba sites, but realized it was overkill. At the end of my tour, I realized I would've gotten the even smaller Montero Mini or a microvan, if I knew what I knew at the start. Similarity, I would've gotten a moped instead of a Honda CBR while there. There are by-far more mopeds than motorcycles, with a major issue being small and limited roadways/parking lots, and very low speed limit. E.g., to get to my apartment, required going thru 3 alleys that a full size pickup couldn't navigate. Large delivery and garbage trucks had to take main streets and do acrobatic reverse maneuvers to get places.

Go to Central America (e.g., Costa Rica), and you can get both the Hilux and Tacoma. Very American friendly country, and very easy to drive and get around in. All the cool spots require driving over unimproved roads. The Hilux is smaller and more capable when that's your daily condition. Very few Tacomas on the road vs Hilux. Then factor in having a daily driver, family car, weekend car, offroad toys like quads/UTVs, etc is a very American thing. When you have to make one purchase decision that serves all those purposes, and also possibly as your work vehicle ... the formula and decision is different.

 

The appeal for me is the payload capacity, simplicity and reliability of JDM rigs. I don't have to be the fastest pickup on the road. Americans have been sold on the idea of bigger always being better for so long it's become the standard even though the majority of full-size truck owners rarely use them to their capability. Trucks have become so comfy they've replaced cars but they also ain't cheap to buy, they're not cheap to own and they're becoming impossible to work on yourself.

A little, reliable, big payload pickup with roll down windows, manual seats, 3 pedals and decent fuel economy (HiLux) would have me tripping over myself to purchase. Otherwise, I'll just keep building the truck Toyota should have sold me and keep it another 20 years.

 

Even the entry level WorkMate Hilux comes with power windows, power door locks, air conditioning, 8" touchscreen with CarPlay, ABS, VSC, Toyota Safety Sense, and an e-brake. Anything above an SR5 comes with automatic only.

 

Once a solid axle was no longer an option, I admittedly stopped paying attention to them. If I'm dreaming about unobtainium, I may as well go big with a 70 series 1VD powered, 5 spd ute with roll up windows. Definitely my #1 dream rig.

 

I'd take this interior and gauge setup over the current digital dash in a heartbeat.

I wish we had physical gauges

And the nice big climate control setup, and the hazard button in a reasonable location

And not to mention the stupid dash iPad isn't glued on top of the dash.. which on the 14" looks hilarious to be honest

 

Not to mention the exterior bedside rails and hooks, built in headache rack, functional mudflaps, and steel wheels..

Toyota is taking the US market for a ride, they know people love to flex so they are charging out the ass for very flashy tall cars. Trucks in the US are a joke.

I just wanted a truck so I bought a base model 4x4, if I could though I'd have this:

Ironically the SR is pretty close to the workmate in terms of unpainted parts, rear bumper, door handles and mirror caps so I have a W there

 

I don't get the joke

 

Shit, 2 grand for a turbo diesel upgrade I would take that in a heartbeat. And you get a headache rack, better bed design and no digital dash, 100% worth it

 

The cost of a new vehicle can't be compared on a USD for USD cost basis between 2 countries. Things are just different for different reasons, whether it be import tax, certification, etc purposes. The average car like a Maxima or Camry in Singapore costs $100,000 ... because for such a tiny country, they limit the # of allowed cars on island/in country, so you have to get a 10 year certificate of entitlement to have a car. But they have a public transit system that is simply beyond amazing. Again, just saying that USD for USD comparison is not a good gauge.

 

The clean air act destroyed any reason to want a Hilux, or any consumer diesel really

 

Don't know about Singapore, but in Australia a "1/4 pounder" is about 12AUS which is about 8USD (the same), other things are similarly priced. In South America (Colombia anyway) a Hilux is over 70K USD. Point is, the low tech Hilux which really isn't that low tech, isn't really less expensive than the Tacoma. Judging by the sales numbers in the US, Toyota knows what their customers want and provides it.