The Toyota Hilux is one of the most popular trucks in the world, but it has not been sold in the United States. That seems like automotive blasphemy.
More trucks are sold and driven in the United States than in any other country in the world. America is an expansive country with every form of climate, environment, landscape, and terrain possible. Trucks are inherently American and have been a huge part of the automotive industry for decades. In fact, the top three most popular vehicles for American drivers are half-ton pickup trucks. This begs the question: Why can’t you buy the Toyota Hilux Champ in the U.S.?
What is the Toyota Hilux Champ?
The Hilux is a well-known name, so much so that Americans understand what it is. The Hilux Champ began in Thailand and is a pickup truck that’s capable of meeting many driving needs. Toyota wanted to keep this small truck affordable, and that meant leaving the last parts of the truck for the owner to finish. This truck has been described as “70 percent finished” by Dr. Jurachart Jongusuk, the chief engineer for Toyota’s IMV platform. This means customers must finish the other 30 percent of the Champ.
How did Toyota lower customer costs?
Not only is this Toyota truck one of the cheapest in the entire world, but Toyota also worked to make it even more affordable by applying its Toyota Production System to the supply chain. Engineers visited suppliers to help them improve the production process and reduce costs. They went as far as to paint the rear leaf spring shackles in different colors, using available paint instead of specific colors, to save money.
The rear deck of the Toyota Hilux Champ features bolt holes that allow customers to attach anything they want to the truck. This truck can be had with more than 100 accessories that allow customers to finish the build. The accessories aren’t too expensive, which helps the Hilux Champ retain its affordable pricing. The starting price in Thailand when this new version first arrived in 2023 was $13,000. There aren’t any trucks in America that are this cheap.
Are there different versions available?
The Hilux Champ is a 2WD midsize truck that comes in short and long-wheelbase versions. There are three engines offered, a 2.0 or 2.7-liter gasoline option, or a 2.4-liter diesel engine. There are eight different trims and either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. This Toyota truck can haul up to 2,200 pounds, which makes it capable, useful, and versatile.
Why can’t you get this truck in the U.S.?
The increased popularity of small trucks should make the Hilux Champ a sure winner. It would be a different breed from the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, but that might be exactly what’s needed. The customization options for the rear open up endless possibilities for truck owners, making it easy to see how this truck could fit into the market.
The Toyota Hilux Champ has gained massive popularity worldwide for its affordability, durability, and no-nonsense design. However, American truck enthusiasts hoping to get their hands on one are out of luck. The Hilux Champ doesn’t meet U.S. safety and emissions regulations, including crash test standards and environmental requirements set by the EPA. Additionally, the “Chicken Tax,” a 25% tariff on imported light trucks, makes it financially unfeasible for Toyota to bring the model stateside. Despite the demand, strict regulations and economic barriers mean the Hilux Champ will likely remain out of reach for American buyers.
Can you import this truck?
Technically, you can import the Toyota Hilux into the United States, but you’ll need to make changes to the truck and pay the 25% Chicken Tax over the price and import duty on the truck. You’ll need to either find one that meets U.S. specifications (good luck) or make changes to the truck to ensure it meets these specifications. This might sound like a lot of extra money and hassle just to have a small Toyota truck.
Is there a compromise?
Although you won’t find any pickup truck in America that costs as little as the Toyota Hilux Champ, you can enjoy Toyota’s bulletproof reputation for reliability by choosing the Tacoma. It’s not the Hilux, and it comes complete, but you’ll have a truck that’s been a top performer in the midsize truck segment for decades. Additionally, driving the Tacoma means you’re not paying the Chicken Tax or spending money to change the truck just to meet U.S. regulations.
