Single platform for Toyota Hilux, Tacoma and 4runner

[Porkchopexpress]

Next-Gen Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner Will Share Hilux’s Global Platform: Report

The new Tundra's consolidated platform is an indication of future planning.

www.thedrive.com

So maybe the Hilux and Tacoma will merge again? I had the impression that the Tacoma made durability compromises for fuel economy to haul mountain bikes in the American market where as the Hilux was made to be more of a work truck. I think this could be good news.

Also, the 4runner frame is fully boxed while I'm pretty sure the Tacoma is C channel, no idea about the Hilux. I think fully boxed is the best design for small trucks so I think they will go that direction on a common platform.

 

[nickw]

Next-Gen Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner Will Share Hilux’s Global Platform: Report

The new Tundra's consolidated platform is an indication of future planning.

www.thedrive.com

So maybe the Hilux and Tacoma will merge again? I had the impression that the Tacoma made durability compromises for fuel economy to haul mountain bikes in the American market where as the Hilux was made to be more of a work truck. I think this could be good news.

Also, the 4runner frame is fully boxed while I'm pretty sure the Tacoma is C channel, no idea about the Hilux. I think fully boxed is the best design for small trucks so I think they will go that direction on a common platform.

I'd guess it will end up meaning the global platforms will be less work truck and more like the american trucks to offer better MPG, better ride and fit in with peoples lifestyles better.

People expect a high level of comfort, NVH consideration, fuel mileage and performance....all which fly in the face of simplicity & durability like the old school Hiluxes.

Global platform is a good thing for sure but Toyota seems like they are making their rigs more plush and more comfortable vs the opposite.

 

[lugueto]

The fact that Hiluxes and Prados are bare bones utilitarian vehicles is an outdated fact. True up until 10 years ago, but no longer the case.

Why would they merge the Hilux and Tacoma? They're viewed as drastically different vehicles and their markets are very well adapted to each of their offerings. The third world won't like the Tacomas plushness, and the US won't like the Hilux's toughness. It makes no sense. Merging these and losing one of the models would be bad for sales on either side.

The current, top spec Hilux is really comfortable and has all the creature comforts and safety features a modern car has. There's really not much a Tacoma can offer over it except a long bed option and a more forgiving ride. Same goes for the Prado. The current, top spec Prado doesn't even compete with the 4Runner in terms of luxury and creature comforts, it would compete with the GX.

They do offer bare-bones utilitarian versions of the Hiluxes and Prados, that are way lower in spec than even the lowest available specs their US Counterparts offer, as well as diesel platforms. This is where they separate, and why NGOs, miners, agriculture and terrorists like them. But the platforms themselves are already very much cemented and have a lot of coverage.

The Prado and 4Runner share the exact same platform. The same that makes the GX and 4Runner siblings. So there's already a "global platform" there.

The Hilux on the other hand has its own SUV counterpart, called the Fortuner. This one also competes with the 4Runner in segment, and is very much as modern, comfortable and safe as a 4Runner (although I would give the edge to the 4Runner here). There's coverage basically the world over except for the US, where the models clash with the US counterparts. Even then, there's shared powerplants and drivetrain components that would make finding basic parts somewhat easy for people who are travelling, no full-fledged support though.

So that leaves the Tacoma as the only vehicle that has basically no shared infrastructure or shared market with any of the other offerings. It would make a lot of sense for it to share much of its infrastructure with the 4Runner (and subsequently Prados). It would make Toyota USA's life much easier, as well as give it some worldwide support. Making the Tacoma a bit tougher as well probably, but not enough as a third-world work truck though.

In my mind it would make little sense, and don't believe it will become a reality, but it is interesting though.

 

[phsycle]

Why would they merge the Hilux and Tacoma? They're viewed as drastically different vehicles and their markets are very well adapted to each of their offerings. The third world won't like the Tacomas plushness, and the US won't like the Hilux's toughness. It makes no sense. Merging these and losing one of the models would be bad for sales on either side.

Agreed. They already offered the Hilux here into the 90’s. People wanted more of a play truck so the Tacoma was introduced in 95. It’s gained massive success. Why would they mess with that?

It’d make sense to offer a partial global platform for the front chassis and leave the rear specific to different models. But then again, don’t they basically already do that?

 

[Porkchopexpress]

Tacoma had a few years with no real competition. Now there is the new Ranger, Colorado/Canyon and Frontier. If they use a more robust global platform and offer a higher payload than the rest of the midsize trucks it would be a huge advantage. They could actually haul a small slide in camper without exceeding GVWR.

 

[phsycle]

Tacoma had a few years with no real competition. Now there is the new Ranger, Colorado/Canyon and Frontier. If they use a more robust global platform and offer a higher payload than the rest of the midsize trucks it would be a huge advantage. They could actually haul a small slide in camper without exceeding GVWR.

Maybe. But with such small percentage of people who need 150% payload capacity, I doubt they’d do anything. Vast majority of Tacoma’s I see around have nothing in the bed or maybe a bike or two.

Annual sales still kill all trucks you listed. No signs of slowing down. Toyota is already slow to change (see Tundra, finally after 13 years, a new generation). They’re not going to mess much with something that’s working.

 

[nickw]

The fact that Hiluxes and Prados are bare bones utilitarian vehicles is an outdated fact. True up until 10 years ago, but no longer the case.

Why would they merge the Hilux and Tacoma? They're viewed as drastically different vehicles and their markets are very well adapted to each of their offerings. The third world won't like the Tacomas plushness, and the US won't like the Hilux's toughness. It makes no sense. Merging these and losing one of the models would be bad for sales on either side.

The current, top spec Hilux is really comfortable and has all the creature comforts and safety features a modern car has. There's really not much a Tacoma can offer over it except a long bed option and a more forgiving ride. Same goes for the Prado. The current, top spec Prado doesn't even compete with the 4Runner in terms of luxury and creature comforts, it would compete with the GX.

They do offer bare-bones utilitarian versions of the Hiluxes and Prados, that are way lower in spec than even the lowest available specs their US Counterparts offer, as well as diesel platforms. This is where they separate, and why NGOs, miners, agriculture and terrorists like them. But the platforms themselves are already very much cemented and have a lot of coverage.

The Prado and 4Runner share the exact same platform. The same that makes the GX and 4Runner siblings. So there's already a "global platform" there.

The Hilux on the other hand has its own SUV counterpart, called the Fortuner. This one also competes with the 4Runner in segment, and is very much as modern, comfortable and safe as a 4Runner (although I would give the edge to the 4Runner here). There's coverage basically the world over except for the US, where the models clash with the US counterparts. Even then, there's shared powerplants and drivetrain components that would make finding basic parts somewhat easy for people who are travelling, no full-fledged support though.

So that leaves the Tacoma as the only vehicle that has basically no shared infrastructure or shared market with any of the other offerings. It would make a lot of sense for it to share much of its infrastructure with the 4Runner (and subsequently Prados). It would make Toyota USA's life much easier, as well as give it some worldwide support. Making the Tacoma a bit tougher as well probably, but not enough as a third-world work truck though.

In my mind it would make little sense, and don't believe it will become a reality, but it is interesting though.

They are pretty close already I think....I know the gen 1 Tacoma had the same F&R axles, very sim (gas) drivetrain options but a handful of minor changes to make them more plush. Not exactly sure how the modern ones compare but I'd imagine they are pretty close. There is no reason it can't be on a shared platform though, just like the Landcruiser 100/200/300 series....they make bare bones models and high end fancy models.

I've never understood why the Hilux and Tacoma were on different platforms, make em the same, just put stiffer suspension on the work truck ones, de-rate the American ones for the lawyers and don't give us the diesel options....seems like a no-brainer.

Outside of diesel options, body shape and possibly a stiffer / more robust frame...how do they differ?

 

[lugueto]

They are pretty close already I think....I know the gen 1 Tacoma had the same F&R axles, very sim (gas) drivetrain options but a handful of minor changes to make them more plush. Not exactly sure how the modern ones compare but I'd imagine they are pretty close. There is no reason it can't be on a shared platform though, just like the Landcruiser 100/200/300 series....they make bare bones models and high end fancy models.

Well they shared more with the 1st & 2nd gen than the 3rd gen (for corresponding generations), which is when the truck was really americanized IMO. Even then, powerplant and drivetrain offerings are similar but so is the case with pretty much any Toyota SUV outside the heavy Land Cruiser offerings. Engines, gearboxes, differentials are the same across the board.

Actual differences between the models is a subject that has been heavily treaded, but the fact remains that the heavier componentry on the Hiluxes does make a palpable difference in durability.

 

[nickw]

Well they shared more with the 1st & 2nd gen than the 3rd gen (for corresponding generations), which is when the truck was really americanized IMO. Even then, powerplant and drivetrain offerings are similar but so is the case with pretty much any Toyota SUV outside the heavy Land Cruiser offerings. Engines, gearboxes, differentials are the same across the board.

Actual differences between the models is a subject that has been heavily treaded, but the fact remains that the heavier componentry on the Hiluxes does make a palpable difference in durability.

What is heavier duty on a Hilux besides the frame and springs? Even back in the 1st gen and 2nd gen eras guys complained they wanted a Hilux....

 

[lugueto]

I believe those complaints were because people usually want what you cant have.

Frame and suspension are obviously the two main differences. Also the 1GR is way more robust and simple than the 2GR, as are the diesels obviously. Gearing on the Hilux is lower. I'm pretty certain highway efficiency on the Tacoma would be slightly better.

As said, the gap is closing in interior comfort and equipment with the current Hilux., but the componentry, inside and out, are simpler and thus heavier duty. All the delicate refinements aren't there. Knobs are sturdier, less buttons, less systems, no wireless charging or electrically adjusted seats. You would have to see them side by side to see it.

I just came back from my mechanic's and he had a 2nd gen V6 Tacoma that he was working on. He was having trouble with the EGR, the ECU was throwing something like 46 different codes. It was a mess. My Hilux is the same year as that Tacoma, it shares the 1GR and the A750 trans in it. It doesn't have any of the emissions crap, nor does it have traction controls, or VSC, or any other or system that might hinder or cripple it if it fails. Also, mine isn't as nice inside. Seats are crap, I have three simple knobs for AC controls, no auto features, no buttons or screens aside from my mods. It has much more metal than plastic outside as well.

 

[Todd n Natalie]

Based on the only spy photo I've seen of a Tacoma so far. It looks like it will share quite a bit with the Tundra. Unless these body panels are just for the test mule?


the photographer said this truck was smaller than a full size.

Spied: Is This the New 2023 Toyota Tacoma Prototype or Another Tundra?

images: Adrian E. Take a look at these images of what appears to be a 2022 Toyota Tundra prototype truck, or is it? These images come to us thanks to a TFLtr

tfltruck.com