What do you know about the Toyota Hilux with D-4D ?

[Christian P.]

What is the payload of a Hilux D4-D versus a Tacoma? I read they have over 2000 pounds - that seems huge!

Anyone know what sort of fuel economy they get?

Any issue with the powertrain? it seems to come with either a 2.5 or 3.0L? Any model/year that is better?

They seem to become more and more popular as an overlander vehicle and I am now considering this option.

thank you!

 

[Dave Bennett]

The Hilux with the D4D is the pinnacle of Toyota truck quality IMO.

Fully boxed frame, 120 series IFS like Tacoma and FJ/4Runner/Prado (very good), carries more than Tacoma, steel bed, and the D4D. Styling is not as good as Tacoma IMO but YMMV.

If this were for sale in the US I'd buy as fast as the bank could process the transaction

Interestingly enough the grass is always greener on the other side though, I hear Aussies like the 1GR-FE 4.0 liter petrol that we get over the diesel but who knows why.

.02

 

[Mrknowitall]

Biggest problem with the Hilux is not being able to buy one in 'Murica. Only way I see is to register it off-shore somehow, like in the Caribbean. If you find a cool loop-hole, be sure to share.

Interestingly enough the grass is always greener on the other side though, I hear Aussies like the 1GR-FE 4.0 liter petrol that we get over the diesel but who knows why.

.02

I thought you could get the 1GR in the OZ Hilux- thats about the only place I know of though.
http://www.toyota.com.au/hilux/range?WT.ac=VH_Hilux_TopNav_RangeandSpecs
Im with you on the styling- that latest refresh is atrocious, especially since the previous front end didn't really look dated.

 

[2025 deleted member]

Is the monkey a "standard" option on the hilux?

 

[bunduguy]

To my knowledge, it has a 40% greater payload than the Taco.
And something else i know, every time i go back to SA, my head spins at the number of Hilux, Prado and Fortuner running the D4D.

 

[gr1910]

here in venezuela we use them a lot, but with the 1GR engine (gas is cheap here)... they are even used as police / rescue cars...
so that should say something about them..

here you can see some for sale in venezuela..
http://listado.tucarro.com.ve/carros/toyota/hilux/

 

[Clutch]

I have seen them in the flesh, or is it the "steel"...:ylsmoke:

They are quite a bit smaller than the American Tacoma (which by the way is being sold in Canada and some Central American countries). Interesting that you can buy a Hi-Lux or a Tacoma in certain countries.

http://www.toyotacr.com/main.html

http://panamacitytoyota.com/New-Inventory.aspx

Sized more like the 1st generation Tacoma. Honestly, I think the diesel is over rated, as petrol motors now have the same longevity, and power. Might gain a bit in miles per gallon, but that is over shadowed by fuel price difference and the upcharge of a diesel motor over petrol. There is a reason some of the Aussies like petrol over diesel....

You can bump up the payload of the Tacoma fairly easily...however if you're buying a Hi-Lux in a different country, then traveling in said far off country, it throws that out the window. If you're buying a Hi-Lux then importing to here in the USA I don't see it worth the hassle, maybe bragging rights that is about it though.

If I had the choice of buying a Tacoma or a Hi-Lux with both diesel and petrol engine options today(!) at the US Toyota dealer, I would pick the Tacoma. Because I have seen them side by side, and wasn't too impressed with the Hi-Lux.

 

[Danimal]

I agree with Kermit on several points. I've never taken measurements, or looked up specs on size, but I've spent some time around a HiLux and it seems similarly sized to my 2011 Tacoma. I personally think the styling makes the HiLux look smaller. Speaking of styling - it just doesn't appeal to me, like most Americans, whereas I love the 2nd gen Tacoma styling (2012 excluded).

The 1GR-FE is a great engine, and apparently has the ability to run for just as long as a modern diesel in terms of life. No way would I want a DPF or SCR system under my truck, and in North America that is what would be required with the D-4D.

Dan

 

[SOAZ]

I have seen them in the flesh, or is it the "steel"...:ylsmoke:

They are quite a bit smaller than the American Tacoma (which by the way is being sold in Canada and some Central American countries). Interesting that you can buy a Hi-Lux or a Tacoma in certain countries.

Kermit,
They should be almost exactly the same size. The chassis, although stronger, is the same size and layout as the Tacoma. (Lift kits etc for a tacoma work on the hilux)
The exterior width and length is about the same the same. (Hilux is an inch shorter in double cab trim) (For width I'm looking at the normal tacoma specs without the 4x4 fender flares since those add a couple inches)

http://www.toyota.com/tacoma/specs.html

On the Hilux you have to convert the MM's to inches though.
http://www.toyota.com.au/hilux/specifications/sr5-4x4-double-cab-pickup-turbo-diesel-manual

I couldn't find interior specs very easily for the Hilux.

 

[Clutch]

Kermit,
They should be almost exactly the same size. The chassis, although stronger, is the same size and layout as the Tacoma. (Lift kits etc for a tacoma work on the hilux)
The exterior width and length is about the same the same. (Hilux is an inch shorter in double cab trim) (For width I'm looking at the normal tacoma specs without the 4x4 fender flares since those add a couple inches)

http://www.toyota.com/tacoma/specs.html

On the Hilux you have to convert the MM's to inches though.
http://www.toyota.com.au/hilux/specifications/sr5-4x4-double-cab-pickup-turbo-diesel-manual

I couldn't find interior specs very easily for the Hilux.

Had the chance to sit in both, on the same day even...the Hi-Lux felt smaller to me. There is a guy in my neighbor that has a Hi-Lux, and I see others every so often running around. Kids up from Mexico going to UofA. A black one is sometimes parked at Tucson & 3rd.

I dunno, I don't see all the fuss over the Hi-Lux....maybe people want them because we can't get them? I was all hyped up over them too, until I saw one in person.

Of course if Christian is buying overseas...and using it overseas...Hi-Lux for sure...I would take a hard look at the Prado as well.

If he is staying in the US...Tacoma...and use the extra money he is going to save, not trying to get a Hi-Lux to the US shores, and spend it on a XP Camper for the Taco.

 

[Christian P.]

thanks guys - I also much prefer the styling of the Tacoma and I would be fine with the gas engine.

However, I am afraid that once loaded with a pop-top camper, the Tacoma would struggle more than the Hilux. The 40% more payload and better fuel economy could come handy.

this is not for North America, it would be for Europe/Africa.

 

[SOAZ]

I think the grass is greener is definitely part of it. The other part is valid I think too. I'd like a Tacoma that has a fully boxed frame and has a higher payload etc. I don't care what a truck looks like so that's not a factor to me.
A hilux double cab with the D4D would be neat to have. Save up for a pop up to slide in and I could imagine it would be a great setup. Not miles better than my current setup or better than a tacoma, but better I think.
It's like the J8 compared to the Wrangler. It would annoy me to drive a Wrangler knowing that there is a version that has been built with a 3 times greater duty cycle, but I can't get it.

Oh well, not an option for anyone staying in the US who isn't quite wealthy. If I find myself traveling in South America for years, not that I see it happening, I'd get one. I think I'm pretty safe on that statement though. Haha. :sombrero:

Had the chance to sit in both, on the same day even...the Hi-Lux felt smaller to me. There is a guy in my neighbor that has a Hi-Lux, and I see others every so often running around. Kids up from Mexico going to UofA. A black one is sometimes parked at Tucson & 3rd.

I dunno, I don't see all the fuss over the Hi-Lux....maybe people want them because we can't get them?

Of course if Christian is buying overseas...and using it overseas...Hi-Lux for sure...I would take a hard look at the Prado as well.

 

[Clutch]

this is not for North America, it would be for Europe/Africa.

May want to rent (or hire rather) one to see how you like it. Plenty of over-seas rental companies that do so, seems like they offer the Hi-Lux over the 70's Series.

 

[Clutch]

I think the grass is greener is definitely part of it. The other part is valid I think too. I'd like a Tacoma that has a fully boxed frame and has a higher payload etc. I don't care what a truck looks like so that's not a factor to me.
A hilux double cab with the D4D would be neat to have. Save up for a pop up to slide in and I could imagine it would be a great setup. Not miles better than my current setup or better than a tacoma, but better I think.
It's like the J8 compared to the Wrangler. It would annoy me to drive a Wrangler knowing that there is a version that has been built with a 3 times greater duty cycle, but I can't get it.

Oh well, not an option for anyone staying in the US who isn't quite wealthy. If I find myself traveling in South America for years, not that I see it happening, I'd get one. I think I'm pretty safe on that statement though. Haha.

Tru that....

If the far off country you are in sells the Hi-Lux....probably means the LC70 is available as well. 70-Series hands down.

 

[SOAZ]

Tru that....

If the far off country you are in sells the Hi-Lux....probably means the LC70 is available as well. 70-Series hands down.

Exactly, although I know Christian has already had a 70.

Side note, one thing I can't believe the 2nd gen Tacoma has is a push button 4wd and transfercase. I've replaced my actuator twice so I finally replaced the transfer case with a manual one from an earlier 4runner.

Christian, I would bet that the hilux has a more reliable manual transfer case and 4wd actuation too. Another plus. Anyone know for sure? I assume it does because even the Lexus GX470 which is basically a luxo Prado has a manual shift lever for H/L transfer case.