With new car prices going up, why doesn’t Toyota make a lower-end pickup for the US? I’ve been reading about the success of the Toyota Hilux outside the US. I’d love to see a truck like the Hilux available here at a reasonable price, without needing a second mortgage. A smaller truck like that would be great for everyday use, around town, and weekend projects. Why are we stuck with big trucks that just burn more gas and cost more?
Ford’s already ahead with the Maverick, but dealers are jacking up prices. Should Toyota bring back smaller trucks, or is that just a dream?
As long as the Hilux is made outside North America, it’s not going to happen, thanks to the chicken tax. Toyota does sell the Tacoma here, which is very similar to the Hilux, but it’s tailored for the US market. The Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck for 20 years now.
LisaLovesToyota said:
As long as the Hilux is made outside North America, it’s not going to happen, thanks to the chicken tax. Toyota does sell the Tacoma here, which is very similar to the Hilux, but it’s tailored for the US market. The Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck for 20 years now.
>The Chicken Tax is a 25 percent tariff on light trucks, put in place in 1964 to protect US automakers. It’s been there ever since, and it’s the reason we don’t see imported trucks like the Hilux in the US.
LisaLovesToyota said:
As long as the Hilux is made outside North America, it’s not going to happen, thanks to the chicken tax. Toyota does sell the Tacoma here, which is very similar to the Hilux, but it’s tailored for the US market. The Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck for 20 years now.
>The Chicken Tax is a 25 percent tariff on light trucks, put in place in 1964 to protect US automakers. It’s been there ever since, and it’s the reason we don’t see imported trucks like the Hilux in the US.
LisaLovesToyota said:
As long as the Hilux is made outside North America, it’s not going to happen, thanks to the chicken tax. Toyota does sell the Tacoma here, which is very similar to the Hilux, but it’s tailored for the US market. The Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck for 20 years now.
>The Chicken Tax is a 25 percent tariff on light trucks, put in place in 1964 to protect US automakers. It’s been there ever since, and it’s the reason we don’t see imported trucks like the Hilux in the US.
Smart said: LisaLovesToyota said:
As long as the Hilux is made outside North America, it’s not going to happen, thanks to the chicken tax. Toyota does sell the Tacoma here, which is very similar to the Hilux, but it’s tailored for the US market. The Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck for 20 years now.
>The Chicken Tax is a 25 percent tariff on light trucks, put in place in 1964 to protect US automakers. It’s been there ever since, and it’s the reason we don’t see imported trucks like the Hilux in the US.
LisaLovesToyota said:
As long as the Hilux is made outside North America, it’s not going to happen, thanks to the chicken tax. Toyota does sell the Tacoma here, which is very similar to the Hilux, but it’s tailored for the US market. The Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck for 20 years now.
>The Chicken Tax is a 25 percent tariff on light trucks, put in place in 1964 to protect US automakers. It’s been there ever since, and it’s the reason we don’t see imported trucks like the Hilux in the US.
LisaLovesToyota said:
As long as the Hilux is made outside North America, it’s not going to happen, thanks to the chicken tax. Toyota does sell the Tacoma here, which is very similar to the Hilux, but it’s tailored for the US market. The Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck for 20 years now.
You’re right, Tacoma is a top-seller, but are there any real choices besides it or the Tundra? Prices on Tacomas were decent before COVID, but it’s out of reach now.
What about a basic, stripped-down truck like the Hilux? No fancy rims, no heated mirrors, just a simple truck with a manual transmission to keep the price low. I bet people would learn to drive stick if it meant they could afford a new truck.
LisaLovesToyota said:
As long as the Hilux is made outside North America, it’s not going to happen, thanks to the chicken tax. Toyota does sell the Tacoma here, which is very similar to the Hilux, but it’s tailored for the US market. The Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck for 20 years now.
You’re right, Tacoma is a top-seller, but are there any real choices besides it or the Tundra? Prices on Tacomas were decent before COVID, but it’s out of reach now.
What about a basic, stripped-down truck like the Hilux? No fancy rims, no heated mirrors, just a simple truck with a manual transmission to keep the price low. I bet people would learn to drive stick if it meant they could afford a new truck.
You can actually get a basic Tacoma for around $28k with no frills. Could Toyota make one for less? Maybe, but at $25k, people would just upgrade to a better Tacoma instead of going for something like a Maverick.
Vincent said: LisaLovesToyota said:
As long as the Hilux is made outside North America, it’s not going to happen, thanks to the chicken tax. Toyota does sell the Tacoma here, which is very similar to the Hilux, but it’s tailored for the US market. The Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck for 20 years now.
You’re right, Tacoma is a top-seller, but are there any real choices besides it or the Tundra? Prices on Tacomas were decent before COVID, but it’s out of reach now.
What about a basic, stripped-down truck like the Hilux? No fancy rims, no heated mirrors, just a simple truck with a manual transmission to keep the price low. I bet people would learn to drive stick if it meant they could afford a new truck.
You can actually get a basic Tacoma for around $28k with no frills. Could Toyota make one for less? Maybe, but at $25k, people would just upgrade to a better Tacoma instead of going for something like a Maverick.
Vincent said: LisaLovesToyota said:
As long as the Hilux is made outside North America, it’s not going to happen, thanks to the chicken tax. Toyota does sell the Tacoma here, which is very similar to the Hilux, but it’s tailored for the US market. The Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck for 20 years now.
You’re right, Tacoma is a top-seller, but are there any real choices besides it or the Tundra? Prices on Tacomas were decent before COVID, but it’s out of reach now.
What about a basic, stripped-down truck like the Hilux? No fancy rims, no heated mirrors, just a simple truck with a manual transmission to keep the price low. I bet people would learn to drive stick if it meant they could afford a new truck.
You can actually get a basic Tacoma for around $28k with no frills. Could Toyota make one for less? Maybe, but at $25k, people would just upgrade to a better Tacoma instead of going for something like a Maverick.
In 2024, base price for the Tacoma is $33k. You really can’t find a cheap version anymore.
LisaLovesToyota said:
As long as the Hilux is made outside North America, it’s not going to happen, thanks to the chicken tax. Toyota does sell the Tacoma here, which is very similar to the Hilux, but it’s tailored for the US market. The Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck for 20 years now.
You’re right, Tacoma is a top-seller, but are there any real choices besides it or the Tundra? Prices on Tacomas were decent before COVID, but it’s out of reach now.
What about a basic, stripped-down truck like the Hilux? No fancy rims, no heated mirrors, just a simple truck with a manual transmission to keep the price low. I bet people would learn to drive stick if it meant they could afford a new truck.
I wanted a Tacoma 4x4, but the price pushed me toward a full-size truck. I ended up with a Nissan Titan because I wanted something Japanese, and you don’t have many options unless you’re looking at used vehicles.
LisaLovesToyota said:
As long as the Hilux is made outside North America, it’s not going to happen, thanks to the chicken tax. Toyota does sell the Tacoma here, which is very similar to the Hilux, but it’s tailored for the US market. The Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck for 20 years now.
You’re right, Tacoma is a top-seller, but are there any real choices besides it or the Tundra? Prices on Tacomas were decent before COVID, but it’s out of reach now.
What about a basic, stripped-down truck like the Hilux? No fancy rims, no heated mirrors, just a simple truck with a manual transmission to keep the price low. I bet people would learn to drive stick if it meant they could afford a new truck.
This article talks about Toyota’s plans for future pickups. Worth a read!
LisaLovesToyota said:
As long as the Hilux is made outside North America, it’s not going to happen, thanks to the chicken tax. Toyota does sell the Tacoma here, which is very similar to the Hilux, but it’s tailored for the US market. The Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck for 20 years now.
Another user already explained why the Hilux isn’t sold in the US, but the general problem is that all vehicles are affected by the chip shortage. Car companies focus on higher-end models because they make more money on them, and people are still buying them.
I’ve owned three Hilux trucks, from the 1994 model to the current N80. I’d switch to a Tacoma in a heartbeat—bigger engine, better towing, more room inside, and just more comfortable overall. The Hilux is the best ute here in Australia, but for what you get, it’s underwhelming. My latest Hilux cost me 70k AUD.
Ophelia said:
I’ve owned three Hilux trucks, from the 1994 model to the current N80. I’d switch to a Tacoma in a heartbeat—bigger engine, better towing, more room inside, and just more comfortable overall. The Hilux is the best ute here in Australia, but for what you get, it’s underwhelming. My latest Hilux cost me 70k AUD.
That’s surprising! I’ve seen some tough endurance tests on the Hilux. Do you think the newer Tacomas can handle the same? Or is this more about comfort? I’m asking because I’m looking to buy soon and trying to research.
Vincent said:
With new car prices going up, why doesn’t Toyota make a lower-end pickup for the US? I’ve been reading about the success of the Toyota Hilux outside the US. I’d love to see a truck like the Hilux available here at a reasonable price, without needing a second mortgage. A smaller truck like that would be great for everyday use, around town, and weekend projects. Why are we stuck with big trucks that just burn more gas and cost more?
Ford’s already ahead with the Maverick, but dealers are jacking up prices. Should Toyota bring back smaller trucks, or is that just a dream?
The Hilux and Maverick are totally different. The Hilux is built on a frame, while Toyota might make a smaller pickup like the Maverick, but it’d be a different vehicle from the Hilux.