Toyota Hilux - Seventh Generation

Seventh Generation

Both the Tacoma and the Hilux were updated in 2005. The Tacoma was based on the new 4Runner chassis, while the Hilux rides on a refreshed version of the ladder frame found on previous versions. The new Hilux has increased in size and is now classified as a mid-size pick up. The Tacoma had a new 4.0 L V6 engine that produces 176 kW (236 hp) and 361 N·m (266 lb·ft) of torque. Its design was very similar to the 4Runner.

Hilux models sold in Australian, Middle Eastern, and Asian markets are built and assembled in Thailand, where the vehicle is called the Hilux Vigo, or simply Vigo. For the European and South African markets the Hilux is built in Durban, South Africa. As of December 2009, it is the best selling vehicle in South Africa. Those sold in South America are made in Argentina, as with the previous generation Hilux. In Asia, the Hilux Vigo platform was used as the basis for Toyota's IMV program which spawned the Innova MPV and Fortuner SUV/PPV.

In Malaysia, the Hilux is only available in 2.5 L with the option of single cab or double cab. The double cab model has an automatic transmission variant. It uses the same engine as other Asian countries (in-line, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC Turbo Diesel with common rail direct injection), however engines used in Malaysia differ in their maximum output of 75 kW (101 hp) at 3600 rpm and maximum torque of 260 N·m (192 lbf·ft) at 1600–2400 rpm.

In Singapore, the Hilux is available as a single cab with the 2.5 L engine or a double cab with the 3.0 L engine. However, the engines are built in Japan (where they are also used in the Prado) instead of Argentina. Notable fleet customers include private taxi operators, for whom the double cab model offers additional load space versatility, and the Singapore Police Force and Pakistan Police, which employs it as a patrol vehicle.

The Hilux will be built in Guangqi Toyota Automobile in Guangzhou for the Chinese market. The models for China will be 4.0 L with the option of single cab or double cab. It uses the same engine as Australia (V6, 24-valve, DOHC), however engines used in China has been tuned up to the maximum output of 246 kW (330 hp) at 6500 rpm and maximum torque of 405 N·m (299 lbf·ft) at 4000 rpm, and is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. China is the only Asian country to get the V6 engine.

A Hilux entered in the 2012 Dakar Rally by the Imperial Toyota team of South Africa managed to capture third place despite having little modifications from the production model and being up against factory supported teams.

Engines (markets):

• 2005 2.0 L gasoline VVT-i DOHC I4 (South Africa, Indonesia and Middle East)
• 2005 2.5 L diesel D-4D DOHC I4, 76 kW (102 hp) – 107 kW (145 PS; 143 hp) (Asia, Europe, South Africa, South America)
• 2005 2.7 L gasoline VVT-i DOHC I4, 119 kW (162 PS; 160 hp) (Australia, Arabian Peninsula, The Philippines, South Africa, Venezuela, USA)
• 2005 3.0 L diesel D-4D DOHC I4, Turbodiesel, commonrail 16-valve direct injection, 121 kW (165 PS; 162 hp) (Asia, South Africa, South America, Australia, Europe). This version is made at Toyota's facility in Zárate, Argentina.
• 2005 4.0 L gasoline VVT-i DOHC V6, 170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp) – 176 kW (236 hp) (Australia, South Africa, Venezuela, China)
• 2008 4.0 L Supercharged DOHC V6 225 kW (306 PS; 302 hp) (Australia only, TRD edition)