2006 Hilux Pictures - Tacoma Comparison

[TACODOC]

I wanted to find some trucks here that we dont have in the states and post them here, I'll start with this Toyota Hilux.

I found this 2006 Hilux here in Iraq and took some photos of some things I thought were interestingly different from my 2005 Tacoma

This particular Hilux was built in Thailand... my Tacoma was built in California.

Both are gasoline engines, the Hilux is a 2TR-FE as opposed to a 1GR-FE in the Tacoma.

Front suspension appears identical at a glance, however, the rear leaf springs look much beefier than what my Tacoma came with. Both have the plastic gas tank skid plate.

The biggest difference other than the sheetmetal, interior, and steel bed is the rear frame... compare the rear section, cross members, spring hangers etc. The Hilux rear frame is fully boxed and twice as stout IMO.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/th_100_2396.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_2396.jpg)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/th_100_2367.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_2367.jpg)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/th_100_2376.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_2376.jpg)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/th_100_2382.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_2382.jpg)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/th_100_2405.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_2405.jpg)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/th_100_2406.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_2406.jpg)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/th_100_2409.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_2409.jpg)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/th_100_2408.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_2408.jpg)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/th_100_2403.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_2403.jpg)

[TACODOC]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/th_100_2390.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_2390.jpg)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/th_100_2388.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_2388.jpg)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/th_100_2384.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_2384.jpg)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/th_100_2375.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_2375.jpg)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/th_100_2370.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_2370.jpg)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/th_100_2397.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/100_2397.jpg)

[crawler#976]

I notice the rear shocks are inboard on the hi-lux.

Looks like a beefier truck for sure!

[4Rescue]

So Totota made another 2.7 4Banger? I like the Hilux's body so much more than our Tacoma. The bed/integrated headache rack is awsome, and the fact that you can order it with a Diesel makes it a far superior IMO. Having a beefier frame never hurts either...

[Hilux_Max]

Heres my hilux guys. I couldnt help but contribute to this thread.

Its an 07 model, bout 3 months old.
Has the 1kD 3 litre common rail diesel engine and 4 speed auto. (I wish it was a 5 speed)

I have lifted it 3" thou the bullbar has pulled that down a little so it's just over 2.5". I have trimmed the front guards as much as possible and run 285/75x16 Buckshots, thou next time round 255/85x16 Bighorns will be a must.

ARB Bullbar fitted, has 240 Blitz Lightforce spotlights on it (thou not in the following pics) and hopefully soon will be organising to get a set of custom made sliders for it.

After that, an auto locker for the rear (maybe Detroit) and boost the engine abit. Anyway, enjoy some of the pics of my hilux and fell free to ask question or comments.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/18082007138.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/Picture035.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/Picture024.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/P1010041.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/P1010026.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/P1010025.jpg

[Hilux_Max]

And he's some more extreme ones -

Up one side of the hill and then a 62 degree drop down the other. It was done at a 4x4 training weekend with instructors teaching and showing us where the limits of our vehicles were in a controlled environment. Very helpful before heading out into the wild's.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/P1010067.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/P1010068.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/P1010069.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/Picture085.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/Picture086.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/Picture087.jpg

They are a very good performer, very good suspension articulation aswell. Unfortunately we do not have the large scope of after market suspension modifixation that you do in the states for the Taco's.

We have suspension lifts and the like, but no long travel kits. The costs involved would mean they wouldnt sell too many.

Alot of our hilux's here are set up for touring the outback.

[TACODOC]

Hilux Max, your truck is SWEET!!! Thanks for posting your pics.

I wish that color option was available here...

[Hilux_Max]

heres a couple more some local fella's have modified to their own liking-

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/DakesToyotaHiLuxUltimateLiftKit_1Sm.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/DakesToyotaHiLuxUltimateLiftKit_3Sm.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/Image014.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/Image013.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/ironman2.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/ironman1.jpg

[Hilux_Max]

This is what my hilux looked like in stock form, in the showroom before I picked her up.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/10072007079.jpg

and a couple more from the local forums-
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/TOMUCHTOMUCHSlide.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/TOMUCHTOMUCH0001.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/TOMUCHResizeof4WDing014.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/Hiluxlifted2.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/hilux05smartlift003.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/4WDMonthlyTrip240607039Small.jpg

[crawler#976]

So...how much will it cost to ship it? :)

That's the truck us Yanks want - better frame, better engine. Nice truck!

[DaveInDenver]

That's the truck us Yanks want
Some of us are hanging onto our old Hiluxes for a reason...

[4Rescue]

Oh god how I miss Australia. Being a Firefighter/EMT and soon enough to be Registered Nurse, I've been seriously looking into moving back.

And yeah, when I look at my buddy's new taco's frame compared to my Gen1 Runners, I'm glad I have the old style truck. Wonder if I can ship it over to Australia with me...

Dave

[Ursidae69]

This thread is full of eye candy... :jumping:

[toyrunner95]

I WANT A HILUX! WAAAAAAA!!!!!!:drool: :drool: :drool:

if the hilix was introduced to the U.S. within a year there would be solid axel swaps, 6in lifts, and a huge repitue' of aftermarket parts.

[Ursidae69]

if the hilix was introduced to the U.S. within a year there would be solid axel swaps, 6in lifts, and a huge repitue' of aftermarket parts.

There already is all of that, we didn't invent it.

[toyrunner95]

i know we didnt invent it, im talking about american aftermarket, all pro, bent up, marlin. unless they already do make stuff for them?

[DaveInDenver]

I WANT A HILUX!
You already HAVE a Hilux. Just not a new one...

[erod]

Awesome Pics, SICK rigs! Thanks guys!

[toyrunner95]

i dont have a hilux! hilux's are reliable, nay dependable! rigid, tough, and awsome looking, i have a rustoleum red piece of crap that starts depending on what the weather is. but i will fix that soon enough muuuuhahahahahahahaha!

[Martinjmpr]

I'll be the fly in the ointment here and ask: What's so great about a Hilux? It looks pretty near identical to the Taco to me. Except for the diesel engine (which we can't get because of emissions regulations) I don't see the attraction, unless it's just a "grass is always greener" thing. If the Hilux had more manual features (windows, doors, T-case) than the Taco, I could see it as being a better expedition vehicle, but if you could get all those things in a Taco, wouldn't the Taco be just as good?

I think the 05-up Tacos are a little oversized, but from the photos, those Hiluxes look just as big.

[viter]

do you guys realize that you can buy brand new Hilux in Mexico?
I've seen them there and even here in San Diego, CA with mexican plates.

now importing it might be costly and even impossible due to current us regulations on safety and environmental impact... but I don't know the details...

[nickw]

And he's some more extreme ones -

Up one side of the hill and then a 62 degree drop down the other. It was done at a 4x4 training weekend with instructors teaching and showing us where the limits of our vehicles were in a controlled environment. Very helpful before heading out into the wild's.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/P1010067.jpg


They are a very good performer, very good suspension articulation aswell. Unfortunately we do not have the large scope of after market suspension modifixation that you do in the states for the Taco's.

We have suspension lifts and the like, but no long travel kits. The costs involved would mean they wouldnt sell too many.

Alot of our hilux's here are set up for touring the outback.

Killer truck! I love that color too-

Was that 4x4 training event put on my Toyota?

[Kermit]

I don't know fellas, I like the looks of our Tacoma better, their HiLux looks too car like...

Throw a diesel in the Tacoma and call it good. ;)

Honestly, I think Toyota skrewed up with the current Tacoma offerings, too big, too plastic looking. I perfer the generation before that....now which generation is that?...Don't wanna get chastised...

[DaveInDenver]

I don't know fellas, I like the looks of our Tacoma better, their HiLux looks too car like...

Throw a diesel in the Tacoma and call it good. ;)

Honestly, I think Toyota skrewed up with the current Tacoma offerings, too big, too plastic looking. I perfer the generation before that....now which generation is that?...Don't wanna get chastised...
Thank you! I think the current Hilux looks pretty awful compared to the current Tacoma. I don't hate the current Tacoma, although I do think the sweet spot for Toyota trucks was 1989-1997. I don't care much for the flush headlight Tacoma and while I like the 84-88 trucks, I think the last US Hilux and early Tacomas just have the right look. I'm not much for the fender treatment on the current Tacoma, so if they touch that up like they did for the 4Runner in 2006, I think it would work. And like you say, offer a D4D in a more basic version, stick shift, manual transfer case, vinyl floors, bench seat. OK, maybe that ain't happen, but I can dream.

[Kermit]

Is just me or does the current Hi Lux...look like a Scion? Hmmm....same design team or what?

http://www.automedia.com/NewCarBuyersGuide/photos/2006/Scion/xA/Hatchback/2006_Scion_xA_ext_1.jpg

http://shop.proyectservice.cl/images/Toyota%20Hi-Lux%202.JPG

[Kermit]

Thank you! ...... And like you say, offer a D4D in a more basic version, stick shift, manual transfer case, vinyl floors, bench seat..

Your welcome.

Would be nice to hose them out, eh?

I like the 2001-04 grill over my '99. I was kicking around the idea of changing my to that, but, foolish to spend money on asthetics.

The other year would be the early Eighties HiLux, when they had round headlights, the round fender opens...oh yeah...good looking truck!

Yes, I know this the Trekker, the precurser to the 4Runner...but...the body style I like none-the-less.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/faq/81.jpg

[Hilux_Max]

yes that training day was put on by my department at Toyota.

anyway, my hilux has a thick vinyl floor, so Im happy with that. The dash is pretty basic and knob controls are manual.

The windows are powered, which I dont really care if they were or were not, thou I'd prefer manual windup version myself, for ease of fixing, less electrics and you get more knee room in the cabin without the stretched out arm rest on the door with the controls.

The hilux I beleive should have been a little bit more squared off in design, the curvy front design I think is to appeal to the asian buyers more so.

Aussies Ive spoken to all love the front design of the Tacoma's. My biggest issue with the front design of the hilux is the curves under the headlights and the grill, because when you fit a bullbar of any sort, you have to have plastic spacers to give you a straight edge. Check out the pics to see what I mean.

With the taco, the front is straight as and this helps you fit a higher approach angle bullbar.

Is it just me or is the Tacoma wheelbase longer than the hilux?

Looks like the Taco rear axle is closer to the back of the tray than the hilux one is?

[cell4soul]

I'll be the fly in the ointment here and ask: What's so great about a Hilux? It looks pretty near identical to the Taco to me. Except for the diesel engine (which we can't get because of emissions regulations) I don't see the attraction, unless it's just a "grass is always greener" thing. If the Hilux had more manual features (windows, doors, T-case) than the Taco, I could see it as being a better expedition vehicle, but if you could get all those things in a Taco, wouldn't the Taco be just as good?

I think the 05-up Tacos are a little oversized, but from the photos, those Hiluxes look just as big.

Fully boxed frame, deisel engine availability and more payload due to leaf spring and frame capacity. Oh and your right about the grass is always greener, people always want what they can't have....or don't have.

[Martinjmpr]

Fully boxed frame, deisel engine availability and more payload due to leaf spring and frame capacity. Oh and your right about the grass is always greener, people always want what they can't have....or don't have.

Well, as I said, the lack of a diesel isn't because it's a Hilux vs a Tacoma, it's because of the cost of complying with our emissions regs. IOW, even if Toyota offered a Hilux in the US, it wouldn't have a diesel engine. So to me that's a wash.

As for the springs, I imagine that if the Taco has softer springs, it's probably because like most American trucks, it is empty most of the time and heavier springs would result in a harsher ride. Anyway, there are 80 thousand companies out there that offer aftermarket springs in whatever rate you want.

And as for the frame, is there any indication that the Taco frame is weak, or is that an assumption made on the basis of the fact that it's not fully boxed? What I'm saying is that if all other things are equal, a fully boxed frame is "stronger" than a c-channeled frame, but it's an assumption to think that all things are, in fact, equal. I don't know that they are. For example, if the Taco frame is made of thicker metal, or is larger overall, or is made of proportionally stronger metal, then it could be just as "strong" as the Hilux frame despite being a C-channel frame. I think most of the old LCs, jeeps and other rugged vehicles have traditionally had C-channel frames. And besides that, I haven't heard that Taco frames are known to be weak or to fail.

Interesting, too, what Hilux_Max said about Hilux owners in Oz liking the Tacoma more. Another case of "grass is always greener", I guess. ;)

[4Rescue]

How are emissions regs of any concern??? THe d4d meets the new Euro regs as for as I knew. Meaning it will pass the new US standards. we don't get small diesel's "because American consumers don't want them..." funny how after all the crying out on alot of different web-boards and a trend towards favoing diesel's and VIOLA!!! Suddenly talk of small diesel's are creeping in all over.

I din't know about you, but the fully boxed fram is something I'd like to have just because tougher is tougher eh...

Leafs versus Coils, I'll take leafs for payload reasons and ease of lift. Control arms just add to the complexity of suspensions. Sure they ride better, but I have a truck, not a car, I'll sacrafice a little ride quality for durability.
Yes the grass is always greener, but that's over simplifying it. Look at the reat of the world and how Toyota markets things... To the rest of the world, toyotas are utlitarian and not always plush and comfy... you can get stripper models, tougher frames, locking diffs (in the LC's) 70 series LC's, and in general all of the things we AMericans go and add to our trucks here. American vehicles are on average, softer, comfier and full of all sorts of bells and whistles I don't want.

[heeltoe989]

This is what my hilux looked like in stock form, in the showroom before I picked her up.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/10072007079.jpg

and a couple more from the local forums-
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/TOMUCHTOMUCHSlide.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/TOMUCHTOMUCH0001.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/TOMUCHResizeof4WDing014.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/Hiluxlifted2.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/hilux05smartlift003.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/mmaaxx1977/4WDMonthlyTrip240607039Small.jpg

I love the side rails!!!! I wish we could get them here, oh well guess I'll have to fab my own :)

[toyrunner95]

dude those are just ARB side rails with the fender bars, you can get them here.

[heeltoe989]

dude those are just ARB side rails with the fender bars, you can get them here.

Unfortunately they don't make them for the 05+ Tacoma, I wish and I have a double cab long bed. I'm just going to modify my sliders and weld on some camburg joints http://www.camburg.com/images/fabricationParts/clamps.jpg to the ARB bumper and do some bending down to the slider, line-X and done.

[Martinjmpr]

How are emissions regs of any concern??? THe d4d meets the new Euro regs as for as I knew. Meaning it will pass the new US standards. we don't get small diesel's "because American consumers don't want them..." funny how after all the crying out on alot of different web-boards and a trend towards favoing diesel's and VIOLA!!! Suddenly talk of small diesel's are creeping in all over.


US Emissions laws have always been different from those in Europe. In a way, this is a form of protectionism, because it erects a significant barrier to importation. I don't know if the US emissions regs are finally going to be the same as the Euro regulations, if they are, we can probably expect to see small diesels here, but I'm not holding my breath. Regardless of how things will work in the future, as of right now, US emissions regs are different enough to keep diesels out, because they would require modifications to the engine that would raise the price out of reach of any potential buyer.




I din't know about you, but the fully boxed fram is something I'd like to have just because tougher is tougher eh...

Leafs versus Coils, I'll take leafs for payload reasons and ease of lift. Control arms just add to the complexity of suspensions. Sure they ride better, but I have a truck, not a car, I'll sacrafice a little ride quality for durability.

Do the new Tacomas have coil springs in the rear? That seems odd for a truck. My '04 has leaf springs in the rear.




Yes the grass is always greener, but that's over simplifying it. Look at the reat of the world and how Toyota markets things... To the rest of the world, toyotas are utlitarian and not always plush and comfy... you can get stripper models, tougher frames, locking diffs (in the LC's) 70 series LC's, and in general all of the things we AMericans go and add to our trucks here. American vehicles are on average, softer, comfier and full of all sorts of bells and whistles I don't want.

But Toyota (and others) have tried to sell stripper models in the past, and they've watched US consumers walk right by their stripper models and buy Explorers and Blazers with velour upholstery, power windows and 10 - speaker stereos. Regardless of what people say they want, it's what people actually buy that drives Toyota's export policies.

You may well prefer the rugged stripped down trail rig (as do I.) But the reality is that we are a tiny minority in the US auto market and Toyota is going to cater to the majority because that's where the money is.

Just like the mafia says when they "whack" somebody, "It's nothing personal. Just business." ;)

[heeltoe989]

Well said! Its not about what you buy, its what you build :Mechanic:

Toyota starts with a great platform, we all just make it better.

[4Rescue]

All very good points. I don't know why I thougth the Taco had coils, I'm thinking surf.

I guess when you lurk arond a place like the Expo, you forget that we are just a very small handful of vehicle owners in this big country.