Born in 1968, this is a brief history of the Toyota Hilux pick-up from generation to generation

Hilux has been produced in Japan since 1968 as part of a commercial product intended to support physical development and help the business world.

The name Hilux itself is unique, which comes from a combination of the words High (high) and Lux ​​(luxury), which is a statement of the Hilux segment as the latest stylish commercial vehicle.

First Generation Hilux (1968)

Toyota filled the gap in the commercial market by presenting the Hilux in 1968.

As a commercial vehicle, the Hilux can still look stylish thanks to the presence of an engine compartment at the front so it can still be dressed up to blur the impression of a goods transporter.

The initial generation of Hilux adopted a separate chassis construction between the cabin and rear bed, and relied on double wishbone suspension at the front and leaf springs at the rear.

The Hilux uses a 1,490 cc 4 cylinder engine with 70 PS power at 5,000 rpm and a 4-speed manual transmission so it can carry loads of up to 1,000 kg with a bed area of ​​1,850 mm and a choice of Deluxe and Standard models.

In 1969, a long wheelbase model with a body length of 2,250 mm was introduced, and in 1970 a van, aka box model, was introduced with the option of a storage space cooling system.

In 1971, the Hilux utilized a larger 1,587 cc 4-cylinder engine with 83 PS at 5,400 rpm, accompanied by the option of a standard or longer tailgate.

Second Generation Hilux (1972)

Similar to the first generation, the characteristic double headlights and 'horn' mirrors at the end of the hood are still included.

With a carrying capacity similar to the initial generation, the wheelbase has been made longer to make it more comfortable and help distribute the vehicle's weight.

Apart from using a 1,587 cc 4-cylinder 83 PS engine, Hilux also released a Highway version with a 1,968 cc 4-cylinder unit with 105 PS power.

Having the main role of driving on toll roads, the Highway type is equipped with a 3-speed automatic transmission which makes it comfortable for cruising on toll roads.

The second generation Hilux made a stop in Indonesia in mid-1977-1979, becoming one of the mainstays in supporting economic growth in the early days of this country's development.

Third Generation Hilux (1978)

The specifications and driving quality of the Hilux are increasingly similar to sedan models to make it more comfortable to use in urban areas and occasionally used as a means of recreation.

In fact, Toyota released a variant in orange which is very eye-catching and specifically targets Uncle Sam's domestic market.

Several technological innovations are seen on the Hilux in this era. A 4-wheel drive (4WD) option entered the line-up in October 1979.

Paired with the 18R-J 2,000 cc 4-cylinder 109 PS engine, this feature increases the Hilux's reliability in various road conditions and makes it well accepted in the global market with various road terrain characteristics, such as passing through forest areas or barren deserts.

In December 1979, the Type L diesel engine was first used on a rear-wheel drive Hilux.

Relying on a 2,188 cc 4-cylinder unit capable of producing 72 PS of power at 4,2000 rpm and 142 Nm of torque at 2,400 rpm.

The existence of a diesel engine further strengthens the selling value of the Hilux in the commercial sector, relying on an economical and powerful diesel engine.

The double cabin model with 2 rows of seats was introduced in October 1981.

Hilux reached its first milestone with sales reaching 1 million units at the end of 1978, exactly 1 decade since its appearance in 1968.