Why has the Hilux continued to sell well in developing nations despite a hail of negative press?
Then there is the Toyota Hilux which is very popular in developing countries because of it being kind of a workhorse, which can go anywhere, can tolerate anything. Toyota perhaps designed and equipped the Hilux for this widespread use in challenging environments. All the way from its suspension setup to the engines it offers, a massive chunk of the Hilux seems to have been designed with reliability and functionality in mind in conditions which aren’t favourable. But that emphasis on ruggedness and simplicity may also come at the expense of some of the modern creature comforts and features that have become standard on pickup trucks destined for developed markets. Now let’s see how the Hilux’s success in poorer countries influenced its overall design philosophy, and feature set.
That's the strength of the Hilux in its simplicity. That means fewer electronics and luxury features that will be breaking down in harsh conditions.
It's a double-edged sword. A focus on durability is fantastic but means the Hilux can feel a little old hat compared to newer trucks.
Toyota really hit that balance. It’s tough enough for tropical countries but still comfortable enough for day to day use.
Repairability is the design priority. The most important thing is that you can fix most issues with basic tools as most such areas don’t have an advanced service center.
It's holding the Hilux back. To compete against trucks that are also tough and technological, Toyota wants to modernize it.
The result is better ground clearance and approach angles, which is more than fine for off roaders all around in a country where it's actually necessary.
That’s made the Hilux a jack of all trades. It’s comfortable enough for city driving and can handle the worst roads out there.
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