Toyota plans to release the new pickup truck, the Hilux Champ, in Japan in 2026. Its appeal lies in its combination of tough performance that proves its worth on any road and high practicality that makes it useful in everyday life and business situations. This powerful vehicle will mark a new chapter in the history of the Hilux family.
It has been decided that the luxury minivans “Alphard” and “Vellfire,” which have been produced at the Inabe Plant in Inabe City, Mie Prefecture, will be transferred to Toyota Motor Corporation’s Tahara Plant by the end of 2027. This decision is not simply a change of production base, but sends a clear message that Toyota Auto Body is returning to the commercial vehicle business, the company’s founding roots, and will fully commit to the development and production of commercial vehicles, minivans, and frame-mounted SUVs that will support the logistics business of the future. It is highly likely that this is also a sign of the company’s intention to make a major commitment to the production and development of the pickup truck “Hilux Champ.”
Reference: Toyota Auto Body
About the new Toyota Hilux Champ
The Hilux Champ is a new generation pickup truck born from Toyota’s IMV project, which aims to develop affordable, high-quality vehicles for emerging markets. The Hilux Champ was unveiled in Thailand as the first model of the project.
Compared to the conventional Hilux, it features a simpler and more practical design. It employs a sturdy ladder frame structure and is excellent at running on rough roads. And yet, with prices ranging from 459,000 baht (approximately 1.95 million yen) to 577,000 baht (approximately 2.45 million yen), it is more affordable than the regular Hilux.
The pickup concept model ” IMV 0″, which was exhibited at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 in Japan, has also been unveiled.
Toyota’s new “IMV 0” pickup and budget “Hilux” model to be released around 2024
A thorough analysis of the appeal of the new Toyota Hilux Champ!
The appeal of the Hilux Champ can be broadly divided into the following three points.
- Tough off-road capability
- Highly practical
- Attractive price
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
1. Tough off-road capability means it can handle any road!
The Hilux Champ is a full-fledged pickup truck with excellent off-road capabilities. The secret to its superior performance is its sturdy ladder frame structure. A ladder frame is a frame constructed in the shape of a ladder, and it boasts high strength and durability.
Furthermore, the approach and departure angles are designed to be large, so you can easily clear steep slopes and uneven surfaces. You can drive safely on all road conditions, including off-road, snowy roads, and gravel roads.
2. Highly practical, great for both work and leisure!
The Hilux Champ is highly practical and can be used for both work and leisure. The spacious loading area can accommodate a variety of items, including tools and materials for work, as well as leisure equipment for camping, fishing, and other activities.
The cabin is also spacious, with enough space for five adults to sit comfortably, making it comfortable even on long drives. Furthermore, there are a variety of seating arrangements, allowing for flexible adjustments depending on the amount of luggage and number of people.
3. Attractive price and easy to get!
The Hilux Champ offers high performance and practicality at a very reasonable price. Prices in Thailand start from approximately 1.95 million yen, which is a significantly lower price range than pickup trucks in the same class.
This pricing can be said to reflect the IMV project’s philosophy of “high-quality cars at affordable prices.”
About the new Toyota Hilux Champ exterior
The exterior features a Land Cruiser-inspired face, flat windshield, black steely finish, halogen headlights (LEDs are optional), and extensive plastic cladding, all of which are key to the price point. It’s available in short- and long-wheelbase forms with either a drop-side bed or a flat deck. The shortest model is 4,970mm long, while the longer version stretches to 5,300mm.
Spec comparison between Hilux Champ and Hilux
| specification | Hilux Champ (LWB) | Hilux Champ (SWB) | Hilux |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 5,300mm | 4,970mm | 5,340mm |
| Overall width | 1,785mm | 1,785mm | 1,855mm |
| Overall height | 1,735mm | 1,735mm | 1,800mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,085mm | 2,750mm | 3,085mm |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.4m | 4.9m | 6.4m |
The new Toyota Hilux Champ is clearly different in body size from the popular Hilux pickup truck in Japan. As you can see from the comparison table above, its overall compact design stands out.
Of particular note is the short wheelbase (SWB) model. At 4,970mm, it’s less than 5m in overall length, significantly shorter than the current Hilux (5,340mm). Furthermore, the minimum turning radius is an astonishing 4.9m for the SWB, compared to the Hilux’s 6.4m. This will be a huge advantage when it comes to maneuvering around Japan’s narrow roads and parking lots.
Meanwhile, the long wheelbase (LWB) model has the same wheelbase as the current Hilux at 3,085 mm, but a slim overall width of 1,785 mm, ensuring ample luggage space while also making it easy to drive in urban areas.
In this way, the Hilux Champ offers two body types that can be chosen depending on the application, allowing it to flexibly respond to Japan’s diverse road environments and user needs.It can be said to be a vehicle that offers a new option to those who feel uneasy about driving a large pickup truck.
About the interior of the new Toyota Hilux Champ
All Toyota Hilux Champ versions in Thailand feature a single-cab design, two doors, and a two-seater cabin. The interior is just as basic as the exterior, with orange accents that make the black plastic more visible. There’s no infotainment display or multimedia system of any kind, so the driver’s only source of information is the instrument cluster. The only visible features on the example pictured are a fan (no fancy air conditioning or climate control), two cupholders, a power outlet, electric windows, and a few storage compartments.
Variations of the new Toyota Hilux Champ
The Hilux Champ is available in the following variants:
- Short wheelbase
- Long wheelbase
- Engines : 2.0L gasoline, 2.7L gasoline, 2.4L diesel
- Transmission : 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
You can choose from a variety of combinations to suit your needs.
Toyota New Hilux Champ Thai Mass-Produced Model (2.4L Diesel Engine, Long Wheelbase, with Deck) Specifications
| Specifications | Hilux Champ |
|---|---|
| full length | 5,300mm |
| Overall width | 1,785mm |
| Overall height | 1,735mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,085mm |
| engine | 2.4L diesel engine |
| Maximum power | 148hp (110kW/150PS) |
| Maximum torque | 343Nm |
| Drive system | 2WD |
| gross vehicle weight | 2,790 kg |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.4m |
| Maximum load capacity | 1,000kg |
| crew | 2 people |
| transmission | 5MT, 6AT |
A word from the editorial department
This time, we explained the new Toyota Hilux Champ, its features and appeal, and the possibility of it being released in Japan.
The Hilux Champ is an attractive pickup truck that combines tough off-road capability with high practicality. Its reasonable price is also a major attraction.
Although there has been no official announcement of its release in Japan yet, there has been a lot of excitement on social media. If it is introduced in Japan, it will undoubtedly be welcomed by many users. Let’s keep an eye on future developments.
Toyota News Release
