While the Japanese carmaker has yet to confirm the rumors, there have been speculations going around lately that the 2016 Toyota HiLux will eventually be introduced into the US market for the first time soon.
Over the years, the Toyota HiLux has not made it to the North American market, including the US, because of the presence of the Toyota Tacoma. The Japanese carmaker has been releasing the Toyota Tacoma in the North and South American markets and outside of those continents, it is rolling out the Toyota HiLux.
But according to 2016 Cars Reviews, the Japanese carmaker is planning the 2016 Toyota HiLux to be a global model when it starts rolling out the pickup truck in Asia and Oceania regions in October.
The outlet said that should the entry of the 2016 Toyota HiLux pushes through in the US market, it will be the first time that it will do so because every American pickup truck enthusiasts know that Toyota’s brand in the segment is the Tacoma.
Critics however debunk these reports by saying that it would not be a good strategy for Toyota to release the 2016 HiLux in the American market considering that it is also about to officially roll out the 2016 Tacoma very soon.
Apart from the fact that both vehicles will be vying for the same very highly competitive segment in the American motoring market, there is a tendency that one would eventually cannibalize the other’s market.
According to the report of 2016 Cars Reviews, Toyota will eventually stop producing the Tacoma and will have in its place the HiLux considering that the latter is bigger, more powerful, and more fuel-efficient than the former, which can really rival the entry of other big name players in the specific segment of the US vehicle market like Chevrolet, Ford, GM, among others.
As there is a confirmed 2016 Toyota Tacoma and also a 2016 Toyota HiLux, the possibility of the HiLux replacing the Tacoma in the US market may not happen anytime soon but it could do so a few years down the road, observers note.
Cannot keep it under wraps
The Japanese carmaker has been trying its best to keep the details, features, and specifications of the 2016 Toyota HiLux under wraps, but it has already come out as early as a few months ago.
In Australia for instance where the pickup truck is due to come out in early October this year, with practically all its major features out on the internet and in the media, Toyota decided to reveal more images about the interiors of its new HiLux, details Practical Motoring of Australia.
The 2016 Toyota HiLux will have an SUV-like cabin to ensure more comfortable driving position even for people with larger builds and it is highlighted by the increased head and shoulder room, an expanded range or seat-height adjustment, and a tilt-and-telescopic steering.
The dashboard shall be accentuated by a modern tablet-style touchscreen within the reach of the driver and the front passenger, while control buttons mounted on the steering wheel shall allow easy operation of the audio system and a connected smartphone, including voice recognition.
Not an iconic brand for nothing
The Toyota HiLux would not be regarded as one of the most iconic vehicles of the Japanese car manufacturer for nothing.
Since its first generation model was launched in 1968, the Toyota HiLux brand has sold over 16 million units in more than 180 countries and regions. The brand is likewise known in the global motoring industry for its toughness.
For its 2016 edition, which is already the eighth generation HiLux pickup truck, it was reported that the Japanese carmaker has improved the vehicle’s characteristic ruggedness and performance while ensuring the comfort of the passengers, making it easier to drive.