Since the seventh-generation model released in 2004, the Hilux shares the same ladder frame chassis platform called the IMV with the Fortuner SUV and the Innova minivan.

[3] The Hilux started production in March 1968[6] as the RN10 in short-wheelbase form with a 1.5 L inline-four engine, generating a maximum power output of 77 PS (57 kW; 76 hp) in Japanese market specification.

The 2.0-litre automatic model managed a "gentle" 136.1 km/h (84.6 mph) top speed in a period road test conducted in South Africa, in spite of a claimed 89 kW (121 PS; 119 hp).

In North America, the Hilux name was fully phased out in favour of "Truck" by that year, having been dropped from brochures and advertising campaigns, starting in 1973.

[26] With a list price of US$8,308 (equivalent to $25,415 in 2023),[26] it had bucket seats, two-speaker multiplex radio, chrome front and rear bumpers, and deleted Toyota logos on either the grille or the tailgate.

The August 1983 redesign (sold as model year 1984 vehicles in North America) introduced the Xtracab extended cab option, with six inches of space behind the seat for in-cab storage.

In late 1986 for the 1987 model year, the truck went through a minor interior and exterior redesign, that included a new grille, a new 1 piece front bumper, an updated interior with full high door panels with faux leather stitching on the base and DLX models, the gauge cluster surround was more rounded and featured faux leather stitching on it, the dash pad featured a shorter tray than earlier models, the steering wheels were changed from black to gray, red, brown, or blue depending on the interior colour, the radio bezel was also colour matched to the rest of the interior, the SR-5 tach gauge clusters had the pattern on the face changed from a grid pattern to horizontal lines, the outside door mirrors were also changed to have a more stream lined appearance, the faceplate for the heater controls was also redesigned.

The Hilux received a minor facelift in 1991 (for the 1992 model year), which was a grille change incorporating the new Toyota emblem that had been recently adopted.

The vehicles began as four-door pickup trucks and were then modified into wagons on arrival in Thailand by Thai Auto Works Co (a majority Thai-owned company in which Toyota has a 20 percent stake).

The seventh-generation Hilux (designated the AN10/AN20/AN30), part of the IMV program led by chief engineer Kaoru Hosokawa,[50] started production in Thailand during August 2004.

[7] Hilux models sold in Asian, European, Middle Eastern and Oceanian markets were initially built and assembled in Thailand with targeted annual production of 280,000 units, with 140,000 allocated for exports.

Combined with a reduction in the number of welded joints with the use of a unified inner frame, it has a higher torsional stiffness while the vertical rigidity is improved by stronger crossmembers.

[52] On 13 July 2011, Toyota announced that the Hilux would receive a facelift, including a redesigned front end (front grille similar to IMV-based Innova and Fortuner) and other external styling changes, changes to the interior and a new turbocharged diesel engine rated at 107 kW (144 hp) and 343 N⋅m (253 lb⋅ft) of torque, as well as lower fuel consumption compared to the previous model.

[62] The Hilux Vigo Champ was introduced in Thailand in August 2012 as a significant "minor change" with a new front design and a revamped interior to reinforce perceived luxury.

[89][90] The model was subsequently introduced in the Philippines in July 2015,[91] Mexico and GCC countries in August 2015,[92][93][94] Argentina and Brazil in November 2015,[95][96] while in Europe specifications was unveiled in September 2015 for a mid-2016 market introduction.

[108] During its introduction in Australia, the eighth-generation Hilux was offered with 31 variants, eight more than its predecessor, with 4×2 and 4×4, single, extra and double cabin styles, and WorkMate, SR and SR5 grade levels.

[70] Models sold in India are assembled at Toyota Kirloskar Motor's plant in Bidadi, Karnataka and 30 percent of its components are sourced locally.

[121] For the Japanese market, the Hilux is imported from Thailand, with only double-cab 4WD configuration available in two trim levels "X" and "Z", both equipped with 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

[123] In July 2021, the facelift version was introduced,[124] followed by the introduction of a new trim level called 'Rocco' in February 2022, which featured a more aggressive design with fender flares, matte black accents and an updated front bumper.

Initial plans were to export 186,000 units to over 130 countries with a focus on major markets such as Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, South America, and UK.

In Thailand, the redesigned front fascia is only applied to the 4×4 and high-riding 4×2 Prerunner variants, while the entry-level, low-riding 4×2 versions was largely unchanged with minor revisions.

In Australia, it was released in August 2018 with the changes restricted to the higher grade levels, SR and SR5, while the basic WorkMate models are unchanged.

[143] In Japan, this model was sold as the Z "Black Rally Edition", which was announced on 12 November 2018 and released on 17 December 2018 to commemorate the 50th anniversary since the launch of the first generation Hilux.

A more rugged-styled Hilux with larger front grille surface and black fender flares was introduced with different names, such as the Rocco in Thailand and Pakistan, Rogue in Australia and Malaysia,[145] Conquest in the Philippines[146] and South America,[147] Adventure in the UAE,[148] and Invincible X in Europe.

[153] It is based on the flagship SRX variant available in South America with additional stiffer front springs, monotube dampers, Gazoo Racing exterior graphics, a new design honeycomb grille insert with 'Toyota' badging, matte black wheel arch extensions, a black bonnet and roof, side steps, 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres, and GR badging, without performance upgrades.

[163] The prototype uses the same powertrain as Toyota's full production FCEV the Mirai and has three high-pressure fuel tanks with an expected range of more than 365 miles (587 km).

[269][270] The Hilux suffered severe structural damage, but was still running after being repaired with only the typical tools that would be found in a truck's toolbox (with the exception of a replaced windscreen for the driver's safety).

In 1999, the Hilux appeared in a series of "Bugger" television advertisements in New Zealand and Australia, exaggerating its power and durability for comic effect.

These however, were heavily modified non-production versions built around a custom racing-only tubular chassis and using a larger capacity Toyota V8 engine.

Mark Wallace, the CEO of the Counter Extremism Project said, "Regrettably, the Toyota Land Cruiser and Hilux have effectively become almost part of the ISIS brand.