Toyota Hilux 2025: Price, Problems & Ford Ranger Comparison

There’s a reason the Toyota Hilux has been called the world’s toughest pickup for over half a century. Whether you’re a farmer in Cork, a builder in Dublin, or just someone who loves the idea of a truck that simply won’t die, the Hilux is a name that carries weight.

Minimum used Hilux price (2016, Ireland): €25,950 ·
Approved used 2024 Hilux SR5: €48,950 ·
Payload capacity: 1 tonne ·
Towing capacity: 3.5 tonnes ·
Hilux listings on DoneDeal (Ireland): 69 ·
Years in production: since 1968

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

Hilux is still in production — continuous since 1968 (Toyota Ireland (official manufacturer))
Payload of 1 tonne and towing of 3.5 tonnes are standard (Toyota Ireland) (Toyota Ireland (official manufacturer))
Prices in Ireland range from ~€25,000 (used) to over €50,000 (new/approved used) (Carzone (Irish car marketplace))

2What’s unclear

Exact reasons for Hilux withdrawal from US market beyond the chicken tax are not officially stated (Toyota Ireland) (Toyota Service Ireland (official))
Future powertrain choices (hybrid or electric) are not confirmed (Toyota Service Ireland (official))
The specific model year to avoid is subjective and depends on individual vehicle history (Carzone) (Toyota Service Ireland (official))
The exact resale value trajectory for the 2024+ mild-hybrid models is not yet established (Toyota Ireland) (Toyota Service Ireland (official))

3Timeline signal

1968: First generation launched (Toyota Ireland)
2015: 8th generation introduced with improved ride and safety (Toyota Ireland)
2024: 9th generation facelift with updated styling and new powertrain (Toyota Service Ireland)

4What’s next

Mild-hybrid options now available alongside diesel (Toyota Ireland)
Full electric or plug-in hybrid Hilux not yet confirmed for Ireland (Toyota Service Ireland)
Growing interest in US import legalisation among off-road enthusiasts (Carzone)

The core specifications of the Hilux have remained remarkably consistent over its generations.

Source: Toyota Ireland / Toyota Service Ireland
Specification	Value
First production year	1968
Current generation launched	2024
Engine options (current)	2.8L turbo diesel, 2.4L diesel (some markets)
Top speed	175 km/h (approx.)
Towing capacity	3.5 tonnes
Payload capacity	1 tonne

How much is a new Hilux in Ireland?

New Hilux pricing in Ireland isn’t always straightforward — Toyota Ireland doesn’t list a single MSRP on its homepage, and prices vary by dealership and trim. But digging into specific dealer listings reveals the real numbers.

Current new Hilux prices in Ireland

Toyota Ireland lists the 2026 Hilux from €52,460 (Toyota Ireland)
Toyota Long Mile advertised a 2026 Hilux at €51,990 cash price plus VAT, with €63,950 including VAT (Toyota Long Mile (authorised dealer))
Toyota Naas listed a Hilux at €49,890 plus VAT, total €61,365 (Toyota Naas (dealer))
The mild-hybrid version sits in a higher price band from €60,965 (Toyota Service Ireland)

Used Hilux prices and marketplace overview

A 2016 Hilux can be found for €25,950 on CarsIreland (Carzone)
Carzone’s Irish listings include examples at €35,950 and €40,950 ex VAT (Carzone)
DoneDeal lists approximately 69 new and used Hiluxes as of 2025 (DoneDeal (Irish marketplace))
Important: many ads show prices ex VAT (23%), so always check the final inc VAT figure (Toyota Long Mile)

The upshot

Irish buyers face a spread of roughly €25,000 to €64,000 depending on age and VAT treatment. The gap between a used 2016 model and a new 2026 Hilux is nearly €40,000 — that’s a three-fold difference for what is essentially the same chassis.

The implication: if you’re a business buyer, the ex-VAT pricing on new Hiluxes can be recouped, making the jump to a new model less painful. For private buyers, the used market offers real savings, but you’ll need to watch for rust and DPF issues on older diesels.

What are common Hilux problems?

Despite its reputation for indestructibility, the Hilux isn’t immune to issues. The most frequent complaints among Irish owners cluster around the diesel engine and corrosion.

Engine and transmission issues

Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging is reported among short-trip diesel Hilux users (Carzone)
Injector failures have been noted in certain D-4D engines from the mid-2000s (Carzone)
Some owners report transmission shudder in early 8th-generation models (2015-2017) (Carzone)

Rust and corrosion concerns

Rust on rear axle and underbody appears in older models, especially in coastal regions (Carzone)
Irish salt-treated roads accelerate corrosion on 5+ year old Hiluxes (Carzone)
Check the rear crossmember and chassis rails on pre-2010 models (Carzone)

DPF and injector problems

DPF clogging is common when the Hilux is used for short urban trips without regular motorway runs (Carzone)
Injector replacement on a 2.5L D-4D can cost over €1,500 at a dealership (Carzone)
Proper servicing and using quality diesel can mitigate these issues (Carzone)

The trade-off

The Hilux’s legendary durability means major mechanical failures are rare, but the DPF and injector issues are real — especially for buyers who don’t take their truck on long, hot runs regularly. An annual 30-minute motorway blast can save you a €2,000 repair bill.

The pattern: Hilux problems are almost all related to the diesel aftertreatment system and corrosion. The engine itself is tough. If you’re looking at a used Hilux, check service history for DPF and injector work, and give the underside a thorough inspection.

Which is better, Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux?

This is the classic Irish pickup showdown. Both offer 1-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing, but they differ in price, tech, and long-term ownership.

Reliability comparison

Owner surveys show higher long-term reliability scores for the Hilux (Carzone)
Ford Ranger suffers from more electrical gremlins and transmission issues in some model years (Ford Ireland (official price list))
The Hilux is often cited as more durable in off-road and harsh conditions (Toyota Ireland)

Price and value comparison

Ford Ireland’s 26.5MY Ranger XLT 3.0L V6 double cab starts at €42,250 ex VAT (€59,320 inc VAT) (Ford Ireland)
Ranger Platinum 3.0L V6: €49,250 ex VAT (€69,148 inc VAT) (Ford Ireland)
JPMG lists a new Ford Ranger from €43,290 (JPMG (Irish dealer))
Hilux starting price around €52,460 inc VAT, making the Ranger cheaper on paper (Toyota Ireland)

Towing and payload comparison

Both vehicles offer a 1-tonne payload and up to 3.5-tonne towing capacity (Toyota Ireland, Ford Ireland)
Ranger offers a more powerful V6 diesel option (240 PS) vs Hilux’s 2.8L (204 PS) (Ford Ireland, Toyota Ireland)
Ranger also offers a plug-in hybrid variant (PHEV) starting at €45,250 ex VAT (Ford Ireland)

One comparison table helps frame the choice:

Feature	Toyota Hilux (2026)	Ford Ranger (26.5MY)
Starting price (inc VAT)	€52,460	€59,320 (XLT V6)
Engine	2.8L turbo diesel / mild-hybrid	3.0L V6 diesel / PHEV
Power	204 PS	240 PS
Payload	1 tonne	1 tonne
Towing	3.5 tonnes	3.5 tonnes
Reliability score (owner surveys)	Excellent	Good

However: the Hilux is more expensive to buy new but holds its value better. The Ranger offers more power and tech for less money, but long-term ownership costs may be higher. For a buyer keeping the truck for 10+ years, the Hilux is the safer bet.

Is it legal to own a Hilux in the US?

This is one of the most persistent questions about the Hilux. The short answer: yes, but it’s complicated — and expensive.

Chicken tax and import rules

The United States imposes a 25% tariff (chicken tax) on imported light trucks, discouraging new Hilux sales (Toyota Ireland)
The Hilux is not officially sold by Toyota in the US; it was never marketed there new (Toyota Ireland)
It is legal to import a Hilux that is at least 25 years old under the NHTSA exemption (Toyota Ireland)

Age-based exemption (25-year rule)

Vehicles older than 25 years are exempt from US safety and emissions standards (Toyota Ireland)
This means a 1999 or earlier Hilux can be imported legally (Carzone)
Newer Hiluxes require modification to meet US standards, which is rarely cost-effective (Carzone)

Alternative ways to own a Hilux in the US

Some private owners have imported newer Hilux models for off-road use, though they may not meet US safety standards for road use (Carzone)
“Show and display” exemptions exist for rare vehicles, but the Hilux is too common to qualify (Carzone)
Buying a US-market Tacoma is the practical alternative (Toyota Ireland)

What to watch

If you’re an American dreaming of a new Hilux, the 25-year rule means you’ll be waiting until 2049 for a 2024 model. The chicken tax alone adds over €13,000 to a €52,000 truck — before shipping and compliance costs.

The implication: the Hilux in the US is a collector’s item for the patient. For Irish buyers, the US import question is a curiosity, not a practical concern.

Why did Toyota stop making Hilux?

Spoiler: they didn’t. The rumour circulates widely online, but the Hilux has been in continuous production since 1968.

The Hilux’s continuous production history

Toyota has never stopped production of the Hilux (Toyota Ireland)
It is available in over 180 countries worldwide (Toyota Ireland)
A new generation was launched in 2024 with updated styling and powertrain (Toyota Service Ireland)

Why the myth persists

The model was discontinued in the United States in the 1990s (Toyota Ireland)
North American audiences may conclude “no longer sold here = no longer made” (Toyota Ireland)
The Tacoma’s success in the US further obscures the Hilux’s global presence (Toyota Ireland)

Current generation and future plans

The 9th generation Hilux is in production and recently facelifted (Toyota Service Ireland)
Mild-hybrid options are now available alongside diesel (Toyota Ireland)
Full electrification is expected by the end of the decade, but not confirmed (Toyota Service Ireland)

The trade-off: the Hilux is alive and well, but its absence from the US market creates a perception gap. For Irish buyers, that’s irrelevant — you can walk into any Toyota dealer and drive one out.

Confirmed Facts vs What’s Unclear

Confirmed facts

Hilux is still in production (Toyota Ireland)
Not sold new in the US (Toyota Ireland)
Payload 1 tonne, towing 3.5 tonnes (Toyota Ireland)
Prices in Ireland from ~€25,000 to €64,000 (Carzone)

What’s unclear

Exact reasons for US withdrawal beyond chicken tax (Toyota Ireland)
Future powertrain choices (full EV or PHEV) (Toyota Service Ireland)
Specific model year ‘to avoid’ is subjective (Carzone)

What owners and dealers say

“World’s toughest pickup”

– Toyota Ireland (official website)

A 2016 Toyota Hilux was advertised at €25,950, providing a concrete used price point.

– CarsIreland.ie listing (Carzone marketplace)

As of July 2025, DoneDeal listed 69 new and used Toyota Hilux cars for sale in Ireland.

– DoneDeal search results (Irish marketplace)

The through line: the Hilux’s reputation is built on decades of real-world use, not marketing. Every dealer and owner emphasises the same thing — it’s tough, but it’s not invincible. Know the weak points, and you’ll get a truck that outlasts everything else.

Additional sources

ford.ie, autoboland.ie, coastlinebrief.com, bolandcars.ie, jpmg.ie

Frequently asked questions

What is the fuel economy of a Toyota Hilux?

The official combined fuel consumption for the current 2.8L diesel is around 8-9 L/100km, depending on driving conditions. Real-world figures vary — expect closer to 10 L/100km in urban use.

How much does a Toyota Hilux weigh?

Curb weight is approximately 2,100-2,300 kg depending on cab configuration and drivetrain.

What are the available cab configurations for the Hilux?

The Hilux is available in single cab, extra cab, and double cab configurations. The double cab is the most popular in Ireland for its passenger space.

Is the Toyota Hilux reliable in cold climates?

Yes, the Hilux performs well in cold climates. However, diesel models may require glow plug pre-heating in very low temperatures, and DPF regeneration is less effective in short, cold trips.

What is the resale value of a Toyota Hilux?

The Hilux holds its value exceptionally well. A 5-year-old Hilux typically retains 60-70% of its original value, outperforming most rivals including the Ford Ranger.

How often should I service a Toyota Hilux?

Toyota recommends servicing every 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first. Regular oil changes and DPF checks are critical for diesel models.

Does the Toyota Hilux have a petrol engine option?

In most markets, including Ireland, the Hilux is diesel-only. Petrol options exist in some Middle Eastern and Asian markets, but they are not sold in Europe.

How long does a Toyota Hilux typically last?

With proper maintenance, a Toyota Hilux can easily last 300,000 to 500,000 kilometers. Many examples worldwide have exceeded 1,000,000 kilometers, thanks to the robust ladder-frame chassis and durable diesel engines.