quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
I'd be curious how appealing the drop side bed would be to the average person here, or if they'd make it with a more traditional truck bed.

Seems to be targeted at the business/farm/ranch customers not the average American pickup driver focused on gadgets and luxury.

The bed reminds me of the Kei trucks (aka Japanese mini trucks). Work focused and can be quickly converted to flat bed. The specs on the Helux Champ looks even more useful than a Kei truck when I retire and get acreage.

After watching a 2024-ish Tacoma blow out an axle on moderate rock crawling terrain, this beast seems like a much tougher and more utilitarian design. I too would love a closer look, but agree there’s no possible WAY this beauty is @20K.

quote:

Originally posted by gearhounds:
...but agree there’s no possible WAY this beauty is @20K.

That may very well be so, but I find this desire to discourage great news by predicting that the claims are false, and doing so at the first mention of this news, well ahead of the arrival of these trucks, to be off-putting.

Here's a radical idea- let's wait and see if the actual price is in the ballpark of the claimed price, and then, those of you inclined to this sort of pessimism can say 'I knew it.'

quote:

Originally posted by pedropcola:
I think making this an EV defeats the purpose. Cheap beater pickup. That can accomplish regime changes. I’m in.

Same with me, fuck it if it's an EV, gotta be gas or even diesel. I'm on my third Tacoma from 2010 and I miss the old ones that were small, utilitarian.

Is 20K really that big a stretch?

Via AI...
Top 10 Cheapest New Cars you can buy in the US right now.
1. 2025 Nissan Versa S: $20,435
2. 2025 Hyundai Venue SE: $21,695
3. 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS: $21,895
4. 2025 Kia Soul LX: $21,935
5. 2025 Nissan Sentra S: $22,835
6. 2025 Nissan Kicks Play S: $22,910
7. 2025 Kia K4 LX: $23,185
8. 2025 Hyundai Elantra SE: $23,370
9. 2025 Toyota Corolla LE: $23,520
10. 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S: $24,220

quote:

Originally posted by oddball:

quote:

Originally posted by pedropcola:
I think making this an EV defeats the purpose. Cheap beater pickup. That can accomplish regime changes. I’m in.

Same with me, fuck it if it's an EV, gotta be gas or even diesel. I'm on my third Tacoma from 2010 and I miss the old ones that were small, utilitarian.

It is NOT going to be an EV. The Hilux Champ as seen on X (video originally posted on instagram) was actually a Diesel. The current Toyota Hilux Champ comes with a choice of three well proven Toyota Engines: 2.0L and 2.7L Gas, plus a 2.4L Diesel.

The only reason EV is mentioned in this thread is because 'Prefontaine' mentioned the Slate EV, which he's hoping will wreck the automotive industry/market in this country as we know it.

That said, I'll take one EXACTLY as shown in the video...A 2GD-FTV 2.4L Turbo Diesel (148hp/295tq) in Metallic Gray!

quote:

Originally posted by nhracecraft:
That said, I'll take one EXACTLY as shown in the video...A 2GD-FTV 2.4L Turbo Diesel (148hp/295tq) in Metallic Gray!

YES!
A small, all-purpose, utilitarian that's practical and not costing an arm-n-leg.

If it's as simple as my Ford Courier I had in HS, I'm in. Awd would be better though. Hopefully this is a trend in the market of function over form.

quote:

Originally posted by 83v45magna:
The 1980's Tacomas were exceptionally accomodating for height as well as girth.

Tacomas came along in 1995. An evolution of the 1980's Toyota trucks you are referring to. They were Hilux in other parts of the world, but I think just Toyota trucks here. I had an '85 4WD that was basic and simple. I loved it. Got a '96 Tacoma 4WD now that is just for fun; not a daily driver. Love Toyota trucks.

I shall need one.

I’m totally fine with manual windows and door locks etc.

quote:

Originally posted by cparktd:
Is 20K really that big a stretch?

Via AI...
Top 10 Cheapest New Cars you can buy in the US right now.
1. 2025 Nissan Versa S: $20,435
2. 2025 Hyundai Venue SE: $21,695
3. 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS: $21,895
4. 2025 Kia Soul LX: $21,935
5. 2025 Nissan Sentra S: $22,835
6. 2025 Nissan Kicks Play S: $22,910
7. 2025 Kia K4 LX: $23,185
8. 2025 Hyundai Elantra SE: $23,370
9. 2025 Toyota Corolla LE: $23,520
10. 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S: $24,220

Those are all pretty compact cars, other than 7-10
Thought the Mitsubishi Mirage was #1 though.
Looks like the Mirage was discontinued, but it was $17k brand new in MY24

I have a basic 2021 Tundra TRD, that spends over 70% on dirt roads, chasing trout mostly. Liked that it's not a pavement princess, with all the gadgets.

This little guy would be great for that. I've always lived a minimalist life, but truly excited about this.

Got my first Toyota in 1981. A Celica.
Had 10 more Toyotas over the last 44 years
If the Helux comes in a diesel I will be forced to buy one.

Isn't it "Hilux"? Beautiful truck either way.

quote:

Originally posted by nhracecraft:
The only reason EV is mentioned in this thread is because 'Prefontaine' mentioned the Slate EV, which he's hoping will wreck the automotive industry/market in this country as we know it.

Yes sir. But not because it’s an EV. It’s because of Made in America, the low cost, and being a simple vehicle/truck. Our automotive industry needs to wake up.

I’ll likewise be ecstatic if the Hilux came domestic and wrecked this shit too. It’s been a world wide model since the late 60’s. As a gearhead I’ve wanted one for 25-30 years. Perfect for a simple DD, and homeowners, and lawn guys, and small businesses. The diesel motor in it means it can tow and I’d love to own the diesel version. Trump being responsible for it would just make it even more attractive. Great vanity plate, which I’d never bought in my life, would be TYTRUMP. On the back of plate of a diesel Hilux. That’s just my game!
I make my own power at home and I know how to make biodiesel. A friend showed me his barrels and setup. He would get grease from a Mexican restaurant and a Chinese restaurant (for free) and made all his own fuel.

quote:

Originally posted by nhtagmember:
if true its a great move to increase their market share for people that can't afford the Tacoma or Tundra line of pickups

Especially if the new unit is naturally aspirated. The Taco and Tundra are both tubocharged with sewing machines for engines, and are no longer solid trucks.

Exactly how small is this little guy anyway ?

I know it’s never been sold here, but the truck is called the “Hilux”…

That’s like calling the VW the “Beatle”…

quote:

Originally posted by AllenInAR:
I thought it was "Hilux"?

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
Isn't it "Hilux"? Beautiful truck either way.

quote:

Originally posted by reloader-1:
I know it’s never been sold here, but the truck is called the “Hilux”…

"I swear to God, I will pistol whip the next person that says 'Hilux'".

Actually, you are all correct. I can't find any Toyota Helix w/ a search. The tweet in the OP's link misspelled it.

Moving on.
How long before I can buy a lightly used one and how do they handle at 80 on the freeway?

Who names a truck after a big toe?

Oops, that's Hallux. Sorry.

quote:

Originally posted by dsiets:
I can't find any Toyota Helix w/ a search.

Thought it was Helux.