Toyota Hilux Champ: Jack-of-All-Trades

On: November 28, 2023

A Mastery of Weight.

In today’s expansive but expensive pickup truck market, some brands, such as Toyota, offer an extremely economical choice, though not readily available in the US. Introducing the Hilux Champ, the current utmost in affordable pickups found in Thailand – commencing at a minuscule 459,000 baht, which equates to roughly $13,000.

The Hilux GR Sport is just like this vehicle: an unattainable dream. However, the cost is so uninhibited that one starts to question why.

So, what can you anticipate for your money? Rear-wheel drive is standard, as is a truck bed with foldable walls; there’s a five-speed stick-shift included too. Regretfully, lack of luxuries such as speakers and a tachometer come with the basic package – hence, any frivolous extras will come with an added cost.

In case you’re looking for modern features, opting to purchase a Tacoma is an outstanding idea. This kind of choice will provide you with the conveniences you want.

Toyota Motor Thailand has become a partner of over 100 aftermarket parts makers, thereby affording customers the opportunity to customize their Toyota Champ. To demonstrate the infinite possibilities offered by making this classic truck your own, the organization presented 11 customized variants – all of them providing great value in terms of style and functionality.

“The White Shark” is an amazing street truck build that has us wishing Toyota sold it in the US. It features a new front fascia, large multispoke wheels, side skirts, new headlights, and a lowered suspension that all come together to give it a distinct Need for Speed vibe. To top it off, it has a classic Toyota-style paint job.

If that’s overly excessive for your liking, the company provides a more inconspicuous but no less sporty model featuring attractive silver and red wheels on street tires, body cladding, fog lamps, plus roof rails. This version looks rather stylish too, yet likely won’t stimulate any traffic light drag races like its forerunner may.

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It’s noteworthy to keep in mind that, no matter its exterior design, the Champ will not be a speed demon. There are three potential powertrains available to choose from: a 2.0L gasoline-powered four-cylinder motor, a 2.7L gasoline-powered four-cylinder engine, and a 2.4L diesel variant. Regrettably, none of these engines can even reach 175 horsepower – although it is still an ordinary truck all round.

An array of other alternatives include camping vehicles and motorized recreational abodes.

Carryboy’s latest motorhome packs plenty of generous living space. You can pick between the standard and extended wheelbases, with this particular unit featuring the longer model. This recreational vehicle provides everything you need to take on adventurous expeditions, such as a fully equipped kitchen, sleeping area, seating area, plus more. For those who don’t require the top-of-the-line overland camper, Tacozilla presents the family-friendly motorhome as an excellent alternative.

For those aiming for adventure, the camper from TJM is ideal. With it, you get to revel in a night beneath the stars as well as your own array of comforts! It has a pop-up rooftop tent, fog-lights with a bull bar, as well as an extendable kitchenette and awning.

The manifold of options presented comprise solely of modified work trucks, among them delivery vans, supply wagons for food/sales vendors, and even crane versions when your organization requires them. As of now, the nation is relegated to two-wheel drive (2WD) variants, but the IMV 0 framework that serves as the basis for the Champ is anticipated to present four wheel (4WD) drive capabilities down the line.

This beloved pickup would have been a great contender for the US market, had it been engineered to incorporate security measures and powerful engines. However, when taking into account import tariffs, it loses its cost-efficiency which ultimately renders it an unattractive option for this region.

We firmly believe that Toyota is content with offering us their more profitable Tacoma and Tundra, and there is a decent opportunity we could be observing a Ford Maverick competitor from them in the upcoming future.