Tacoma vs Hilux

I've been reading about some overweight overland style Tacoma's and their owners looking to get back under GVWR in order to improve reliability. Certainly less weight means less stress on everything and the vehicle will last longer, but the super low payload of the Tacoma got me thinking about the Hilux and what exactly is different to make the payload ~1000lbs higher.

I'm looking for real numbers, not opinions or differences in marketing. I've found the Australian Toyota website lists the curb weight of the current Hilux as about the same as the Tacoma (varies by body style and package but about 2000kg for the heavier 4x4's, which is 4400lbs). They list the GVWR as 3000kg, which is 6600lbs. (Much more than my Tacoma which is in the neighborhood of 5500lbs).

So, brainstorming things that make up payload capacity...
-stopping power. But both vehicles use the same 12.6" front disc brakes and rear drums
-going power. But the Tacoma has more HP and torque isn't that far off. Besides, tow ratings suggest about the same combined truck&trailer limits.
-cooling. But again, if they can both move the same ~12000lbs including a trailer then cooling shouldnt be the limiting factor.
-axles and differentials. Looks like they use exactly the same front differential. The rear, although I couldn't find exact specs for the diff, sounds like about the same size ring gear and the actual axle shafts are the same diameter and spline count.
-suspension. I think this may be the big difference as the Tacoma has a super soft/crappy leaf pack. I couldn't find details on the Hilux, but people have posted about it riding much rougher which suggests stiffer springs to me.
-frame. This we know is different with the Hilux being boxed. I would like to suggest that the C channel is less rigid, but not necessarily weaker. It flexes more, which may even be a deliberate design decision for ride quality. Of course I have no real way to compare their strengths.

Is there anything else I'm missing here, or is the soft leaf pack the only thing holding the Tacoma back from having Hilux level payload capacity?

 

One is a diesel. The other is not......

 

That's true.... But Australia gets a 2wd 2.7L gas option that still has about the same payload capacity (a hair over 1000kg, exact number depends on auto vs manual). GVWR and curb weight are both about 300kg lower than the 4wd diesels, but even the tiny gasser has a GVWR of 2700kg (just shy of 6000lbs... Which is still significantly more than my V6 Tacoma)

 

Here are the specs on the 2.7L 2WD Workmate Hilux in Australia.

 

So what are you getting at

 

1. Tacoma’s are dainty compared to the Hilux?
2. Lawyers rule the U.S.

The 2.7 tow weight it is what I have wondered about. Boxed frame make that much of a difference?

 

As a long time Hilux owner,in Australia, just because the vehicle is rated at a certain payload or tow capacity here, doesn't mean you should do it. It seems they are more conservative with these in the US to try and avoid being sued.

 

Difference in rules & reg.'s of different countries, plain & simple.

 

That sounds like it would be the case. I found this on another countries Toyota website. It's a Google translation from a language I didn't recognize, but the prices were in Euros. It looked like the same spec double cab Hilux with diesel that I saw on the Australian site earlier, but gross weight is even higher again at 3210kg

 

Yeah. I tried to figure “standards” once.
Never did find any good information.

Here are some of the things that are used to determine the GVWR.
Each country, as you stated, can have different “standards” and ratings.



“Safety standards that apply to braking, vehicle stability, and chassis manufacturer internal standards for durability, dynamic stability and handling can restrict GVWR”

(Above quote taken from: https://www.ntea.com/NTEA/Member_be..._GVWR_and_GCWR_in_specifying_work_trucks.aspx )

 

I can't unsee the diesel hilux swap on a taco video(s). Biggest downer ever I can't have a diesel taco. well... anything can be done with enough $$$, I mean just from the factory. Obligatory I love my wife #1, but diesel or beer is a hard #2.

 

Completely agree. Diesel all the way

 

Going OT here. But it doesn't help I have a (to me) virtually un-limitless supply of WVO.

 

Meh. DEF stuff ruined the idea of diesel for me. Outside of Canada/US you can't get the "clean" diesel and DEF, so no trips to Central America. Plus, that emissions stuff seems to break. I know comparing a Ford to a D4D is not apples to apples, but many people I know have 6.7 powerstrokes that always seem to be in the shop for emissions system stuff. They aren't even old, like 2017s and such. Bulletproof motor is useless when it goes into limp mode all the time because of the other crap imo

 

I'd prefer a V-6 gas motor to a diesel with 130 kW (~175 hp) that would get a bunch of emissions equipment in the U.S.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5YnoRMvl4k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9-9EG0jSbM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAEbzeW1EbI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEYlfDXLGEs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTQ9G_77d0g

 

Yeah, I suppose you do have a bit of a different situation when you're upsidedown. Just know... in NA... we are jealous... haha.

 

Toyota has had huge problems with DPF's here. The idea of diesel's being cheap and reliable to run is changing.

 

Agreed. The new diesels arent what they used to be. Nothing but problems these days. Even the Cummings isnt as great as it used to be

 

Can't disagree with that. HPFR on diesels these days in general too, not fun to work on. I'm just fantasizing about rolling coal. But only in my golf. If I had a hilux/taco I would make it invisible on french fries.

 

The thing you're looking for is SAE J2807

https://jalopnik.com/what-is-sae-j2807-what-does-it-mean-for-trucks-1593305929