The 2024 Toyota Hilux Champ makes its debut in Thailand

Toyota’s modular work truck for the people has now made its debut in Thailand bearing the name Hilux Champ, marking its position as an affordable alternative to the Hilux. This heavy-duty utility will also come to the Philippines, and it will be named the Tamaraw, a legendary car that made a mark for Filipinos for its affordability and endless versatility.

In Thailand, where the pickup truck has made its first entrance, features both a long-wheelbase and short-wheelbase version, along with a selection of three engine options. Toyota Motor Thailand presented the new pickup truck in diverse configurations, highlighting the adaptability of the Hilux Champ's modular platform.

In terms of dimensions, the short wheelbase version of the Hilux Champ spans 4,970 mm in length, 1,785 mm in width, and 1,735 mm in height with a 2,750 mm wheelbase. Conversely, the long wheelbase variant extends the truck's length to 5,300 mm and has a 3,085 mm wheelbase. The increased length is also reflected in the truck bed, which is 362 mm longer than that of the short-wheelbase Hilux Champ.

Moving to the engine, the trio of engine options comprises two gasoline engines and one diesel engine. Beginning with the entry-level 2.0-liter gasoline engine, the 1TR-FE delivers 137 hp and 183 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the 2TR-FE found in the gasoline-powered Fortuner and Hilux models produces 164 hp and 245 Nm of torque. Finally, the 2GD-FTV serves as the Hilux Champ’s diesel option. When coupled with a five-speed manual transmission, it generates 148 hp and 343 Nm of torque, whereas the six-speed automatic transmission offers an increased torque output at 400 Nm. The six-speed automatic is exclusive only to the diesel-powered Hilux Champ while the 2.0-liter petrol option comes with a five-speed manual. All Toyota Hilux Champ variants are designed as rear-wheel-drive only.

In terms of equipment, the entry-level variants of the Hilux Champ have a minimal feature list, including halogen headlights, manual wind-down window handles, only two speakers, and standard vinyl upholstery. Variants higher up the ladder offer LED headlights, electric windows, and mirrors, along with orange dashboard trim. As for the looks, the Hilux Champ retains most of the design features from its IMV-0 versions, except for the black trim found in the door frame and on the lower edges of the truck’s body. The black A-pillars have also been left out, with Toyota opting for a cleaner look overall.

The Hilux Champ’s price starts at 459,000 baht or around P725,000 when converted to PHP for the short wheelbase 5MT 2.0 gas version. The most affordable diesel-powered Hilux Champ, in the cab and chassis configuration, is priced at 499,000 baht or around P790,000. Though Toyota Motor Philippines has confirmed that the next-gen Tamaraw will come into the market in 2024, exact dates for when that will be have not been confirmed.