The Toyota Hilux Pick-Up 2.4 DT (97 Hp) represents a significant iteration of Toyota’s globally renowned Hilux line, produced between 1991 and 1997. This generation, known as the Hilux Pick-Up, served as a workhorse vehicle primarily targeted towards markets outside of North America, where the Hilux was not officially sold during this period. Instead, Toyota offered the Tacoma as its compact pickup truck in the US. The Hilux Pick-Up 2.4 DT was designed to meet the demands of commercial users and those requiring a robust, reliable vehicle for challenging terrains. It distinguished itself through its durable construction, capable four-wheel-drive system, and efficient diesel engine, making it a popular choice in regions like Australia, Asia, and parts of Europe.
Toyota Hilux Pick-Up 2.4 DT: A Detailed Overview
The Hilux has a long and storied history, dating back to 1968. Throughout its various generations, the Hilux has earned a reputation for unparalleled reliability and toughness. The 1991-1997 Pick-Up model continued this tradition, offering a practical and dependable vehicle for a wide range of applications. While not directly marketed in the United States, the Hilux’s influence on pickup truck design and its global success are undeniable. This particular variant, the 2.4 DT, focused on providing a balance between fuel efficiency and sufficient power for demanding tasks.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Toyota Hilux Pick-Up 2.4 DT is its 2.4-liter (2446 cm3 or 149.26 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the 2L. This engine produced 97 horsepower (Hp) at 3800 rpm and 221 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque at 2400 rpm, which translates to 163 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine featured a turbocharger, enhancing its power output and improving its ability to handle heavy loads or navigate challenging terrain. The power-to-liter ratio was 39.7 Hp/l. The engine employed a precombustion chamber injection system, a common diesel technology of the era, and a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. This configuration contributed to relatively smooth operation for a diesel engine of its time. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout facilitated a more balanced weight distribution, enhancing handling and stability. The engine required 5.8 liters (6.13 US qt | 5.1 UK qt) of engine oil and 9.2 liters (9.72 US qt | 8.09 UK qt) of coolant for optimal operation.
Design & Features
The Toyota Hilux Pick-Up 2.4 DT is a classic four-door pickup truck with a seating capacity of five passengers. Its body-on-frame construction provided exceptional durability and off-road capability. The vehicle’s dimensions were 4435 mm (174.61 in.) in length, 1690 mm (66.54 in.) in width, and 1750 mm (68.9 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2650 mm (104.33 in.). The front and rear track widths measured 1430 mm (56.3 in.) and 1410 mm (55.51 in.), respectively. The Hilux Pick-Up featured a robust suspension system designed to withstand the rigors of off-road driving and heavy loads. Braking duties were handled by disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The vehicle’s four-wheel-drive (4×4) system provided enhanced traction in challenging conditions, making it suitable for both on- and off-road use. While comfort and convenience features were not the primary focus, the Hilux Pick-Up offered a functional and practical interior designed for durability and ease of use. Safety features were typical for the early 1990s, prioritizing structural integrity and basic occupant protection.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Hilux |
| Generation | Hilux Pick Up |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 DT (97 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1991 year |
| End of production | 1997 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Power | 97 Hp @ 3800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 39.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 221 Nm @ 2400 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 163 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 2L |
| Engine displacement | 2446 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 149.26 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 92 mm |
| Cylinder Bore (in.) | 3.62 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm |
| Piston Stroke (in.) | 3.62 in. |
| Compression ratio | 21:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.8 l |
| Engine oil capacity (US qt) | 6.13 US qt |
| Engine oil capacity (UK qt) | 5.1 UK qt |
| Coolant | 9.2 l |
| Coolant (US qt) | 9.72 US qt |
| Coolant (UK qt) | 8.09 UK qt |
| Length | 4435 mm |
| Length (in.) | 174.61 in. |
| Width | 1690 mm |
| Width (in.) | 66.54 in. |
| Height | 1750 mm |
| Height (in.) | 68.9 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 104.33 in. |
| Front track | 1430 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 56.3 in. |
| Rear track | 1410 mm |
| Rear track (in.) | 55.51 in. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
The Toyota Hilux Pick-Up 2.4 DT (97 Hp) remains a testament to Toyota’s engineering prowess and commitment to building durable, reliable vehicles. While not a common sight on American roads, its impact on the global pickup truck market and its enduring reputation for toughness are undeniable. It served as a vital tool for businesses and individuals in numerous countries, solidifying the Hilux’s position as one of the world’s most respected and trusted pickup trucks.
