The Toyota Hilux Pick Up 2.7 i (145 Hp), produced between 1997 and 2004, represents a significant iteration of Toyota’s globally renowned Hilux line. While the Hilux enjoys immense popularity in markets like Australia, Asia, and Latin America as a rugged and reliable workhorse, its presence in the United States was limited, primarily through grey market imports. This generation, known as the Hilux Pick Up, served as a crucial model for Toyota, bridging the gap between utilitarian functionality and emerging comfort expectations in the pickup truck segment. It was designed to cater to both commercial needs and personal use, offering a versatile vehicle capable of handling demanding tasks while providing a reasonable level of driver and passenger comfort.
Toyota Hilux Pick Up 2.7 i: A Detailed Overview
The Hilux Pick Up 2.7 i occupied a unique space in Toyota’s lineup. It wasn’t directly marketed as a competitor to full-size American pickups like the Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado. Instead, it aimed for the compact pickup market, offering a smaller, more fuel-efficient, and maneuverable alternative. Its appeal lay in its durability, simplicity, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability. The “2.7 i” designation refers to the engine displacement and fuel injection system, signifying a gasoline-powered engine with multi-port fuel injection. This model was particularly popular in regions where diesel fuel was less readily available or more expensive.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Hilux Pick Up 2.7 i lies the 3RZ-FE inline four-cylinder engine. This 2.7-liter (2694 cm3 or 164.4 cubic inches) powerplant delivers 145 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 235 Nm (173.33 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. This translates to a power-to-weight ratio of 53.8 hp per liter. The engine features a naturally aspirated configuration, meaning it doesn’t rely on turbocharging or supercharging for increased power. It utilizes a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to efficient combustion and improved performance. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout optimizes weight distribution and provides ample space for the drivetrain components. The 3RZ-FE is known for its robustness and longevity, capable of withstanding considerable use and abuse. The engine requires 5.1 liters (5.39 US quarts or 4.49 UK quarts) of engine oil and 7.1 liters (7.5 US quarts or 6.25 UK quarts) of coolant for optimal operation.
Design & Features
The Toyota Hilux Pick Up 2.7 i is a classic four-door pickup truck, offering seating for five passengers. Its body-on-frame construction provides a sturdy platform for both on-road and off-road driving. The vehicle measures 4690 mm (184.65 inches) in length, 1690 mm (66.54 inches) in width, and 1650 mm (64.96 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2850 mm (112.2 inches). The front and rear track widths are 1410 mm (55.51 inches) and 1420 mm (55.91 inches) respectively. While not laden with luxury features, the Hilux Pick Up offered a practical and functional interior. Features typically included basic air conditioning, a radio, and durable vinyl or cloth upholstery. Safety features for the era were relatively limited, consisting primarily of seatbelts and a robust chassis designed to absorb impacts. The focus was on providing a reliable and capable work vehicle rather than a technologically advanced passenger car. The pickup bed offered ample cargo space for various applications, making it suitable for both commercial and recreational use. The rear-wheel-drive configuration, standard for this model, provided good traction in most conditions, although four-wheel-drive variants were also available in some markets.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Hilux |
| Generation | Hilux Pick Up |
| Type (Engine) | 2.7 i (145 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1997 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 145 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 53.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 235 Nm @ 4000 rpm / 173.33 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 3RZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 2694 cm3 / 164.4 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 95 mm / 3.74 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 95 mm / 3.74 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.1 l / 5.39 US qt | 4.49 UK qt |
| Coolant | 7.1 l / 7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt |
| Length | 4690 mm / 184.65 in. |
| Width | 1690 mm / 66.54 in. |
| Height | 1650 mm / 64.96 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm / 112.2 in. |
| Front track | 1410 mm / 55.51 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1420 mm / 55.91 in. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
The Toyota Hilux Pick Up 2.7 i (1997-2004) remains a testament to Toyota’s engineering prowess and commitment to building durable, reliable vehicles. While not a common sight on American roads, its legacy as a dependable workhorse continues in numerous markets around the globe. Its simple yet effective design, coupled with the robust 3RZ-FE engine, ensures its continued relevance for years to come.
