Toyota Released A $13,000 Pickup Truck, But There Are Some Pros and Cons People Should Know About

Whichever Way You Go, There’s A Trade-Off

The Hilux Champ revives a format Toyota’s long used abroad—lean, affordable, and no extras. That setup works for some, but others might feel the trade-offs right away.

Its Entry Price Under $13K Is A Budget Standout

Affordability takes the front seat here. By skipping the standard bed, Toyota keeps the price impressively low. That means buyers only pay for what they need. If you want a flatbed or camper shell, you add it yourself and keep the cost down.

It Comes With Three Engine Options For Every Type Of Driver

Pick your power: a modest 2.0L, a beefier 2.7L, or a torquey 2.4L diesel. Each setup brings its own rhythm—some like the punch of petrol, others prefer diesel’s grunt. The diesel delivers up to 400 Nm of torque, making it ideal for load-heavy routes.

The Champ Was Built On Toyota’s Proven IMV Platform

The Hilux Champ runs on the globally trusted IMV platform. For those who are unfamiliar, that’s the same structure that supports the Hilux and Fortuner in rugged conditions. That foundation delivers real-world toughness. And while the truck may look stripped down, its core is anything but experimental.

The Bolt-On Body System Enables DIY Configurations

The Hilux Champ comes with basic mounting points so you can build what you need. That’s why vendors turn them into taco trucks, mobile campers, or supply rigs. It’s a blank canvas built for customization—one base that can serve dozens of purposes.

The Champ Is Offered In Two Wheelbase Lengths

You’ve got options depending on your daily grind. The shorter wheelbase is ideal for tighter turns and urban duty. Meanwhile, the longer frame handles bulk with ease. So whether it’s exploring alleys or carrying full loads, the right fit is baked into the lineup.

It Gets To Work With A 1-Ton Payload

When the job demands muscle, this pickup steps in. In fact, the Hilux Champ carries up to one metric ton, which matches the strength of costlier midsize trucks. Thanks to its ladder-frame chassis, it handles weight confidently, whether crossing rough terrain or hauling on-site.

Toyota Gazoo Racing Built A Track Version

Surprisingly, this workhorse has a racing streak. Toyota Gazoo Racing modified a Champ for the Thai Super Series, and this equipped it for real competition. After hitting approximately 133 km/h on the track, it proved something rare: even a bare-bones truck can handle high-speed punishment.

Champs’s Optional Diesel Engine Gets Automatic Transmission

Some tasks need both strength and convenience. That’s why Toyota pairs the 2.4L diesel with a 6-speed automatic that delivers up to 400 Nm of torque. This setup suits urban routes and rural hauling, which offers real utility where manual shifting slows the job down.

The Camper Versions Feature Solar And Hot Water

Equip the Champ with a slide-on camper, and it shifts into travel mode. One setup includes sleeping quarters, a compact kitchen, rooftop solar panels, and a working shower. A modular upgrade of this kind turns a simple work truck into a self-contained mobile retreat.

The Truck Has A Short Turning Radius

Tight spaces can slow down even the most capable trucks. That’s where the short-wheelbase Champ proves handy, as it turns in less than five meters, making U-turns a breeze. In delivery zones and city streets, that kind of maneuverability saves real time.

The Champ’s Fuel Economy Beats Most US Trucks

Whether it’s stop-and-go routes or longer stretches, the Champ keeps fuel use down. Thanks to its efficient diesel engine, it reaches up to 30-35 mpg in efficient conditions, often beating many US midsize trucks’s 20-25 mpg. As a result, costs stay low. Now let’s get into what you give up.

The Champ Has Manual Crank Windows And No Infotainment

Of course, a low price comes with trade-offs, and the first one for the Champ shows up in the cabin. You’ll find crank-operated windows, while the dashboard skips digital displays entirely. There’s no built-in audio either. As the design leans into function, comfort quietly exits the picture.

The Truck Has Basic Safety Features

Safety features on the Champ stick to the basics. You get front airbags and anti-lock brakes, but that’s about it. No lane assist, no backup sensors. It’s built for simple, predictable driving, not for high-tech support behind the wheel. In this tech era, it’s not a good thing.

The Interior Is Designed For Utility, Not Luxury

Step inside, and the focus shifts entirely to durability. Its materials feel hard, the layout looks bare, and creature comforts are nowhere in sight. Over long hours, this stripped-down design may wear on drivers who expect even a hint of refinement or rest.

No US Release Due To Safety And Emissions

Still curious about getting one in the States? Unfortunately, that’s where the road ends. Since the Champ doesn’t meet US safety and emissions regulations, it isn’t sold through American dealerships. And once you factor in import fees and compliance costs, the appeal may shift quickly.

Its Flat Deck Comes Standard On The Entry Model

For buyers expecting a ready-to-roll pickup, here’s where expectations change. Because the Champ ships with only a flat rear deck, extra time and money go into fitting a usable cargo setup. As a result, getting it road-ready involves more than just signing the papers.

This Model's AC Is Optional, Not Standard

At this price point, climate control becomes a question mark. On entry-level trims, air conditioning is left out entirely, which means buyers have to upgrade or install it later. Consequently, long drives or hot-weather shifts become more difficult, especially in regions where heat slows everything down.

The Trucks’s Custom Add-Ons Often Fall Outside Toyota Support

After purchase, the customization begins, but not always through the dealership. Most modules, from beds to campers, come from third-party builders. That separation limits official service coverage. So, when something breaks, you’re often turning to local vendors, and not Toyota’s repair network.

All Champ Models Use Steel Wheels

Steel wheels come standard across the lineup with no chrome, no alloys, just solid and sturdy, enough to handle wear without fuss. Even though they won’t turn heads, they’ll get the job done. That’s one detail you’ll live with or swap out later.

It Has Limited Theft Protection Features

Toyota keeps it simple when it comes to security. Standard trims skip extras like central locking or an immobilizer. That means tools and gear are more out in the open, especially in busy spots or when parked overnight at job sites.

The Champ’s Leaf-Spring Suspension Limits Comfort

Start driving without a full load, and the ride tells the story. The rear suspension uses leaf springs—durable under weight, but harsh when empty. Because of that setup, long trips over uneven roads can wear down the comfort long before they wear down the truck.

The Paint And Trim Options Are Minimal

Choice matters, but not much in this model. The Champ offers a limited color palette and almost no trim upgrades. As a result, fleets get consistency, though individual buyers lose options. Visual appeal stays low, and personalization falls far behind modern market standards.