The first generation of Toyota trucks

The Hilux started production in March 1968 as the RN10 in short-wheelbase form with a 1.5 L inline-four engine, generating a maximum power output of 77 PS (57 kW; 76 hp) in Japanese market specification. In Japan, it was available at the Toyota Japan dealership retail chains called Toyota Store and Toyopet Store. The modification to the engine was enough for a claimed top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph). The 1.5-litre engine was upgraded to a 1.6 L inline-four in February 1971.

In April 1969, a long-wheelbase version was added to the range. The short-wheelbase version also continued in production for many more years. The long-wheelbase version was not sold in the North American market until 1972, allowing the Datsun Truck to maintain a strong market presence. The Hilux was offered as a replacement to the Toyota Crown, Toyota Corona, and Toyota Corona Mark II based pickup trucks in Japan, as the Crown, Corona, and Corona Mark II were repositioned as passenger sedans.

In spite of the name "Hilux", it was a luxury vehicle only when compared to the Stout. The Hilux was engineered and assembled by Hino Motors to replace the earlier vehicle that the Hilux was derived from, called the Briska in the niche beneath the larger and older Stout – it replaced the Stout fully in some markets. For the North American market, the only body style was a regular cab short bed and all were rear-wheel drive. It used a typical truck setup of A-arms and coil springs in front and a live axle with leaf springs in back. A four-speed manual transmission was standard.

Engines

Global markets:

• 1968–1971: 1.5 L (1,490 cc) 2R I4
• 1971–1972: 1.6 L (1,587 cc) 12R I4

North American markets:

• 1969: 1.9 L (1,897 cc) 3R I4, 85 hp (63 kW; 86 PS)
• 1970–1972: 1.9 L (1,858 cc) 8R SOHC I4, 97 hp (72 kW; 98 PS)
• 1972: 2.0 L (1,968 cc) 18R SOHC I4, 108 hp (81 kW; 109 PS)