Toyota Hilux N150

Toyota's code list names the 1997 pickup the RZN/LN140, 150, 160 and 170 series. Its heritage table shows GA-RZN147-TRMDE and KF-LN167-TRMDS as examples, a 2.0-litre petrol 2WD single cab and a 3.0-litre diesel 4WD single cab. Toyota built two series: business-use trucks that put function first, and the personal-use Sports Pickup, with more cabin height and length and a quieter ride. Toyota's heritage page names the Tahara plant and Hino Motors' Hamura plant.

The 1997 release says the cabin is about 30 mm higher on all models and about 50 mm longer on the double cab, and the tracks are 40 mm wider. All models have a double-wishbone front suspension and keep rear leaf springs. The Sports Pickup has a 250 kg load weight and softer springs. A wide-body Extra Cab, 4,975 × 1,790 × 1,775 mm with a 1,855 mm deck and two auxiliary rear seats, went on sale in November 1997. Commercial trucks include a single-cab high-deck body that opens on three sides.

The launch range had the new 3.0-litre 5L diesel, the 2.4-litre 2L-TE turbo diesel carried over, and the 2.0-litre 1RZ-E petrol replacing the 3Y-E. Toyota's table gives the 1RZ-E as 1,998 cc and 110 PS at 5,200 rpm and the 5L as 2,985 cc and 91 PS at 4,000 rpm, both net. On 4 August 1999 Toyota added the 2.7-litre 3RZ-FE at 145 PS and 24.0 kg-m, and a 2WD Extra Cab. Toyota's heritage table shows a copied LN147 engine cell and the spelling 3RZ-E, which conflict with its own releases, so this page follows the releases.

Toyota's August 1999 table pairs the 1RZ-E 2WD Extra Cab and double-cab Sports Pickup with a four-speed automatic, the wide-body 5L 4WD with a five-speed manual, and the wide-body 3RZ-FE with the electronically controlled four-speed automatic (ECT). The business-use 1RZ-E single cab 2WD is shown with a five-speed manual. Do not assume a pairing from the engine alone.

Toyota's launch release says all models have a driver-side SRS air bag, with a passenger-side air bag optional. Toyota lists ABS as standard on the Sports Pickup and optional on commercial models, so confirm the series and the installed equipment. Factory TECS options included an Active Base crane for the Sports Pickup and a Power Gate rated to 400 kg for commercial trucks.

Toyota's recall of 8 November 2005 says leftover assembly cleaning fluid can corrode the connecting-rod bolts, which can crack and, in the worst case, break, so the vehicle cannot be driven. The remedy is new bolts. Listed Hilux frame windows: KF-LN147 LN147-0002909 to 0012628; KB-LN165 LN165-0008806 to 0022057; KB-LN165H LN165-0008688 to 0021954; KF-LN167 LN167-0007064 to 0029123; KB-LN170H LN170-0004234 to 0012309; KF-LN172H LN172-0001637 to 0006176. Build dates run from April 1998 into 1999 or 2003. Ranges can include unaffected trucks; ask a Toyota dealer.

The Hilux Surf is a separate Toyota model with its own codes, including the KZN185W, and is not covered here. This page covers the Japanese pickup only; the Surf's engines and ratings are not pickup specifications.

US: the federal safety-standard exemption (49 CFR 591.5(i)) covers a vehicle 25 or more years old, counted from the individual truck's own manufacture date. The sources used here give launch dates, not first or last build dates, so check each truck. EPA separately expects the engine to be the same model and configuration as the original; check any replacement with EPA. Canada: vehicles older than 15 years, with age set by manufacture month and year. State and provincial registration rules are separate.