Toyota PH studying RV camper Hilux Tamaraw variant?

Toyota Motor Philippines isn’t content with just sitting around, even though they have effectively cornered almost half of the market in 2024 so far. The company is continuing to launch model after model, and getting stronger with everyone.

The one that a lot of people are looking forward to, however, has to be the comeback of a famous name: the Tamaraw… or Hilux Tamaraw.

The return of the Tamaraw name isn’t just mere nostalgia as Toyota will be launching the vehicle with a variety of body types to suit different business and personal needs. There will be a Utility Van (multi-purpose FB equivalent) variant, an Aluminum Van (fully enclosed box), as well as a Dropside Pick-Up. Customers can also choose the type of powertrain depending on the grade: 2.4L turbodiesel automatic high-grade long wheelbase, 2.4L turbodiesel manual standard grade long wheelbase, and the 2.0L gasoline manual standard grade short wheelbase.

The key here is that the vehicles will be sold with the bodies already fitted, as opposed to having to take delivery of a bare Cab & Chassis (as is the industry standard for these kinds of light commercial vehicles) and then have a body fitted or made.

The curious thing about the Hilux Tamaraw is that Toyota did not officially indicate that they will launch a Cab & Chassis variant, though we know they are studying the body-less variation for niche customers with very specific needs. This will give customers the ability to choose and tailor what body they want made like a Refrigerated Van or even a Mini Crane truck.

There is another body variant that has us interested though, and we caught a glimpse of one during the recent Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS): the Camper/RV.

And yes, we can tell you that Toyota is studying all kinds of variants of the Hilux Tamaraw, and a Camper/RV is also a consideration on the list of candidates given the popularity of overlanding adventures now. The only real shortcoming of the Tamaraw as an overlanding rig for camping, however, is that there is no 4X4 variant available.

We consulted some overlanding and 4X4 specialists, and it seems retrofitting or upgrading the Tamaraw with the 2.4L turbodiesel to become 4X4 will be tricky. There is a variant of the double cab Hilux 2.4L that 4X4 exists. The issue is that the hubs for Toyota’s 4X4 are 6-lug whereas the Hilux Tamaraw is 5-lug. The long wheelbase is going to be an issue, as the propeller shaft will have to be made longer.

Given time, we have no doubt that Filipino mechanical ingenuity will prevail if there is a demand for 4X4 Hilux Tamaraws. Just look underneath the older Tamaraws up north: many of those have been retrofitted to become 4X4 using surplus Hilux components.