2005 Toyota Hilux Single Cab Photos, engines & full specs

This was the workhorse of the Hilux family for decades, and the seventh generation, unveiled in 2005, proved once again that it was built to endure hard jobs even with poor or minimal maintenance.

When the Japanese automaker made the first generation of the Hilux in 1968, it assigned the project to the Hino Truck company, which Toyota owned. The result was a humble, albeit perfectly adapted, vehicle for those times. Even if it could barely fit a three-person couch in its 1.8-meter (six feet) bed, it sold well. That version was available with a two-door cabin where three people could sit. It was also marketed as the Toyota Truck. As a result, in some continents, the seventh generation of the Hilux was also known as the sixth. Fast forward to 2004, when the automaker unveiled the 2005 Hilux, the new model significantly improved over its predecessor. While it still was a body-on-frame construction, the pickup was available in three cab versions. At the bottom of the range was the single-cab, which was built as a utility vehicle only. However, it was still available with features that made the users’ lives better.

At the front, the 2005 Toyota Hilux Single Cab had a different look, depending on the grade. The lowest trim level had black bumpers, while the upper ones featured body-colored ones. However, both versions sported the same organic-shaped headlights with rounded edges and swept-back design, integrating the turn-signal lamps on the outer edges.

Unlike the other two versions, the 2005 Toyota Hilux Single Cab was available exclusively with a 4x2 system, which resulted in a lower ground clearance, similar to any other sedan on the market. The bodywork featured flared wheel arches on both axles, a steep windshield, and a short roof. Behind it, the automaker placed the longest bed in the 2005 Toyota Hilux family. Thanks to its 2.3-meter (7.6-ft) long bed, it could accommodate more than a three-person couch. It was also suitable for carrying heavy items, such as glass, thanks to its one-ton (2,204 lbs) maximum load rating. Behind, the tailgate could be lowered at 90 degrees or more if the metallic limiters from the sides were removed.

Inside, the hard-plastic dashboard accommodated a center stack where the HVAC controls were installed. The stereo and the AC were optional. In front of the driver, Toyota installed an easy-to-read and understand instrument panel where the large speedometer took center stage. It was flanked by the tachometer on the left and by the fuel and temperature gauges on the right. The automaker offered the car with cloth or vinyl upholstery, both very suitable for daily, hard-working activities.

Under the hood, the 2005 Toyota Hilux Single Cab had a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine that sent the power to the rear wheels only via a five-speed manual gearbox. The front double-wishbone suspension provided more comfort for those in the cabin. At the same time, the automaker installed a heavy-duty axle with leaf springs in the back.