Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
Discover Why the Hilux Costs Almost Twice as Much in Brazil Compared to Thailand and Argentina. Understand How High Taxes Weigh on the Brazilian Wallet.
Did you know that the Toyota Hilux sold in Brazil costs almost double that of similar models in other countries? What few Brazilians realize is that they are paying too much for a car that is much cheaper abroad.
At first, we are talking about the same vehicle being manufactured by companies of the same group and with similar quality standards.
So, let’s get to the facts:
-
After decades out of the spotlight, Citroën is preparing to bring back the legendary 2CV as a low-cost electric vehicle, betting on the revival of one of the most popular cars in history and aiming to enter the race for affordable compact cars.
-
The 2026 electric Vitara arrives in Brazil and proves that Suzuki is not leaving: 4×4 traction, 184 hp, 61 kWh LFP battery, 293 km range, R$ 259,000, and a trunk capacity of 224 L.
-
Hyundai has unveiled the Boulder, a square SUV with a body-on-frame design, 37-inch mud tires, and carriage-style doors that seems to be made to take on the Ford Bronco and the Scout Traveller in the United States.
-
The Toyota Hilux is R$ 75.5 thousand cheaper and bets on the 2.8 turbodiesel engine with up to 204 hp and 50.9 kgfm to catch up with the VW Saveiro, which leads with 4,472 sales.
Hilux in Brazil
In Brazil, a new Hilux, of the simplest model, is being sold for around R$ 278.790,00. This amount already includes all taxes, which account for about 50% of the final price.
In other words, practically half of the truck’s value goes directly to public coffers, and not to Toyota.
It’s important to emphasize that this means that without such high tax burdens, the same car could cost around R$ 139 thousand.
In Thailand, the Home of the Hilux, the Price is Different
Now comes the shock: Thailand is the country where the most Hiluxes are manufactured in the world. The main production plant of the model is located there. And guess how much a Hilux costs there?
On the official Toyota website in Thailand, the similar model is sold for 824,000 Thai baht, which is approximately R$ 141,999.00 at current exchange rates.
In other words, the same truck, produced on a large scale, costs almost half of what we pay in Brazil. And with much less tax involved.
And in Argentina, Where the Brazilian Hilux is Manufactured? It’s Also Cheaper!
Another detail that is even more surprising: the Hilux sold in Brazil doesn’t even come from Thailand, but rather from Argentina, where Toyota also has a dedicated plant for the model. And how much does it cost there?
In Argentina, the Hilux goes for 42,079,000 Argentine pesos, which converts to approximately R$ 186,556.28. Even with the Argentine economy in crisis, compared to Brazil, the car is stillmuch cheaper.
Direct Comparison: Brazil vs. Thailand vs. Argentina
| Country | Price of the Hilux 0km | Value in Reais | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 824,000 THB | R$ 141,999.00 | Largest Hilux factory in the world |
| Argentina | 42,079,000 pesos | R$ 186,556.28 | Source of the Hilux sold in Brazil |
| Brazil | — | R$ 278,790.00 | About 50% of the value is tax |
Too Many Taxes?
Because of this, the price difference is shocking — and upsetting. In summary, the Brazilian pays up to R$ 136 thousand more for a car that, in theory, should be cheaper since it is being imported from a nearby neighbor like Argentina.
While in Thailand (the birthplace of the Hilux) and Argentina (the supplier to Brazil) prices are significantly lower, the Brazilian continues to be punished by an archaic and inefficient tax system.
Brazilians Pay Dearly Not for Quality, but for Taxes
Finally, the Toyota Hilux is just one example. But it highlights a reality: the Brazilian consumer pays dearly not for quality, but for taxes. As a result, a car that could cost R$ 140 thousand ends up here costing nearly R$ 280 thousand.
It’s time to question: how long will we be able to live with such high taxation?
-
2 pessoas reagiram a isso.