Toyota has introduced a new pickup truck called the IMV 0, which is essentially a stripped-down version of the popular Hilux. The IMV 0 is a simple and basic truck, with minimal features and a no-frills interior. It was developed in Thailand, where pickups make up a significant portion of new vehicle sales.
While the IMV 0 starts as a blank template with only four wheels, a flatbed, and a two-door cab, customers can choose to add additional amenities if desired. Toyota envisions the truck being used for various purposes, such as a mobile coffee shop or DJ booth, by attaching modular units to the back.
Compared to Toyota’s entry-level sedan, the Corolla, the IMV 0 is in a completely different league. It lacks features like LED headlights, power windows and door locks, and standard adaptive cruise control. The instrument cluster dial is just a blank circle, and there are no trim pieces on the A-pillar. However, the IMV 0 is expected to be significantly cheaper than the Corolla, with a starting price of around $10,000 in Thailand.
Despite its potential appeal in the US market, Toyota has no plans to sell the IMV 0 in the country. The company already faces challenges importing cheap foreign-market trucks due to the 25 percent “Chicken Tax” tariff. Additionally, the cost of adding necessary safety features to comply with US regulations would likely drive up the price significantly.
The base configuration of the IMV 0 comes with rear-wheel drive and a gasoline 2.0-liter inline-four engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. However, customers can choose to upgrade to a four-wheel-drive or diesel variant. The truck is designed with customization in mind, with pre-drilled holes for adding accessories like bed sides or a cargo rack.
In terms of size, the IMV 0 is relatively small compared to American trucks. It’s more than two feet shorter than the 2024 Tacoma and smaller in width and height. Despite its compact dimensions, the IMV 0 doesn’t feel small from the driver’s seat.
During a test drive, the engine in the IMV 0 was a 1TR-FE 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 137 horsepower. The truck felt sturdy and capable, with a slightly bouncy ride on the smooth track. Acceleration was adequate, although it was hard to gauge the exact speed due to the short test drive.
Overall, the IMV 0 offers a simple and practical solution for those in need of a no-frills pickup truck. It may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but it gets the job done efficiently and reliably.
