The charm of a compact, affordable pickup often lies in its versatility—offering buyers the ability to tackle daily tasks without the bulk or high price tag of larger trucks. Toyota’s Hilux Champ, introduced in 2023, has embodied this concept from the start. With its modular styling, budget-friendly positioning, and practical approach, it quickly earned a dedicated fan base. Now, Toyota is pushing this idea further by introducing the smallest version yet, a model designed specifically for customers who prioritize nimbleness and maneuverability above all else.
This newcomer is known as the Hilux Champ Super Short Wheelbase, or simply the Short SWB. Measuring 4,520 mm in length and riding on a 2,580 mm wheelbase, it is notably more compact than its siblings. To put the numbers into perspective, it is 450 mm shorter than the standard SWB model and a substantial 780 mm shorter than the long-wheelbase (LWB) variant. Despite the reduction in size, the front end remains recognizable with the Champ’s familiar nose design. What changes significantly, however, is the way the truck behaves on the road. Thanks to the reduced wheelbase, the turning radius drops to just 4.7 meters, a noticeable improvement compared to the 4.9 meters and 5.4 meters of the larger versions.
Practicality has not been sacrificed entirely for compactness. Even with its smaller frame, the single-cab configuration provides a useful rear bed measuring 1,867 mm in length. While this is shorter than the expansive 2,647 mm bed offered by the LWB model, it still surpasses the cargo area typically found in most dual-cab midsize pickups, making it suitable for light hauling or small business use.
The Super SWB is sold in a single trim level known as the “Attractive Package.” True to its name, it offers a balance of affordability and added features compared to the most basic Hilux Champ. Externally, it stands out with LED headlights, black accent inserts, an unpainted bumper for a rugged touch, and 14-inch black steel wheels. Inside, the cabin keeps things simple but functional, featuring black upholstery with orange accents, manual seat adjustments, power mirrors and windows, basic air conditioning, two speakers, a USB Type-C port, and even a single sunshade. While there is no infotainment screen, the essentials for everyday driving are covered. Safety technology is straightforward as well, with ABS, EBD, dual airbags, and Forward Collision Warning included.
Under the hood, Toyota equips the truck with its proven 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine, delivering 148 horsepower and 343 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Built on a downsized ladder-frame chassis derived from the larger Hilux, the Super SWB retains the toughness and durability that the nameplate is known for.
In Thailand, the Hilux Champ Super SWB Attractive Package carries a starting price of $19,000. Interestingly, this makes it the priciest option in the Champ family, surpassing the regular SWB version priced from $18,600. On the opposite end, the entry-level MT Chassis & Cab LWB remains the most affordable at $16,000. For context, Toyota’s mainstream Hilux Revo single cab starts at around $18,000, showing just how competitively the Champ series is positioned within the market.