Inside Tamiya’s Super Detailed High-Lift Off-Road Pick-Ups

Paul Onorato September 30, 2025 Stories

Tamiya Toyota Hilux High-Lift—#58397

Few trucks have earned the kind of reputation the Toyota Hilux enjoys. It’s the off-roader that’s conquered continents, survived torture tests, and gained cult status among enthusiasts. Tamiya honors that heritage with the Hilux High-Lift, a 1/10-scale masterpiece that radiates rugged charm and authentic detail.

The ABS hard body feels substantial in hand and looks phenomenal once painted. Every curve and contour—from the signature front fenders to the squared-off tailgate—is molded with precision. Tamiya went beyond stock factory realism, giving this Hilux the personality of a built-up trail machine. The large front grill guard sets the tone, flanked by working fog lights and optional “Brite Lite” covers. Chrome-plated accessories, including the roll bar, side steps, mirrors, and dual exhausts, add scale shine while the metal transfer Toyota badges and molded wipers bring it all to life.

Up top, the roll bar features five light housings that can be illuminated with Tamiya’s optional LED system, while underneath, 5-spoke gunmetal wheels wrapped in knobby off-road tires give the truck its tough stance. Tamiya even includes a surfboard for the bed, complete with three different graphic options—because what beach adventure rig is complete without one? The Hilux High-Lift isn’t just a model—it’s a love letter to the golden age of off-road exploration.

Inside Tamiya’s Super Detailed High-Lift Off-Road Pick-Ups — Front guard features fog lights, which can be modeled with either light covers on or off.

Headlights and turn signals can be recreated using separately available LEDs. Maker emblems are recreated with metal-transfer markings.

Highly accurate injection-molded resin body features lots of metal-plated parts such as the muffler. LEDs can also be installed for realistic taillights.

Specifications

Length: 508mm
Width: 216mm
Height: 270mm
Weight: Approx. 3.1kg
Motor: Type RS540
Drivetrain: Shaft-driven 4WD
Diff. Gear: Front/Rear 2-bevel Diff.
Suspension: Front/Rear Leaf Rigid
Dampers: Front/Rear Friction Dampers
Gear Ratios: 1:64.39 (Low), 1:35.20 (2nd), 1:21.14 (Top)
Speed Controller: ESC

Tamiya Toyota Tundra High-Lift—#58415

The Tamiya Toyota Tundra High-Lift brings a bolder, more contemporary vibe to the lineup. Modeled after the 2007 double-cab Tundra, this truck has a commanding presence that’s instantly recognizable. The proportions are spot-on, giving it the muscle and modern styling of a full-size pickup while retaining Tamiya’s meticulous craftsmanship.

Up front, a massive chrome grille takes center stage, framed by metal-plated bumpers and flanked by detailed headlights that can easily be made functional with optional LEDs. The truck’s stance is enhanced with chrome side steps, door handles, and twin-tip exhausts, while the mirrors feature reflective inserts for added realism. Every inch of the body exudes factory precision but leaves room for personalization.

The accessories really drive the Tundra’s personality. A heavy-duty metal push bar with four light pods gives it a trail-ready look right out of the box. On the roof, builders can choose between a roll bar with lights or a roof rack topped with two snowboards—both included with the kit. This flexibility lets you tailor the truck to your style, whether you’re after a rugged off-roader or a weekend adventure hauler. In true Tamiya fashion, the Tundra High-Lift looks fantastic sitting still and even better clawing its way over dirt and gravel.

Specifications

Length: 500mm
Width: 216mm
Height: 238mm
Weight: Approx. 3.1kg.
Motor: Type RS540
Drivetrain: Shaft-driven 4WD
Diff. Gear: Front/Rear 2-bevel Diff.
Suspension: Front/Rear Leaf Rigid
Dampers: Front/Rear Friction Dampers
Gear Ratios: 1:64.39 (Low), 1:35.20 (2nd), 1:21.14 (Top)
Speed Controller: ESC

Tamiya Ford F-350 High-Lift—#58372

When it comes to capturing the essence of American power, the Ford F-350 High-Lift nails it. This truck commands attention with its sheer presence—a perfect blend of brute strength and classic styling that looks just as good on a trail as it does on a shelf. The satin-finished multi-spoke wheels that are paired with large lug-pattern tires make a great looking combo.

The ABS hard body replicates every major cue of the real F-350, from the signature grille and contoured hood to the side panels and mirrors. Chrome accents are used strategically to elevate realism, especially around the front grill guard and the roll bar fitted with off-road lights. Tamiya’s attention to detail extends right down to the Ford emblems and body lines that perfectly match the 1:1 design.

This truck feels like a celebration of classic heavy-duty engineering—a tough, no-nonsense pickup that’s equally at home as a display piece or a trail crawler. Paint it in a factory Ford color, go custom with matte black and weathered steel, or deck it out with lights and tow hooks—the F-350 High-Lift looks authentic no matter the finish. It’s the ultimate expression of American truck spirit in 1/10 scale.

Highly accurate injection-molded resin body features lots of metal-plated parts such as the removable muffler.

Specifications

Length: 492mm
Width: 216mm
Height: 220mm
Weight: Approx. 3.1kg
Motor: Type RS540
Drivetrain: Shaft-driven 4WD
Diff. Gear: Front/Rear 2-bevel Diff.
Suspension: Front/Rear Leaf Rigid
Dampers: Front/Rear Friction Dampers
Gear Ratios: 1:64.39 (Low), 1:35.20 (2nd), 1:21.14 (Top)
Speed Controller: ESC

The Foundation of the Tamiya High-Lift Pick-ups

While the Tamiya ABS bodies grab your attention, it’s the Tamiya High-Lift chassis that truly makes these trucks special. This isn’t a generic RC frame—it’s a purpose-built platform designed to mimic the underpinnings of a full-size 4×4. The sturdy steel ladder frame provides rigidity and scale realism, while the front and rear solid axles hang on metal leaf springs and aluminum dampers that move with lifelike articulation. Even the small touches, like the chrome differential covers and red anodized shock bodies, show Tamiya’s obsession with detail.

Inside the axles are all-metal gears spinning smoothly on bushings, delivering reliability and strength. Power flows through universal-jointed steel driveshafts that ensure consistent 4WD traction. At the heart of it all is the 3-speed shiftable transmission, which can be controlled from your transmitter’s third channel. Whether you’re crawling in low gear or cruising in high, the ability to shift on the fly transforms how these trucks drive—adding a mechanical realism that’s downright addictive.

Tamiya even engineered the chassis to support optional four-wheel steering. Since both axles are identical, adding a rear servo and removing a few linkage bars instantly gives you the ability to turn all four wheels. It’s a fun, functional upgrade that opens new handling possibilities.

Flip one of these trucks over and the realism continues: a polished aluminum skid plate protects the transmission, the battery holder slides out easily without removing the body, and every component looks like a miniaturized version of something you’d find under a real truck. The High-Lift chassis is more than a foundation—it’s a showcase of Tamiya’s ability to blend mechanical authenticity with RC innovation.

Realistic leaf springs are made from 5 individual panels and can be easily adjusted after assembly.

Differential features tough metal diff gears and can be locked to provide awesome off-road ability.

By changing the rear axle tension rod, you can create a unique 4-wheel steering system to enhance the performance of the High-Lift.

Impressive array of high quality parts is a sign that you are building a special truck.

Conclusion

There’s no shortage of scale trucks in the RC world, but few capture the spirit of real off-roaders like Tamiya’s Ultra-Scale High-Lift series. Each model—Hilux, Tundra, and F-350—represents a different chapter in pickup history, but they all share the same commitment to craftsmanship and performance. From their ABS hard bodies to their steel ladder frames and 3-speed transmissions, these trucks don’t just look authentic—they feel authentic.

Whether you’re an experienced builder looking for your next rewarding kit or a detail-obsessed hobbyist chasing that perfect blend of realism and drivability, Tamiya’s High-Lift trucks deliver the full experience. They’re part model, part machine, and 100-percent fun. With a bit of time, patience, and creativity, you’ll end up with a truck that’s not just another RC—it’s a scale masterpiece that proudly wears the Tamiya badge.

For more information about Tamiya products, visit: TAMIYA