by Adam Gavrun, on Mar 14, 2025 9:32:07 AM
The 2024 results are in, and Toyota has once again taken the lead spot among top-rated forklift brands.
This win puts Toyota Material Handling in the lead every year since 2002. That's a history that you can trust. Twenty-two years at the top has made Toyota synonymous with quality, and for good reason. Their forklifts thrive over a range of industries and material handling needs, making them one of the most versatile and reliable brands on the market.
Toyota proves year after year that they’re a leader in forklift innovation.
The Secret to Toyota's Success
Toyota’s success wasn’t luck.
Their two-decade history as the most popular forklift across multiple industries is firmly rooted in the quality of their product. One key feature isn’t enough to win. Toyota forklifts had to master a host of features to secure their position on top.
Here are nine reasons to love Toyota forklifts.
1. Toyota Forklifts Have Unmatched Reliability.
Stringent quality control and top-notch engineering are hallmarks of the Toyota brand. Consequently, these machines last. That leads to more uptime and improved productivity throughout your operation.
Toyota's reliability easily puts them ahead of other forklift brands.
2. Toyota Is Known for State-of-the-Art Safety Features.
Just like your business, safety is the priority in the best forklifts. Toyota fork trucks feature advanced safety systems like their System of Active Stability (SAS) and Active Mast Control (AMC). These industry-leading features mitigate accidents before they happen, protecting your entire team.
State-of-the-art safety also protects your operation from costly incidents and fines.
3. Toyota Power Systems Are Eco-Friendly.
Toyota offers a wide range of power systems, from diesel to electric. Their electric lines have models rated for both indoor and outdoor use, all of which are Toyota strong and zero-emission. Although their IC models aren’t emission-free, they are highly fuel efficient.
With zero-emission electric forklifts and fuel-efficient IC fork trucks, Toyota lift trucks are often the best choice for the environmentally conscious business.
4. Top-Notch Ergonomics Come Standard on Toyota Forklifts.
A fatigued, uncomfortable operator is a dangerous operator. Toyota takes that to heart. Their forklifts come with superior ergonomic features such as adjustable seats, easy-grip controls, and high-visibility masts.
Reducing operator discomfort lets your drivers work longer with less danger, increasing productivity and safety.
5. Toyota Mastered Versatility Across a Multitude of Industries.
The most popular forklift brands recognize that forklifts are not a one-size-fits-all machine. Toyota is no different. While its core models are highly versatile lift trucks in their own right, Toyota has a diverse range of models to meet a staggering array of industrial needs.
Whether you’re looking for a compact order picker or a heavy-duty boat hauler, Toyota has a model for you.
6. Toyota Creates Industry-Leading Technology.
After designing some of the industry’s best forklifts, one might expect the company to sit back and trade on their brand. Not Toyota. They’re consistently at the forefront of material handling innovation. They push the bounds of the possible to constantly improve their existing models with higher quality parts and innovative systems like onboard telematics. Moreover, Toyota looks to the future, partnering with brands like Bastion Solutions to invest in advanced automation.
Toyota’s consistent devotion to being the most popular forklift brand forces them to create technologies that are light years ahead of the competition.
7. Unmatched Support Comes With Each Toyota Forklift.
Every Toyota forklift comes backed by expert service and support. Toyota’s technicians undergo rigorous training to ensure they can diagnose and repair issues quickly—minimizing downtime and keeping your fleet running smoothly. Toyota even holds competitions to keep service skills sharp, so when a technician arrives at your facility, you can trust they’re among the best in the industry.
Expert service and maintenance programs mean less unexpected downtime and forklifts that you can always depend on.
8. Toyota Forklifts Are Among the Most Cost-Effective on the Market.
Efficiency is more than just a buzzword for Toyota. Their models rank as some of the most efficient in production today. They use less fuel, have lower maintenance requirements, and are generally more durable than comparable forklifts.
Consequently, Toyota forklifts are less expensive to run than their competitors.
9. Used Toyota Forklifts Retain Unbeatable Resale Value.
There are a lot of reasons to love your Toyota forklift, and those don't disappear once your new forklift rolls off the lot. This means a used Toyota is as strong an investment as a new one. As a result, their forklifts retain their resale value longer than the competition.
This means your Toyota remains an asset—not a liability—throughout its economic life.
Top 10 Forklift Brands
Curious about the other top-rated forklifts? Here’s the top 10 list.
- Toyota
- The KION Group
- Jungheinrich AG
- Crown
- Mitsubishi
- Hyster-Yale
- Anhui
- Hangcha
- Doosan Bobcat
- Clark
Your Preferred Toyota Partner
Like Toyota, we at Southern States Toyotalift are committed to excellence.
We believe in bringing you only the best products on the market. That’s why we chose Toyota. Our expert staff knows the ins and outs of every Toyota Material Handling product out there, making us the best suited to help you find exactly what you need.
To learn more about why Toyota is number one or to inquire about how Toyota can improve your business, contact us online or visit one of our locations throughout Georgia and Florida.
Florida
Jacksonville
Lakeland
Ocala
Orlando
Tampa
Winter Haven
Georgia
Albany
Macon
Columbus
Valdosta
Further Reading
Calculating the True Cost Per Hour of Your Forklift
Warehouse Automation and Robotics Trends
Auto Mechanic Jobs vs. Forklift Technician Jobs
