For many years the Hilux and the Toyota truck in USA (pre tacomas) were built on the same platform, So you were right, till 1995.
I think after 1996 they start to have some differences.
They are still close but not the same anymore. Hilux is shorter than the USA tacoma. Tacoma platform as well 4R's have meet several USA standards that are not required in many other countries. Plus some amenities that US costumers can afford are not available/required overseas.
I might be wrong, I know the 4R is sold in other coutries but I believe the US Tacoma is not sold anywhere else (except Canada). One extra note: Double cab Hilux were sold overseas since 1986, but double cabs tacomas did not start until 2000.
Close but not the same.