Since its launch in 1968, the unstoppable Toyota Hilux pick-up has proved it’s invincibility time and again, having conquered the North Pole, Icelandic volcanoes, the Antarctic and a win in the Dakar Rally in 2019.
The Hilux pick-up might not have the eye-catching looks of the Ford Ranger, or the rugged looks of the new Mitsubishi Triton but there is something satisfying about being behind the wheel of any Hilux pick-up if you are using it for your business or even a little pleasure.
The new Toyota Hilux combines a striking new design, the addition of a powerful 2.8 litre powertrain and improvements to both its on- and off-road performance with greater comfort, upgraded equipment and an expanded model range targeting Europe’s growing dual-usage, leisure markets.
A new, range-topping ‘Invincible’ grade offers customers bespoke styling and premium levels of equipment, without sacrificing any of the toughness, robustness and legendary Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) that have made Hilux the world’s favourite pick-up.
Design and On-board Technology
The face of the new Toyota Hilux has been completely redesigned with a new bold & powerful three-dimensional grille and front bumper treatment, which significantly increases the pick-up’s road presence and strong stature, whilst reinforcing its tough, robust, go-anywhere credentials.
This striking new exterior styling is further enhanced by the availability of newly-designed front and rear LED light clusters, a new machine finish and black 18″ alloy wheel design and the addition of three new exterior colours – Emotional Red II, Dark Blue and Oxide Bronze metallic.
The upgraded interior features a new driver’s combi-meter design, and a new, 8″ centre console-mounted infotainment screen which adopts mechanical buttons and dials for enhanced operability under all driving conditions. The enhanced multimedia system features faster software and screen response, and incorporates both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ for smartphone integration.
An extensive equipment list includes smart entry and push-button start, satellite navigation, automatic air-conditioning, front and rear parking sensors, and a 9-speaker JBL Premium Sound System incorporating an 800W 8-channel amplifier and CLARi-Fi technology.
Reinforcing the exclusivity of the new Hilux range, a wide range of accessories will enable customers to further tailor their vehicles to their own work or leisure requirements. These include a resin sports bar, an electric aluminium roll cover, tailgate locking, a hardtop and a 12v deck-mounted power supply.
Powertrains
The new Hilux powertrain range has been bolstered by the addition of a new, more powerful 2.8 litre, 204 DIN hp diesel engine, equipping the Toyota pick-up with highly competitive performance in its segment.
Generating 500 Nm of torque, this new engine will accelerate the Toyota Hilux from 0-100 km/h in just 10.0 seconds (2.8 seconds faster than the existing 2.4 litre unit), whilst returning an average fuel consumption of 7.8 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 204 g/km.
Targeting the most demanding double-usage and leisure Hilux customers, the new 2.8 litre powertrain will be available in Extra Cab and Double Cab body styles, with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions mated to 4-wheel drive.
Driving Dynamics
For the new Hilux, the engineers target was to keep legendary off-road capabilities while improving on-road comfort. To ensure extreme off-road conditions, Toyota Hilux in one of the few still true to its body-on-frame architecture which can withstand twisting forces better and more durably.
The comfort and driveability of the new Hilux has been enhanced through improvements to the suspension and power steering systems. The suspension benefits from front and rear shock absorber tuning, improved leaf spring design and new bushing to combine a smoother ride with reduced impact on steps and holes.
The Hilux’s already peerless off-road credentials have been further enhanced by a new electronic function replicating the effect of a mechanical LSD (on 2WD models); the lowering of engine speed at idle from 850 to 680 rpm and a tuned accelerator response for greater driver control; an updated VSC system; and a new tyre angle monitor.
