Toyota Hilux : In a motoring world of be-roofed city cars and downsized SUVs, the Toyota Hilux is an unapologetic rule breaker.
It is big, bold and designed to survive that harshest terrain you can throw at it.
The Hilux has been a favourite among global markets for its ‘can-do’ attitude and now it’s finally made its way to India, to flaunt some muscle in a segment that is gradually picking pace.
So what’s the hype about this gargantuan on wheels? Well, if you have adventure flowing through your veins or if you just need a workhorse capable of taking damn near anything the bush can throw at it, the Hilux could well be the beast you’ve been waiting for.
Rough around the Edges, Polished in the Details
The first thing that will strike you when you see the Hilux in person is its sheer size. It’s not trying to make friends — this is a truck that stands tall and proud.
The large grille, wide LED headlights, pronounced wheel arches and high-sitting stance scream off-road ready.
You could as readily picture it whipping through rocky mountain trails as you could accommodatingly positioned outside a luxury resort.
And yet it is not dated, not by a long shot. Chrome highlights, good-looking alloy wheels and sharp body lines inject enough style to prevent it from feeling like a total utility vehicle. It’s rugged, but with polish.
Inside: Hard on the Outside, Soft in the Middle
Jump into the cabin, and the Hilux takes you by surprise. Toyota did not skimp on comfort. It looks like you would imagine a pickup to look, and feels solid, but is anything but “spartan.”
Soft-touch materials, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery and powered driver seats make it feel premium.
Space isn’t an issue either. With particularly deep backrest angle and good legroom, the back seats proved more comfortable than you might expect in a truck with a loading bay.
Powertrain: Diesel Powerhouse, Graduated No B.S.
Powering the Hilux is a 2.8-liter, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that makes a respectable 204 PS as well as a meaty 500 Nm of torque. And it’s paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
It’s the same engine that does duty in the Fortuner – and it feels just as punchy here, if not a little punchier.
The torque delivery is smooth and robust, which can be especially good when pulling or towing. And off the tarmac? But then the Hilux turns from one beast into something else entirely.
Equipped with 4×4 low range, electronic differential lock, hill descent control and high ground clearance, it tackles rough trails and steep inclines like a mountain goat on steroids.
Ride and Handling: Modestly sophisticated
On normal roads you might anticipate the Hilux to be a clunky, bouncy ride — but it’s not.
Yes, the leaf-spring rear suspension means it won’t ride quite as cushy as a crossover, but for a ladder-on-frame truck, the ride quality is quite well composed. It absorbs potholes okay, and feels strong and stable, even at highway speeds.
The steering, while not feather-light, is perfectly predictable and responsive for a car of its size. In other words, it drives the way a truck should — without being an annoyance to live with.
Features and Safety
Toyota has chucked a good selection of mod-cons at the Hilux — automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control, connected-car tech, reverse camera and the rest of it.
For safety, 7 airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, and ABS with EBD are what you receive. It’s designed to protect you, wherever you’re going.
Pros
Rugged durability and reliability
The strong diesel with high torque output
Great off roadability
Plenty of interior room with various new features
Bold road presence
Cons
Expensive for a pickup truck
Ride can be too stiff with leaf spring rear suspension
Big size is not best for tight city spaces
(Limited cargo was Enclosed bed)
Real-world fuel economy not the best in class
Toyota Hilux: Final Verdict
The Toyota Hilux is not a car for everyone — and that’s why it’s so good. It’s for those who purportedly ‘don’t just drive, but explore’. It’s for people who can see roads where others see dead ends.
Whether you’re a tradie escorting your t-boned trailer at 120 kilometers per hour, an off-roader with the confidence to tackle anything during a day on the dunes and night on the tracks, or if you’re just an all round tough nut with a soft side for a little bit of comfort, the Hilux has it all. It’s not just a pickup, it’s a declaration.
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