Toyota Hilux - Top features

Toyota Hilux is one of the most successful dual-cab in its segment which has been a sales topper for the company ever since its arrival in the early ’60s. While the most recent update around the car was its facelifted version which was introduced in 2019. For the present year, the revised nose design comes with an additional DPF burn-off switch beside the choice of two four-cylinder diesel turbos and four-cylinder petrol. Additionally, it gets driving options of 4x2 and 4x4 drive types and a choice between single, extra and dual cab bodies with either a pickup tray or cab chassis.

Being a complicated lineup, the Toyota Hilux comprises of a total of six variants depending on its power output and transmission option. The lineup includes Workmate, SR, SR5, Rogue, Rugged, and Rugged X. Toyota Hilux price range stretches from $21,865 to $64,490. The Toyota Hilux receives intense competition from entry-level rival versions of the Mitsubishi Triton, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max, although the latter two come with diesel powertrains as standard.

Is Hilux a good car?

Owning a market presence for ages, the Toyota Hilux lineup surely speaks for itself. From covering the expectations of its customers by offering a wide variety of drive control and types, the automaker has also offered vast and extensive load carrying ability in the vehicle. Additionally, the Toyota Hilux offers two-wheel drive or dual-range 4WD paired with very efficient handling.

Let’s take a look at some of the major features of the Toyota Hilux that will appeal to buyers.

An array of engine options

Toyota Hilux specs sheet carries a wide array of engine options, the first is a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine that generates a maximum power output of 176 hp and a peak torque of up to 450 Nm.

The other engine offering by the automaker is a lighter version i.e. 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 150 hp of power besides generating a peak torque of up to 400 Nm. Lastly, there is a 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine offering that is exclusively available for 2WD Workmates. The petrol engine produces 166 hp of power along with a peak torque of up to 245 Nm.

Tough and rugged exterior look

The Toyota Hilux offers a mild aesthetic nip to add on to the rugged exterior look of the vehicle. Additionally, the truck gets an upgrade around the exterior that includes a new grille full of black gloss plastics. The vehicle gets a chrome finish on the grille, door handles, and bumpers and rides on 18-inch alloys. While the Hilux design feature looks sporty with its raised bumpers, its sports bar provides the Hilux range with a ‘top-spec’ look.

Practical and well-designed cabin space

The Toyota Hilux showcases spacious boot space that allows the occupants to carry the lugguage easily. Adding to the smartly-designed cabin is a small trench under the air-conditioning controls, a double glove box set-up and a deep centre console box for other requirements. Interestingly, coming to the rear seat, it offers a decent space for an ideal six-footer. The rear-seat with a 60/40 split can be swung up to turn the rear portion of the cab into a more practical storage area.

High towing capacity

Considered to have a similar capacity as the other utes, the Hilux carries a 740 kg. The towing capacity can be increased as the users go higher in the segment, selecting a wider tray in its load body. While some trims are rated for braked trailers of 3,500 kg, the more popular Hilux models are able to tow around 3,200 kg i.e. increased efficiency output for its users.

Top of the segment safety rating

Perhaps the most attractive feature besides its towing capacity and interiors are the safety ratings over different sectors. With seven airbags, electronic stability control, trailer-sway control and a reversing camera, all Hilux models have excellent safety. With the recently introduced Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance package, the car gets a pre-collision safety system with day and night pedestrian detection and day cyclist detection. The safety sense also gets high-speed active cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assistance, and road sign recognition that displays the current speed limit. Lastly, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) awarded the current Hilux model with five stars, its maximum safety score.

Comfortable riding in all forms of terrains

On the road, the Hilux offers a comfortable ride to its drivers across all the possible form of platforms. With higher visibility from the driver’s seat via a wide range of adjustability options in the seat. It has firm and smooth steering that offers plenty of feedback from the front wheels, so it’s easy to drive in the lower-speed off-road environment.

Final words

With its generous proportions, the Toyota Hilux is among the more accommodating vehicles, manufactured for the urban traffic and busy family life. With a different styling from the competitors, the Hilux provides a middle ground that will be ideal for many buyers looking for a truly capable dual-purpose ute. Lastly, with an updated warranty and safety package the Hilux rightfully remains a formidable force in Australia’s dual-cab market.

Also read: Toyota Corolla Sedan - All you need to know