Toyota Hilux (2005 – 2015) Review
Toyota Hilux (2005 – 2015) At A Glance
The Toyota Hilux is as much a byword for pick-up trucks as the Ford Transit is for panel vans. This has come about by the Hilux seemingly having been on sale since Noah needed to nip down to the timber merchant’s, but it’s also based on unerring reliability and rugged construction.
The current, and sixth, generation of Hilux continues these traditions and comes in the expected single cab, Extra Cab with additional rear sets and the more spacious Double Cab for crews. With more sumptuous interior fittings and comfort, the top spec Double Cab models are also popular with leisure users for towing.
With payloads in the pick-up bed ranging from 860kg to 1100kg, the Hilux can cope with most needs. It can also tow up to 2500kg with a braked trailer, so it’s ideal for pulling a horsebox or trailer, though some might find this limit too low to allow for safe limits.
There’s no faulting the engines in the Hilux, though. They come in turbodiesel 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre forms with bags of power, smooth delivery and affordable running costs. The Hilux also comes with selectable four-wheel drive for all versions sold in the UK.
Driving the Toyota Hilux (2005 – 2015)
Toyota Hilux buyers have the choice of two turbodiesel engines. They are both four cylinder units and they come in 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre versions. The 2.5-litre is the more common unit and has 144PS on tap at 3400rpm, with a hefty 343Nm of shove but delivered at quite a giddy 2800rpm that means you need to work the Toyota’s engine a bit harder than feels necessary or desirable at times.
If you think moving to the 3.0-litre turbodiesel will cure this peccadillo, think again as the larger engine may offer more power at 171PS, but it is delivered at 3600rpm. As for the shove that is needed to get the substantial two tonne weight of the Hilux moving, it comes in at the same 343Nm but at 3400rpm in the 3.0-litre engine. This is a real surprise given Toyota’s usual eye for detail with its vehicles.
More importantly, it means you often have to rev the Hilux’s engines harder than you’d like to get the best from them. Yes, they are smooth and happier to rev than most of its rivals’ but it doesn’t mitigate much of the noise you are subjected to when driving in this fashion.
In town, on the ring road or in the country, the Hilux’s engines are a constant aural companion, and not a very welcome one. This is a big black mark against what is an otherwise decent pick-up to drive, though there is also plenty of wind and road noise to be heard at higher speeds too.
To go in the plus column, the Hilux offers a good view all round from the driver’s seat, the steering is decently light when parking and the turning circle is on a par with the best in class. There is also the minimal lean in corners that means driver and passengers are not thrown from side to side as if they were strapped in to a fairground ride. Throw in the Toyota’s excellent off-road credentials when the four-wheel drive system is engaged, which comes with a limited slip and locking rear differential in the HL2 and HL3 models. The top spec 3.0-litre Invincible can also be ordered with a five-speed automatic gearbox in place of the usual five-speed manual that has a slow but accurate shift action.
In the debit column, unfortunately, the Hilux has a couple of notable entries alongside its poor refinement. First up is the firm ride. While this eases up if you have a heavier load in the pick-up bed, it’s just too harsh and crashy when running light and makes the Hilux less than comfortable on any type of road surface. This also leads to the rear wheels spinning up too readily when pulling out of junctions or taking roundabouts at anything above a snail’s pace.
The other downside of the Hilux is the handling trails some way behind the class leaders. Where the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max feel composed and poised, the Hilux seems to be on its tip-toes the whole time, teetering round corners when it would rather be cruising in a straight line.
Toyota Hilux (2005 – 2015) interior
If the Toyota Hilux loses out to some newer rivals when it comes to driving, it still competes head on with them for the quality and construction of its cabin. Everything has a solid feel and it helps the Hilux continue to find buyers to this day. With 20,000-mile service intervals and a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty too, the Hilux should be a dependable friend. This is borne out by the tiny number of recalls the Toyota has been subject to since its launch in 2005, which further instils confidence in its robust nature.
However, the toughness of the Hilux doesn’t offset the driving position will not suit everyone. The seat itself is comfortable and supportive, but it doesn’t adjust for height and the steering wheel only moves a small amount for height but not for reach. This means driving position is compromised for some drivers, so be sure to try it out on an extended test drive to be sure you can get comfy.
The view all round is good in the Hilux, whether you choose the Single, Extra or Double Cab models. Each model has the same dash design and layout, so there are sturdy, large dials for the heating, clear instruments and easy to use column stalks, even if you’re wearing gloves. There are also plenty of air vents to help cool or warm the cabin, and the driver has plenty of cubbies, tray and boxes arrayed around him to keep small and larger items safely stored.
For the passenger, comfort is good and the Hilux comes with driver and passenger airbags, though only the Invincible model has curtain ’bags. That’s about it for the two-seat Single Cab model, but the Extra Cab has two small rear seats that are just about able to cope with adults for short hop journeys. They are cramped, though, so if you intend to carry more than just one passenger on a regular basis, the Double Cab is by far the better choice of Hilux.
The Double Cab has seating for three in the back and can accommodate adults with reasonable comfort. A disappointment is the centre seat makes do with only a lap belt where the outer two seats have three-point seat belts. Clawing back some goodwill for the Toyota is the large storage bin under the rear bench that is easily accessed by flipping up the seat base to offer some secure storage inside the cab.
For the pick-up bed, the rear tailgate can be locked separately from the cab and folds down through 90-degrees to sit flush with the load bed. A lockable roller cover can be added as an option to further secure the load area and Toyota also offers rear load canopies. Securing hooks help keep loads from moving around, while the Hilux can cope with loads of up to 1060kg in weight and 2340mm in length depending on which model you choose.
Toyota Hilux (2005 – 2015) models and specs
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 5130–5260 mm |
Width | 1760–1835 mm |
Height | 1680–1860 mm |
Load Volume | 1.0–1.5 m3 |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1820–2030 kg |
Payload | 820–1110 kg |
Warranty | 36/60,000 |
Servicing | 20000 |
Double Cab
Extra Cab
Version | List Price | MPG | |
---|---|---|---|
4WD 2.5 D-4D 144 HL2 Extra Cab | £17,583 | 38.7 mpg | Details |
4WD 2.5 D-4D HL2 Extra Cab | £15,470 | 34.0 mpg | Details |
Extra Cab 4WD 2.5 D-4D 144 Active | £17,583 | 38.7 mpg | Details |
Extra Cab 4WD 2.5 D-4D 144 Active (VSC) | £18,083 | 38.7 mpg | Details |
Single Cab
Version | List Price | MPG | |
---|---|---|---|
4WD 2.5 D-4D 144 HL2 Single Cab | £16,375 | 38.7 mpg | Details |
4WD 2.5 D-4D HL2 Single Cab | £14,670 | 34.0 mpg | Details |
4WD 3.0 D-4D Invincible | £20,070 | 31.7 mpg | Details |
4WD 3.0 D-4D Invincible | £19,170 | 34.0 mpg | Details |
Single Cab 2.5 D-4D Active 4WD | £16,875 | 38.0 mpg | Details |
Single Cab 4WD 2.5 D-4D 144 Active | £16,375 | 38.7 mpg | Details |
Single Cab 4WD 2.5 D-4D 144 Active (VSC) | £16,875 | 38.7 mpg | Details |
Model History
- October 2005: New Hilux launched in the UK
- October 2006: Extra Cab model added to range
- January 2007: Toyota launches high powered Hilux
- April 2008: Even more powerful Hilux introduced
- June 2008: Hilux Invincible 200 launched
- September 2008: Hilux improved for 2009
- December 2009: Hilux revised for 2010
- July 2011: Facelifted Hilux announced
- February 2015: Runout top-of-the-range model Toyota Hilux Invincible launched
October 2005
New Hilux launched in the UK
The sixth generation Toyota Hilux is launched for the UK market.
October 2006
Extra Cab model added to range
The Extra Cab, offered exclusively with four-wheel drive, became the first Hilux to adopt Toyota's new 2.5-litre D-4D 120 engine. This unit gave more power and torque and is cleaner than the previous Hilux engine. It's a two-door model, but features two occasional rear seats, equipped with three point seatbelts. These are incorporated into the design allowing a rear decklength of 1805mm compared to a Double Cab with 1520mm.
January 2007
Toyota launches high powered Hilux
The new 3.0-litre D-4D 170PS engine produces 343Nm of torque available from 1400 all the way up to 3400rpm. Available in the Hilux Double Cab in HL3 and Invincible trim, it can be specified with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. For improved off-road handling, the 3.0-litre D-4D Hilux is fitted as standard with a limited slip differential. The revised 2.5-litre D-4D 120 engine sees torque boosted from 260Nm to 325Nm, with more than 300Nm produced between 1600rpm and 2600rpm.
April 2008
Even more powerful Hilux introduced
Limited to 500 units it is equipped with the 3.0-litre D-4D engine that already features in the Hilux Invincible, but thanks to a Toyota Motorsport diesel engine performance kit, maximum output is increased to 197PS. This slashes the nought to 62mph acceleration time from 13.0 to 10.5 seconds (11.4 seconds for automatic versions). There is an even greater hike in torque performance, with a maximum 430Nm (up from 343Nm) sustained all the way from 1600rpm to 3200rpm.
June 2008
Hilux Invincible 200 launched
The Hilux Invincible 200 Double Cab is equipped with a Toyota Motor Sport diesel engine performance kit that transforms the performance of the 3.0-litre D-4D engine. Power is increased from 171PS to 197PS and maximum torque rises from 343 to 430Nm, making the Invincible 200 more powerful than any of its market rivals. What’s more, the hike in output brings no penalty in fuel consumption or emissions compared to the standard Invincible.
September 2008
Hilux improved for 2009
The 2009 Hilux is easily identified by new front-end styling with a new trapezoidal grille and grey plate bar. There is also a redesigned bumper, with a larger and wider opening. Inside there is a new four-spoke steering wheel includes integrated fingertip controls for the audio system and multi-information display and the wheel and gear knob gain a leather trim on HL3 models and above. The instrument cluster and controls for the wipers and lights have been improved and a better ergonomic design has been adopted for the shift console in versions with manual transmission.
A new five-speed automatic transmission is now available in the 3.0 D-4D Hilux Double Cab, giving smoother performance and better efficiency than the previous four-speed unit. Double Cab models enjoy better passive and active safety with the addition of VSC, (Invincible only) side airbags for the driver and front seat passenger and curtain airbag protection for front and outer rear seat occupants (3.0D-4D only). The Hilux also gained larger brakes with 297mm diameter ventilated front discs and 295mm drums for all four-wheel drive models, apart from the Invincible with VSC, which has 319mm ventilated front discs.
December 2009
Hilux revised for 2010
Toyota revised the 2.5 D-4D engine, the core power unit in the Hilux range, to produce significantly more power and extra torque. Maximum output has increased from 120PS to 144PS, a rise of 20 per cent. Maximum torque is up by 18Nm to a maximum 343Nm at 2000rpm.
Increases in Hilux’s gross vehicle weights have yielded improvements in payload performance, notably for Double Cab models where capacity has increased by 35kg on the HL2 Double Cab and 25kg on the HL3 Double Cab. The range has been revised with the high-power 3.0 D-4D engine now available exclusively in the Invincible Double Cab. Leather upholstery and satellite navigation with Bluetooth are now options on the Invincible.
July 2011
Facelifted Hilux announced
The Hilux was restyled with an all-new front end for 2012 model year, new interior styling to create a more car-like environment and the introduction of Toyota Touch with touchscreen multimedia unit, plus rear view camera, Bluetooth and USB port. Other changes included the addition of diesel particulate filter (DPF) to both engines to ensure compliance with Euro 5 emissions standards and giving reduced CO2 output and increased fuel economy.
As a result it has the lowest in class CO2 emissions of 194g/km for 2.5-litre Double Cab. The emissions figure for the 3.0 D-4D Double Cab automatic fell to 227g/km and the manual to 203g/km. Combined fuel consumption figures improved from 31.7mpg to 32.8mpg and 34.0mpg to 36.7mpg respectively (but see under 'what's bad').
February 2015
Runout top-of-the-range model Toyota Hilux Invincible launched
Priced at £23,842 + VAT for the manual and £24,842 for the automatic.
Has all the features of the Invincible plus multiple new styling options - all included in the vehicle price. These are four 17-inch alloy wheel designs and choice of either a hi-over bar or Style Pack of front guard, silver-coloured under-run, aluminium-finish scuff plates, chrome door handles and chrome surrounds for the bonnet air intake and rear lamp clusters; Chrome side bars with or without steps and four leather seat upholstery colour-ways.
The choice of 17-inch alloy wheel designs are the standard Invincible rim and a new Rica five-spoke in all-black or two-tone black/machined or black/graphite finish.
The Invincible X is available exclusively in Double Cab form with Toyota's 170PS 3.0-litre D-4D diesel engine matched to either five-speed manual or automatic transmission. With permanent four-wheel drive and an auto-disconnecting differential, the Hilux Invincible X is engineered to take on the toughest environments. It also benefits from a 2.8-tonne towing capacity.