Toyota Hilux Review 2024
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Toyota Hilux At A Glance
Excellent 2.8-litre engine. Large and useable load bay. Impressive off-road. Wide choice of body styles. 3.5 tonne towing capacity.
The most desirable models are expensive. Still feels like a truck rather than an SUV.
The Toyota Hilux has a strong reputation for indestructibility which has made it very popular with builders, forest workers and other professionals who need a vehicle that they can depend on. With the latest Hilux, though, Toyota wanted to expand its customer base to include more lifestyle buyers – those who want a more car-like driving experience and a slightly blingier image.
That's why the Toyota Hilux has been gentrified somewhat, with improved ride comfort and generous equipment levels – particularly on the priciest models. This isn't unusual in the world of pick-up trucks – vehicles like the Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger and SsangYong Musso all take a similar approach, so how does the Hilux stack up?
Well, for a start, buyers get the choice of two engines. The Hilux was initially offered with just a 2.4-litre D4-D with a slightly underwhelming 150PS, which meant it wasn't the punchiest unit on the market. A hefty 400Nm staved off any embarrassment towing a fully-loaded trailer out of a field, but it lacked refinement, particularly if you dared venture into the outside lane of a motorway.
The range expanded in 2020 with the addition of a 2.8-litre turbodiesel. With 204PS and up to 500Nm of torque (420Nm with the manual gearbox), this makes light work out of pretty much any driving scenario. It's seriously grunty with plenty of get-up-and-go, and will provide the kind of acceleration expected from anyone trading in a diesel SUV.
No matter which engine you choose, the Toyota Hilux can officially tow a braked trailer weighing up to 3500kg (note that business users might need to fit a tachograph to take full advantage of this). Payloads vary from 1000kg - 1030kg, depending on which body style and trim level you choose.
All Toyota Hilux models are four-wheel drive with a locking rear differential (automatic on Icon, Invincible and Invincible X trim levels), contributing to the kind of excellent off-road ability you'd expect from a Toyota pick-up truck. There's also low ratio gearing on hand to help with low speed manoeuvring, while an automatic braking system helps to moderate your speed when tackling steep off-road descents.
On the road, the Hilux's ride can get quite bumpy. It lacks the low-speed composure of the Navara and Volkswagen Amarok, which means potholes and speed bumps produce lots of body movement. Things improve at motorway speeds, with a calmer ride that feels predictable and comfortable, but the Hilux will never rival family SUVs for ride quality. That said, the Hilux is easy enough to drive and - even in rear-wheel drive mode - has plenty of grip in the corners.
Robust and hugely capable off-road, the Toyota Hilux is a rugged pick-up truck in a rapidly shrinking market. Whether you're looking for a tough workhorse or family transport that can take you anywhere, the Toyota's wide choice of body styles and trim levels mean there's a Hilux to suit every buyer.
Driven - Toyota Hilux
Range-topping Hilux Invincible X takes aim at the Nissan Navara and Volkswagen Amarok with higher spec and updated styling. Will it be good enough to topple its rivals? |
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Driving the Toyota Hilux
Like many modern pick-ups, the Toyota Hilux is built on a ladder chassis and uses leaf sprung rear suspension, which makes it well-suited for carrying heavy loads. The trade off, however, is that the ride can get extremely bumpy. Especially so when the vehicle isn't carrying anything in the back.
As a result it can get uncomfortable at low speeds and is prone to crashing over potholes and speed bumps. Corners also present a challenge, with lots of bodyroll. That said, the Hilux is easy enough to drive and a good motorway companion, with the ride settling down to a smooth and composed ride. There is plenty of grip in the corners, even in rear-wheel drive mode.
The interior boasts plenty of all-round visibility with electric door mirrors fitted as standard. The driver's seat has lots of adjustment while the reach and rake steering makes it easy to get a comfortable position. Obviously, owing to the fact the Hilux is 5.3 metres long it can be tricky to park. Thankfully most models get a rearview camera as standard, which makes it simple to park without scraping a bumper.
The 2.4 D-4D diesel engine is not particularly refined. There's lots of clatter at start-up and it tends to get quite vocal under hard acceleration. There is plenty of torque though - 400Nm from just 1600rpm - which gives high levels of mid-gear acceleration, making it great for towing up to 3.5 tonnes when hooked up to a braked trailer.
If your budget will stretch to it, a 2.8-litre Hilux (introduced in 2020) is a much better option. As we mentioned in the intro the this review, the bigger-capacity engine produces 204PS and up to 500Nm of torque (providing you opt for the automatic gearbox), which takes a great deal of strain out of most driving situations.
Off-road, the Hilux is brilliant. It will easily keep up with a Land Rover Defender on a muddy field or wintery farm track. The four-wheel drive system is easy to understand and can be activated in a matter of seconds while on the move.
As well as all-wheel drive, the Hilux gets a lockable rear diff and a host of electronic driving aids, including hill hold assist and an automatic braking function. This allows the Hilux to control its speeds when tackling steep off-road descents. It will also work in reverse, which means you can safely retrace your steps if you have found an off-road hill to be a bit too steep...
Toyota Hilux interior
Few workhorses are as tough or as capable as the Hilux. Backed by Toyota's proven four-wheel drive know how, the Hilux will make short work of wintry roads or off-road conditions. All versions get four-wheel drive as standard, while low ratio gearing and a lockable rear diff will allow the Hilux to cope with everything from muddy fields to snowy conditions.
Double cab versions offer the best balance between work and family practicality. The interior is large and comfortable, with plenty of head and legroom for up to four adults. There is also lots of storage, with deep door bins and two lockable gloveboxes. Air conditioning is standard across the range, while high spec models get automatic climate control, DAB, rear-view camera and a colour touchscreen.
The Hilux runs in rear-wheel drive as standard, but can be switched into four-wheel drive by a simple rotary dial. The system can be activated up to speeds of 30mph and takes seconds to operate. Low-ratio gears are also available for heavy duty off-roading, although the vehicle has to be brought to a halt for this.
The Hilux can be specified in three body styles - single cab, extra cab, double cab – but only those in need of a basic load carrier will want the two-seater single cab. The extra cab is technically a four-seater, but the lack of legroom in the back makes it only ever suitable for taking the kids to school. Most buyers will opt for the double cab, which will easily carry four large adults in comfort, with acres of head and legroom.
Depending on which version you choose, the Hilux will carry payloads of 1000kg - 1030kg. Double cab models boast one of the largest load beds of any double cab pick-up, stretching 1525mm in length and 1645mm in width. Single cab versions will take a considerable 2315mm in length.
Accessing the load area is easy, with a wide opening, although the fold-down tailgate is heavy and has a tendency to crash open if you click the handle and release it. But load tie hooks are plentiful and Toyota also offers a huge choice of load bed covers and protectors.
Like many pick-ups, the Hilux will tow up to 3.5 tonnes when hooked to a braked trailer. A trailer sway control system is fitted as standard and will apply braking and control engine power to prevent a braked trailer from becoming uncontrollable in high winds or on poor roads.
Toyota Hilux models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 5130 mm |
| Width | 1835 mm |
| Height | 1795 mm |
| Load Volume | - |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1960 kg |
| Payload | 1050 kg |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000 |
King Cab
| Version | List Price | MPG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra 2.5 D-4D Active 4WD | £18,083 | 38.0 mpg | Details |
Model History
- April 2016: Toyota Hilux prices announced
- April 2018: New Hilux models introduced
- October 2018: Hilux Invincible 50 launched
- April 2019: Revised Hilux Invincible X launched
- September 2019: Toyota Hilux revamped
- June 2020: 2.8-litre engine added to Hilux range
April 2016
Toyota Hilux prices announced
All versions of Hilux feature all-wheel drive models and six-speed manual transmission. Invincible and Invincible X models offer the option of a six-speed automatic gearbox. Both transmissions have been extensively revised to improve durability and low-speed driving performance, with quieter, smoother gear changes.
Only the 2.4-litre D-4D Global Diesel (GD) engine for the UK, but gives both much improved torque delivery at low and medium engine speeds and class-leading fuel economy. The 2,393cc, 16-valve, DOHC four-cylinder engine generates 150PS at 3,400rpm, and maximum torque of 400Nm between 1,600 and 2,000rpm. Its strong, responsive and efficient performance is supported by a variable nozzle turbocharger with intercooler. The new 2.4 GD is set to achieve a combined cycle consumption from 39.8mpg. Carbon dioxide emissions are from 187 g/km (figures provisional prior to homologation).
Hilux has a new ladder-frame chassis that gives the vehicle a 20 per cent increase in torsional rigidity compared to the current model. It is designed to deliver improved handling, ride comfort, noise and vibration performance and collision safety with outstanding durability in even the most extreme driving environments.
The robust leaf spring and twin shock absorber rear suspension system has been extensively revised to provide off-road articulation capabilities and SUV-like ride comfort and handling stability. Hilux is equipped with a switchable all-wheel drive system featuring a high and low-ratio transfer case, and both front and rear locking limited-slip differentials. The improved low and medium speed torque delivery of the new diesel engine and the increased strength of the new ladder-frame chassis together enable an increase in towing capacity to 3.5 tonnes
| GRADE | BODY STYLE | ENGINE | TRANSMISSION | CV OTR PRICE* |
| Active | Single Cab | 2.4 D-4D | 6MT | £19,177 |
| Active | Extra Cab | 2.4 D-4D | 6MT | £20,735 |
| Active | Double Cab | 2.4 D-4D | 6MT | £21,510 |
| Icon | Double Cab | 2.4 D-4D | 6MT | £23,114 |
| Icon | Double Cab | 2.4 D-4D | 6AT | £24,364 |
| Invincible | Double Cab | 2.4 D-4D | 6MT | £24,923 |
| Invincible | Double Cab | 2.4 D-4D | 6AT | £26,173 |
| Invincible X | Double Cab | 2.4 D-4D | 6MT | £28,185 |
| Invincible X | Double Cab | 2.4 D-4D | 6AT | £29,435 |
April 2018
New Hilux models introduced
The Invincible X has a revised frontal treatmen including a new grille with gloss black inserts and contrasting chrome frame, plus a new-look front bumper, fog lights and silver under-run.
At the rear there is a new step and a silver under-run beneath the licence plate. Inside, the Double Cab cabin has an all-black theme with contrasting chrome instrument panel trim and piano black inserts on the dashboard, door panels, steering wheel and gear shift lever and surround. The instrument binnacle has new features, including smart white dials and a centre TFT multi-information display with a dedicated Invincible X start-up animation that activates each time the ignition is switched on. And the key is model-specific, featuring a silhouette sketch of the new frontal design.
The Invincible X matches the existing Hilux Invincible specification with Toyota Safety Sense, including Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Warning and Road Sign Assist, plus cruise control, Toyota Touch 2 with Go multimedia system with navigation and six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, rear-view camera, automatic air conditioning and leather upholstery. It is powered by a 148bhp 2.4-litre D-4D engine and equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Hilux Invincible X is also offered in a new Limited Edition version. This come in two body colours: Scorched Orange or Nebula Blue. These provide a strong contrast with the model’s black exterior styling elements, including black 18-inch alloys, side steps and high-over bar. In other respects, the Limited Edition matches the Invincible X, including the new all-black cabin treatment.
October 2018
Hilux Invincible 50 launched
Just 50 examples are being built and it's priced at £39,995.
Key features include raised front and rear suspension with Bilstein performance dampers to give better ground clearance and off-road capability, 16 x 7.5 ETO5 alloy wheels with BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres, a double-hoop sports bar over the cargo bed with an array for four high-power Vision-X LED spotlights, bespoke wider front and rear wings, Arctic Trucks-branded mudflaps and special Invincible 50 badging on the body and in the cabin.
The Hilux Invincible 50 is a double-cab model, offered exclusively with black exterior paintwork and with Toyota’s 148bhp 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine with six-speed automatic transmission.
April 2019
Revised Hilux Invincible X launched
Double Cab only. Features grey smoked chrome finish for the upper front grille surround, fog lamp bezels, door and tailgate handles, door mirror casings, front and rear under-runs and rear bumper corners.
September 2019
Toyota Hilux revamped
Entry-level Active Single and Extra Cab models now come with easy-care PVC seats and flooring.
The latest generation Toyota Safety Sense is now available across the range: standard on Icon, Invincible and Invincible X and an option on Active grade. This equips Hilux with Adaptive Cruise Control and a Pre-Collision System that can recognise pedestrians in the road ahead by day and night, and cyclists during daylight driving, in addition to Lane Departure Warning and Road Sign Assist.
To boost fuel economy and cut exhaust emissions, Hilux’s 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine has been fitted with an eco stop-start system, featured on Icon grade and above.
The Hilux Invincible X gets new smoked chrome detailing on the upper front grille surround, fog light bezels, door and tailgate handles, door mirror casings, front and rear under-runs and rear bumper corners. Side bars are finished in black and wheels are 18-inch alloys with a two-tone machined finish. In the cab there are new piano black inserts on the dashboard, door panels, steering wheel and gear shift.
A manual transmission option is now offered again on the Invincible X Double Cab. All Hilux have all-wheel drive capability and according to model it can be specified with 3.2 or 3.5-tonne braked trailer towing capacity.
June 2020
2.8-litre engine added to Hilux range
Toyota renews its Hilux pick-up with a striking design, a powerful 2.8-litre powertrain, improvements in on and off-road driving performance and equipment upgrades.
At the top of the range, the new Invincible X model gains bespoke styling features and premium equipment features, but sacrifices none of the strengths that have made Hilux a global success.
Where practicality is concerned, Hilux’s one-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity are delivered across all three body types: Single Cab, Extra Cab and Double Cab.
Hilux’s frontal design has a completely new look, with a more powerful, three-dimensional treatment of the grille and bumper, increasing the vehicle’s road presence and reinforcing its robust, go-anywhere credentials.
According to model grade, new front and rear LED light clusters are available, plus 18-inch alloy wheels with a contrast machined/black finish. There is also a striking new colour option – Titan Bronze metallic.
The upgraded cabin features a new-design instrument combimeter and an eight-inch multimedia screen mounted on the centre console. This uses buttons and dial controls for easier use in all driving conditions. The multimedia system has faster software and screen response, and enables easy smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Features include smart entry and push-button start, satellite navigation, automatic air conditioning, front and rear parking sensors and a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system with an 800W eight-channel amplifier and CLARI-Fi technology for improving the reproduction quality of digital music files.
Customers can choose from a wide range of accessories to personalise their Hilux and equip it to suit their specific work or leisure requirements. Items include a range of hard tops and roll covers, a locking tailgate and a 12V power supply mounted on the deck.
Hilux’s powertrain range has been bolstered by the addition of a more powerful, 201bhp* 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, a unit that ensures the pick-up stays on the performance pace in its segment.
The new engine generates 500Nm* of torque and can accelerate Hilux from nought to 62mph in 10 seconds* – up to 3.2 seconds faster than the current 2.4-litre unit. Combined cycle fuel consumption is 36.3mpg* and CO 2 emissions are 204g/km*.
Comfort and driveability have been enhanced through improvements to the suspension and power steering. The front and rear shock absorbers have been retuned, there is an improved leaf spring design and new bushing is used. These contribute to a smoother ride with less shock when driving over joints and holes in the road surface.
Off-road performance has been enhanced with the lowering of engine speed at idle from 850 to 680rpm; and accelerator response tuned for greater driver control, The vehicle stability control has been updated and a new tyre angle monitor has been adopted.
* All figures provisional pending final homologation; fuel and emissions are NEDC correlated data; WLTP data will be issued nearer the time of European vehicle homologation.
