Toyota Hilux Review 2024

Toyota Hilux At A Glance

4/5

+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? 

Read the full driven report here >>

Hilux -invincible -x -2_530x 379

Ask Honest John

What is the most reliable pickup truck?

"What is the most reliable pickup truck to buy?"
We would suggest looking at the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max if reliability is the most important factor. These brands achieved the highest MoT pass rate for their first test at three years old. Also you could look at the Volkswagen Amarok, which had the highest MoT pass rate for an individual model.
Answered by David Ross

What's the most reliable pick-up truck in the UK?

"I need your advice on the most reliable pick-up truck. What model would you recommend?"
The Toyota Hilux is the best for reliability in my opinion. Toyota always performs strongly in our annual Satisfaction Index, too. You can find all of Hilux reviews and used buying guides, here: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/toyota/
Answered by Dan Powell

What's the cheapest way to buy a new Toyota Hilux?

"What's the cheapest way to buy a new Toyota Hilux pick-up? Should I buy, lease or go down the PCP route?"
Depends on what you mean by "the cheapest way". Buying the vehicle outright will be the cheapest route over the long term. A cash sale will not add any interest payments or penalty fees if you cover lots of mileage or the vehicle gets any minor scrapes to the bodywork or loadbed. If you do not have £30k to drop on a new pick-up then a PCP or lease will give you affordable monthly payments. But you will face mileage limits and may not ever own the vehicle. PCP and leasing is explained in detail here: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/cheap-van-finance-and-advice/cheap-van-finance/#buying-a-new-or-used-van-your-financial-optional
Answered by Dan Powell

Which pick-up is best for farm work?

"Please can you advise me on which pick up is the best? I've been looking at the Toyota Hilux, but I'm wondering what year would be the best to buy. My budget is £20k, but I could go a bit over. I've read the 2.4-litre is sluggish but would 2.8 be too juicy? We need a pick up for farm work, dog transport and the occasional school run - so multitasker really. Are there any other pickups I should be looking at? Thanks very much."
The Toyota Hilux has a strong reputation for reliability, but the 150PS 2.4-litre engine is not particularly refined or powerful. However, as a general farm vehicle, I think it would be fine for your everyday needs. Invincible models are very well-equipped as standard, with LED headlights, heated seats and 18-inch alloy wheels. If you want a pick-up with more punch then I'd recommend the 2.0-litre Ford Ranger Wildtrak with 170PS or 213PS: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ford/ranger-2011
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

What does a Toyota Hilux cost?