The Toyota Hilux Philippines has been praised as a reliable pickup truck since its release way back in 1968. Now that it's 2021, the eight-gen version still remains to be a competent work truck, whilst having more in the way of creature comforts.
The stock Toyota Hilux G
Like its predecessors, the current Hilux also has a reputation for versatility. In stock form, it can already do well as a family vehicle, and as a cargo carrier for small to medium businesses. But with mods, it can either transform to a badass all-around off-roader, an overlander, or maybe even a full-on rock crawler.
So, how does one transform the Hilux to be able to fit into those roles? What kind of Toyota Hilux accessories should I buy? Here are some tips & advice.
Toyota Hilux Accessories for Modification: Ground clearance and flexibility
Building an off-road vehicle is the polar opposite of building a race-capable car. Instead of gunning for a lower ride height, you want the most ride height and ground clearance as possible for a Hilux off-road build.
Having a higher ride height and ground clearance affords you several things. One is that your Hilux can now use suspension systems with longer travel, hence it can have better flexibility and stability when taking on uneven terrain.
A flexible suspension system means better a ability to take on a variety of terrain [Photo Source: ARB]
Second, a higher ground clearance means there are fewer chances for the bottom parts of your Toyota Hilux to scrape against road obstacles.
For this, you’d want a lift kit. Typically, this comes in a package that includes stronger aftermarket parts like u-bolts, shackles, beefier leaf springs, shock absorbers, anti-roll bars among others.
A good one we recommend is the Old Man Emu Suspension Lift Kit. This though can be pricey, as the specific kit for the Hilux LN166 (sixth-gen model) can cost up to Php 70,000. There are cheaper “economy” kits out there, but we cannot vouch for them in terms of durability.
If you have the patience, you can also ship one from Australia, specifically from Fulcrum Suspensions. Their kits can range from Php 45,000 to Php 75,000 (before shipping and taxes). Of course, the higher the lift, the higher the price.
And no, we do not recommend a body lift kit, if what you’re after is serious off-roading.
Toyota Hilux Accessories: Protection
Besides ground clearance and suspension travel, you’d want something to protect the undersides of your Toyota Hilux. In off-roading after all, there are some instances where despite the height of your truck, it will come into contact with obstacles.
This usually happens when crawling on large rocks, or challenging uneven terrain littered with small to large hills, and whatnot. Even wildlife and other stuff in the boonies like a rotten wood stump can also do damage to your truck’s undercarriage.
In Australia, bumpers like these are crucial...because kangaroos [Photo Source: ARB]
So to armor up your Hilux, you’d want a steel front bumper, combined with a real, functional skidplate. Recommended brands for these are Racewolf, ARB, Rhino4x4, etc. Again though, these are expensive, and will need some time to install properly.
Of note, some off-road steel front bumpers can also be fitted with winches. These, of course, are important for recovering your buddies' off-road vehicle and/or your own Hilux from being stuck in mud, sand, or whatnot. You'd also want a good recovery strap because using your winch with a rope or chain can be unsafe.
For those who want to build serious rock crawlers, you might also want to get rock sliders from the same brands mentioned above as they can protect your truck’s door sills and door bottoms.
Furthermore, you’d want a beefy set of tires. There are of course, many different off-road tire types for mud, sand, etc. But maybe you’d want something that can do it all. For this, you’ll have to get all-terrain tires that are larger than your stock ones.
BFGoodrich KO2 [Photo source: BFGoodrich]
Luckily, almost any mainstream tire brand sells a good all-terrain tire. The catch is that they’re pricey. For example, a set of BFGoodrich K02s can set you back around Php 60,000. Another example are the Cooper Discoverer tires which start at around Php 14,000 for one single tire. Then again, that’s just the price you have to pay if you want to be successful offroad.
Lastly, you might want to invest in a good roll bar. Sure, there are cheap ones if what you’re after is looks, but a strong roll bar can handle the weight of the entire vehicle so you won’t get crushed to death in the event that your Hilux rolls over.
Toyota Hilux Accessories: Overlanding and other mods
If you want to take your Hilux overlanding and not just off-roading, you’d want some accessories that will enable you to sleep in it, cover longer distances, as well as some creature comforts.
To start, you’ll need to address your sleeping situation with a tent. For this, there are brands like Featherlite, The Bush Company Alpha, Guana, among others. All sell tent kits that are ready to fit on many different Hilux versions and year models, and they’re easy to set up too.
Go anywhere, sleep anywhere bro. [Photo source: Hans Hillewaert]
Then you’d want auxiliary lights because you won’t be camping out in the city would you? Of course, these are optional, but they are great to have if you’re setting up your camp in the wilderness. Just remember to not use these whenever you’re driving your truck on public roads.
And of course, you’d also want to make sure that your Toyota Hilux can carry all the stuff you need. So apart from the bed itself, you’d also want a roof rack for your larger stuff. Or maybe some of your gear that has gotten dirty in the course of your adventures.
As a side note, you might want to make sure that the Hilux you’re turning into your off-roading chariot has 4x4. Sure, the 4x2 variants can still handle rough roads, but if you’re serious about heading out into the boonies, a 4x4 drivetrain is crucial.
Official Toyota Hilux Accessories
If you want to take it slow, and maybe not dive into modifying your Hilux into something that can save you during the apocalypse, then maybe you’d want some basic accessories like the official ones from Toyota Philippines.
These include bits like over fenders, door edge protectors, bed liners, and alternate wheels. Also, there are less functional ones like headlamp and taillights garnishes, fog lamp garnishes, etc.
You'd want a bedliner if the Hilux you bought doesn't have one
These might not change your Hilux drastically, but they do add a little bit of personality to the already macho Toyota Hilux.
Want your own Toyota Hilux? Then do check out our Toyota cars Philippines price list and our website. You might want to look at our Car Guide section for the price list and complete spec sheet of this Toyota-made pickup truck too.
Know more about Toyota Hilux 2024
The Toyota Hilux 2024 is a midsize pickup offered in the local market as both fleet and regular units. Toyota Hilux Prices Philippines range from PHP 885,000 to PHP 2,192,000 with 13 variants, spanning from the basic cab & chassis 4x2 model to the range-topping GR Sport 4x4. It is also available in two turbodiesel engine options and four gearbox choices, accompanied by eight exterior colors. Dimensions start at 5,285mm in height, 1,800mm in width, and 1,700mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,085mm. Among the rivals to the Toyota Hilux in the market are the Mitsubishi Strada, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, and the Isuzu D-Max.
This popular pickup continues to evolve and slowly move upmarket after gaining luxuries. The most significant revolutionary jump of the Hilux happened in 2004 when the seventh generation of the model was introduced. It was the first 21st-century iteration of Toyota's pickup. It is also the first generation to ride on Toyota’s new Innovative Multi-purpose Vehicle architecture. It provided improved safety, better ride comfort, modern D-4D diesel engines, more interior space, and a more modern aerodynamic body.
The current 8th generation offers a more refined and stylish design than its predecessor, but the tradition of being a tough pickup continues. It received a much-awaited refresh in 2020.
Toyota Hilux Launch
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) debuted the refreshed Toyota Hilux in 2020, featuring a meaner and more aggressive pickup truck design from the front to the back. The biggest update the Japanese carmaker added in the most latest model of the pickup truck is the minor power bump for the 2.8-liter engine option, which now makes it one of the most powerful in terms of performance numbers.
To cater to different car consumers who are in the automotive market for a reliable workhorse, TMP is offering its pickup truck with a wide array of variants, namely the Cab & Chassis, Cargo, J, FX, E, J, G, and the top-of-the-line Conquest. Only the top-ranging variant gets to benefit from the updated engine that now joins the superb 500 Club alongside the Ford Ranger
For 2024, the GR Sport received a massive update and it is now more powerful and more off-road capable than its predecessor. The brand also added a new E AT trim to its variant lineup.
Toyota Hilux Exterior
The current generation Toyota Hilux features a bolder and more rugged exterior styling. When Toyota's business unit in the Philippines introduced the Conquest variant of the Hilux, it received some much-needed flare. The top variants can turn heads because of their several external enhancements. The Conquest variant of the Hilux features a more aggressive exterior design while the standard variant leans on the safer side.
Upfront, it can come with either a set of projector or reflector halogen headlights, depending on the chosen variant. The higher trim levels feature an LED lighting set, as well as benefit from an array of DRLs. The E and G variants ride on 17-inch wheels, while the Conquest uses 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels. The new GR Sport meanwhile, also uses a 17-inch though these are off-road ready, Dakar-inspired wheels.
The current generation Toyota Hilux features a bolder exterior
Other exclusive features made available on the Toyota Hilux Conquest variants only include a tailgate assist, a bedliner, a sports bar, a roof ornament, and side decals to provide a sturdier road presence on the go.
The GR Sport meanwhile, gets a wider track width, a set of beefier fender flares, an aero sports bar, under chassis protection, etc.
Toyota Hilux Interior
The Toyota Hilux currently on sale mostly carries over the interior from the 2020 update. Inside the pickup, there is the right amount of dimensionality that is also found in other Toyota vehicles offered in the Philippines that sit on the same platform. However, there are subtler styling elements that distinctly mark it as Hilux.
Higher trim levels feature seats with leather wrappings while lower trims have fabric seat coverings. Top variants are also equipped with automatic climate control and steering wheel audio control that depends on the head unit. The twin-dial setup gauge cluster comes with a multi-function display in the middle.
Technology & Safety Features
For on-board entertainment, Toyota gave the G a new eight-inch touchscreen. The Conquest likewise uses an eight-inch display, while the updated GR-S comes with a nine-inch headunit. The E meanwhile, retains its 6.75-inch display. Standard on the Conquest and GR-Sport is wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The displays on the G though, get the wired version of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The top-range variants come with a push-start system and keyless entry. Hill-start assist is also available in this pickup. It adds to the livability and drivability of the Toyota Hilux. Depending on the trim, the Hilux also gets radar cruise control.
Safety is not an issue for the Toyota Hilux
This popular pickup from Toyota is a safe vehicle. The basic variant features passenger’s and driver’s airbags as standard. Higher variants have two front, side, and curtain airbags. Other safety features include ABS with EBD, brake assist, stability control, and speed-sensing door locks.
The GR-S and the Conquest get the Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistive kit which includes a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, etc. Also present for the higher-spec trims are blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, and a panoramic view parking camera.
Platform & Chassis
The Toyota Hilux is a midsize four-door pickup truck. It shares the same Toyota IMV platform with the Innova and Fortuner. This pickup truck features a double-wishbone front suspension, and the rear setup is a rigid axle with leaf springs to further bolster its reputation as a reliable workhorse in the Philippines.
Toyota's pickup truck has a commanding presence on the road
On the top-spec GR Sport, the Hilux's suspension system is updated with monotube shock absorbers. It is also the only trim that gets disc brakes for all four wheels.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood, TMP offers two engine options for its entry to the Philippine pickup truck segment. The first engine option is a 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV diesel engine which is used on the E, G, and Conquest 4x2 variants. It can generate 148 hp at 3,400 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 1,600 to 2,000 rpm.
The second engine option for the model is a larger 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine which is capable of generating 201 hp at 3,400 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 1,400 to 3,400 rpm (500 Nm of torque for the top-of-the-line Conquest 4X4 A/T variant). Both the said engines can be paired to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, depending on the chosen variant.
The updated 2024 GR-Sport meanwhile, is propelled by a 2.8-liter turbodiesel that can generate up to 220 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque. Like the other automatic versions, it also uses a six-speed gearbox, but this has been tuned for better performance.
>>> Related posts:
- 2020 Ford Ranger vs Toyota Hilux Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle
- What comes with the Toyota Hilux 2020 Philippines? Take a glimpse at the updated Aus-spec version
Available colors for the Toyota Hilux Philippines are Super White, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Crimson Spark Red Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Orange Metallic, and Emotional Red.
Much like most of its rivals, the Toyota Hilux 2024 comes with a rear-locking differential for added traction and control in slippery driving conditions, especially when off-road. It also retains its 1,115-kilogram payload capacity, one of the highest in its segment, for superb carrying capability. Toyota has equipped the Hilux with a variable-flow control power steering pump to relieve driver stress during strenuous drives.
Toyota Hilux Pros & Cons
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Toyota Hilux Q&A
1. How much is the Toyota Hilux 2024 Philippines?
Toyota Hilux 2024 price Philippines ranges from 885,000 PHP for the entry-level 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT to 2,192,000 PHP for the top-of-the-line Toyota Hilux GR Sport 2.8 4x4 AT (Emotional Red color).
2. What are the Dimensions of Hilux 2024?
Dimensions for the Toyota Hilux 2024 include 5,285mm in length, 1,800mm in width, and 1,700mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,085mm.
3. What are the colors available in Hilux Philippines?
Toyota Hilux 2024 colors are available in 5 colors in the following shades: White, Super White, Sliver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Crimson Red, Attitude Black Mica, Nebula Blue Metallic, Orange Metallic, and Emotional Red.
4. What is the Engine Capacity of Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 MT?
Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 MT is offered with a 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV diesel engine which can generate 148 hp at 3,400 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 1,600 to 2,000 rpm.
5. Is Toyota Hilux available in Automatic Transmission?
Yes, it is. All Hilux trims available in the Philippines are automatic transmission.
₱ 879,000 - ₱ 2,166,000
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