A horde of contenders is out to challenge Toyota’s reputation as the best-seller in the pickup segment, and of course, the carmaker isn’t going to sit idly by. Toyota has unleashed the new Hilux in an effort to take on all challengers to the crown, and in many respects, it’s certainly more than a step up from the model it replaces.
2021 Toyota Hilux Philippines Quick Look: Subtle changes that matter
You might be tempted to remark that it’s just a dressed-up rig, but the changes are more than just skin-deep, from increased dimensions to more power under the hood. Take a look at six of the improvements over the previous version. If you’ve been shunting the Toyota Hilux aside from your list of potential pickups, this might change your mind.
Just another pickup truck? Think again
New Grille and Headlamps
The previous Hilux had a somewhat nautical quality to it, with the fascia resembling a ship’s prow. This is mitigated to an extent on the new model, with a smaller grille that loses the chrome but gains black urethane cladding. Toyota calls it a three-dimensional grille. While it makes the front look a lot busier than usual, the new face also bestows character befitting the Hilux’s rugged nature.
The front looks busier and more butch, all in keeping with the truck's established image
The wraparound headlamps still cut into the front fenders, but at least they’re given more elegant bar-type LED daytime running lights on the top-spec Conquest variant. Projector units inside the housings are more compact yet no less bright than the old ones, doing away with the wide-eyed look. The squared-off corners of the front bumper also make the Hilux more muscular, as if that weren’t already possible.
Bigger Touchscreen
The interior of the new Hilux is largely the same as the old one, so existing owners looking to upgrade should have no trouble fitting right in. There’s one notable difference though, and that’s the upgraded touchscreen. From the 6.5-inch display on the previous Hilux, the new model gets a bigger 8-inch screen, this time with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.
The touchscreen head unit finally catches up with the times
Thankfully, the new interface also does away with the CD/DVD slot up top. Not only does this free up room on the screen by shrinking the top bezel, but also seriously, who still uses bulky CDs in an era of music downloads and streaming? They’ll probably make good coasters, though.
Rear camera
The old Hilux relied on rear sensors that gave an audible alert when the truck backed up. They’re helpful on a rig of this size, but smaller obstacles are easier to miss. The Hilux is supposed to be rugged and all, but even owners will flinch at the thought of missing that parking bollard and getting a good-sized dent on the rear bumper as a result.
The rear of the truck now sports a rear camera to aid in backing into tight spaces
The new Hilux fixes that by coming with a rear camera as standard, complementing the rear sensors. Visual feedback is always better than just relying on sound to warn you of hazards, which makes for hassle-free maneuvers in and around tight spaces.
>>> Related: 2021 Toyota Hilux facelift debuts more power, subtle changes that matter
Superflex Suspension
The typical suspension on a Hilux is robust, at best. As the truck was intended to carry substantial loads, after all, this seems only appropriate. But the downside is, carrying passengers exclusively in the cabin can be a jarring and teeth-gritting affair, necessitating extra seat cushions (or equally sturdy anatomy).
Toyota says the new Hilux is equipped with a reworked setup it calls Superflex Suspension. This makes use of new front bushings and improved rear leaf springs, working with shock absorbers that have longer suspension travel. The carmaker claims that the changes provide a more SUV-like ride, aside from improving handling.
Variable Flow Control steering
The new Hilux gets a significantly upgraded 2.8L engine over its predecessor for the top-spec trim, with an output of 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Naturally, this requires a steering system that can keep up, able to be both firm and feather-light as the situation requires.
A new adaptive steering system reduces stress on the driver
Standard on the new Hilux is what Toyota refers to as Variable Flow Control power steering. It automatically adjusts steering stiffness depending on the vehicle’s speed. The system provides steering assistance in low-power situations (when you’re parking, for example).
In high-speed scenarios, the steering is made heavier to increase feedback and stability. Drivers will no longer be stressed out in adjusting the needed steering force since the new Hilux does that for them.
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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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