Pickup trucks are one of the popular vehicles in the Philippines. In fact, three of the top 10 best-selling cars in the country last 2020 were pickup trucks, which shows that it is among the tightly contested segment in the Philippine market.
From left to right: Isuzu D-Max, Toyota Hilux, and Jeep Gladiator
Two of the well-known trucks in the country are included among the finalists for the 2022 International Pick-Up of the Year (IPUA). The IPUA is organized by the Europe-based International Van of the Year (IVOTY), which was established in 1992. It is composed of jury members that include several journalists.
The IPUA started in 2009, and it is held every other year with the goal of awarding the most efficient 1-tonne pickup truck. For this year, the jury tested the trucks in Croatia, and look into the following criteria: functionality, efficiency, and performance.
The Isuzu D-Max, and the Toyota Hilux are among the four finalists in contention to take home the 2022 IPUA. The two Japanese pickup trucks are also competing with the Jeep Gladiator as well as the SsangYong Musso for the top honors.
Jeep Gladiator
“For the 2022 IPUA, there are four main contenders, three of which derive from Asia and the other from the United States, to demonstrate the truly international aspect to our award,” said IVOTY chairman Jarlath Sweeney.
The 2022 IPUA will be presented at Solutrans, a trade show for heavy and light commercial vehicles, held in Lyon, France this week. The winner of the IPUA will be announced at a special gala dinner.
The Ford Ranger is the latest recipient of the IPUA, which was awarded last 2020. Other previous winners include the Volkswagen Amarok (2018), and the Nissan Navara (2016).
All-new Isuzu D-Max
The all-new Isuzu D-Max made its debut in the Philippines last March. The PH-spec D-Max can be equipped with either a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine or a 1.9-liter RZ4E power unit. On the other hand, the Hilux is currently the second best-selling Toyota in the Philippines with 13,300 units sold as of September 2021.
Get the latest updates on the automotive industry in Philikotse.
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 879,000 to PHP 2,166,000 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.
₱ 879,000 - ₱ 2,166,000
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