Check out this drag race between six pickup trucks

Updated Nov 17, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

The odd one out won this race. 

A couple of weeks ago, we talked about a salt-flat drag race between two South African-spec pickup trucks. It was the Toyota Hilux Legend vs the Ford Ranger Thunder. These are the equivalent of the Hilux Conquest 4x4 and the Ranger Wildtrak Bi-turbo 4x4. 

A picture of the six trucks in the drag race by Cars.co.za

It's a six way drag race between South African-spec pickup trucks [Photo source: Cars.co.za]

This time around though, those mad guys at Cars.co.za have arranged a six-way race between six South African-spec utes. Included are the aforementioned models from Ford and Toyota, as well as the Isuzu-based Mazda BT-50, the new Nissan Navara, the Volkswagen Amarok, and Great Wall Motors P-series. 

For the tale of the tape, the Ranger makes 210 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. The Hilux is pretty close with 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. It is then followed by the Mazda BT-50 and the Nissan Navara packing 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. The weakest in terms of engine output is the Chinese-made P-Series truck making 160 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque.  

Six Bakkie Drag Race! Hilux vs Ranger vs Amarok vs P-Series vs BT-50 vs Navara (all 4x4) [Video source: Cars.co.za]

All of the aforementioned trucks use a 4x4 drivetrain and a turbocharged inline-4 diesel mill. The Ford Ranger of course stands out as it has two turbochargers. But ironically enough, the most powerful truck in this race is also the oldest. We’re talking about the Volkswagen Amarok which is also the odd one out as it is the only one of them that uses a V6. At most, it can make a beefy 254 horsepower and 580 Nm of torque. 

So what happened during the race? Predictably, the Amarok won both races due to its superior horsepower and torque output. But surprisingly enough, the BT-50 managed to secure second place in both runs. The Navara was consistently the last, while the Ranger and Toyota Hilux took turns securing the third position. The P-Series managed to beat the Nissan model in both races for fifth place. 

A top-down picture of the Cars.co.za six-way pickup truck drag race

It came as no surprise that the V6-powered Amarok dominated the race [Photo source: Cars.co.za]

While many thought that this race was somewhat pointless, it was indeed fun to watch. So if you want to catch similar stories like mad drag races between brands, keep reading here on Philkotse

Know more about Toyota Hilux 2024

Toyota Hilux

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.

Toyota Hilux Philippines front view

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.

Toyota Hilux side view

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 Hilux rear view

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. 

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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

 Pros Cons
 
  • Rugged appearance 

  • High payload capacity

  • Improved steering 

  • Powerful engine choices  

 
  • Harsh ride 

  • No power tailgate function

  • Top-spec variant is expensive compared to its rivals 

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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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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