Modified Toyota Hilux could be the Ranger Raptor's nightmare 

Updated Nov 19, 2021 | Same topic: Tuning & Mods

It’s a beast, that’s for sure.

Since Toyota Philippines brought in the facelifted Hilux back in 2020, many said that its new 2.8-liter diesel mill was already enough to compete against the Ford Ranger Raptor’s 2.0-liter biturbo diesel. Sure, the said Toyota engine can make 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, but do note that the Toyota Hilux Conquest for the most part still looked like a ‘normal’ pickup truck.  

A picture of the Toyota Hilux by Rad Thailand, parked in the wilderness.

That's a radical-looking Hilux

In Thailand however, an off-roading aftermarket company called Rad has set out to change that. Specifically, they have cooked up a monstrous-looking Hilux that might be able to hold a candle to the off-road capability and macho appeal of the Ford Ranger Raptor

Based on the top-of-the-line Thai-spec Hilux Revo, Rad outfitted the Hilux with an Old Man Emu kit for added ride height and suspension travel. It also gave the truck a very aggressive set of mud-terrain tires, plus the wheels themselves have a considerable amount of positive offset to boot.  

A picture of the rear of the Toyota Hilux Rad

It's looks very aggressive from any angle

To further enhance the looks of this bonkers Hilux, Rad also kitted it out with massive overfenders. The front end was also given a very beefy-looking steel bumper with an integrated winch, and it’s also equipped with additional lighting mounted on the roof. The sides were then equipped with electronically actuated side steps, while the rear also received a beefy sports bar. 

As for its powertrain though, it seems that Rad is of the opinion that the stock 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV inline-4 turbodiesel is already enough. We can be sure though that a Hilux with these aftermarket parts can rip through off-road terrain like butter. It’s a sure head-turner, too. 

A picture of the side of the Toyota Hilux by Rad while parked in the middle of a grassy plain.

From the side, one can note that they didn't go overboard with the tire size

So, is the Philippines getting a Hilux like this in the future? Well, we previously reported that the Toyota Hilux Gazoo Racing version is indeed coming to the Philippines. So is it something like the Ranger Raptor? Well, not quite, if we based it on the ones released in Thailand.

To be specific, the GR Sport Hilux Hi-floor that was already launched in the Land of Smiles is more of an appearance package. In turn, the “Lo-Floor” version took the Hilux into a whole new direction, with a somewhat low-rider approach. 

Don’t miss the latest developments from the automotive industry 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 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

Explore
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

View more