Pickup trucks have evolved from being a reliable workhorse to a lifestyle vehicle. It has transformed into a machine that’s usually daily-driven and a weekend road trip vehicle.
This is one of the reasons why modern pickup trucks feature a car-like interior design that intends to give occupants a premium feel and a more comfortable ride experience.
>>> Related: 2021 Toyota Hilux facelift debuts more power and subtle changes that matter
Speaking of pickup trucks, Toyota Motor Philippines launched the 2021 Hilux that features a bolder look, updated tech, and more punching power under the hood. It is powered by a 2.8-liter diesel engine that delivers 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the 2.4-liter engine is still available among the power unit options in the new Hilux.
The look of the 2021 Hilux gives no doubt that it is ready to compete against its segment rivals. With that, let’s highlight the significant updates that Toyota gave to the new Hilux as compared to the old model.
2021 Toyota Hilux Old vs New: Exterior
Old vs New (front): Toyota Hilux
The 2021 Hilux is an aggressive-looking machine that’s packed with serious power under the hood. Spotting the differences between the old and the new Hilux is relatively easy.
The front end is now fitted with a massive grille that makes Toyota's pickup truck look more muscular than the old model. The front grille alone is enough for us to give the new Hilux a thumbs up.
Design changes continue to be seen in the vehicle’s front bumper, which is meaner-looking compared to the old Hilux. And don’t forget about the new Hilux’s redesigned headlights, which further adds to the vehicle’s overall muscular and aggressive demeanor.
You can also see that the new Hilux comes with more prominent wheel arches, which is made possible by the black cladding. It also has a restyled set of 18-inch alloy wheels, which we find more appealing as compared to the outgoing model.
Old vs New (rear): Toyota Hilux
The rear design of the 2021 Hilux also gets an updated design as seen on the new taillight design that’s integrated with a more distinctive C-shaped cluster. The exterior design update is finished off with the new Hilux’s revamped rear bumper.
>>> Related: 2020 Toyota Fortuner, Hilux debut with 500 Nm, 360-degree view camera, more
2021 Toyota Hilux Old vs New: Interior
Old vs New (interior): Toyota Hilux
The interior of the old and the new Hilux is relatively the same. It has the same steering wheel design, similar dashboard, center console, and so on. What's new in this truck is its infotainment system, which has been given a significant update. The Hilux now comes with an eight-inch multimedia touchscreen that's integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and it has a hands-free function. The said multimedia touchscreen is standard in the following variants of the 2021 Hilux: Conquest, 4x2 G, and 4x2 E.
Moreover, the instrument cluster of the 2021 Hilux now features a higher resolution graphics and it shows the pickup truck’s steering angle, as well as the distance around obstacles. On the other hand, the instrument cluster fitted to the Conquest variants comes with chrome trim around the dials along and blue graphics.
The 2021 PH-spec Toyota Hilux
In terms of safety, Toyota’s pickup truck now comes with a reverse camera as standard on most variants. It also has a tailgate assist and downhill assist control. Other safety features integrated to the truck are traction control, stability control, hill-start assist, trailer sway control, among others.
The 2021 Hilux is available in 13 variants with a starting price of Php 843,000 for the Cab & Chassis trim. The top-of-the-line Conquest 4x4 AT variant, on the other hand, comes with a sticker price of Php 1,830,000. Overall, the new Hilux looks better as compared to the old model. It also comes with more in-car entertainment and vehicle safety features compared to its predecessor. Indeed, the Hilux looks ready to make the local pickup segment even more exciting.
Visit Philkotse.com for more automotive news.