7 pickup trucks to watch out for in 2020 (and beyond)

Updated Apr 13, 2021 | Same topic: Car Sneak Peeks, Teasers, & Rumors

Here are the upcoming pickup trucks that should pique the interest of truck-loving Filipinos.

The number of Filipinos who prefer to own a pickup truck has increased over the years. You can’t blame them because pickup trucks have transformed into a rugged workhorse into a lifestyle vehicle that can almost do anything.   

This year has been tough for everyone but we should try our best to be hopeful that better days are coming. The content team of Philkotse is finding ways on how to cope with the sudden lifestyle change we’re experiencing.

We are also thinking of how to help you get excited about the future. As such, we came up with an idea to give a list of seven pickup trucks to watch out for in 2020 (and beyond).

7 Pickup Trucks to Watch Out for in the Philippines | Philkotse Top List

Toyota Hilux

Leaked image of the soon-to-be-launched 2020 Toyota Hilux

In case you're unaware, Toyota will be introducing the 2020 Hilux this week and it will make its global debut on June 4. 

Leaked images and renders of the 2020 Hilux has been circulating around the web for quite a while. Now, Toyota has released an official teaser image about the Hilux’s global debut.

Toyota’s pickup truck seems to be set to have a Tacoma-like grille along with a new headlight design. The front end also looks more aggressive, which suggests that the Hilux is ready to challenge its younger segment rivals.

Nissan Navara

Next-gen Nissan Navara teaser image

The Navara will get a new version within the next 18 months, according to Nissan

The next-generation Nissan Navara will debut soon and this is confirmed by an official Navara's teaser video released by the Japanese automaker.

Although no date has been set for its launch yet, the next-gen Nissan Navara will be sharing a platform with the Mitsubishi Strada, which is also known as the Triton in other markets. 

Nissan Chief Operating Officer Ashwani Gupta said that the company is “working very closely with Mitsubishi to use the common powertrain, common transmission, but also to have common modules on the next Triton and next Navara.” 

Jeep Gladiator

Jeep Gladiator coming to the Philippines mid-2020

The Gladiator is coming soon to the local market, as confirmed by Jeep Philippines

The Jeep Gladiator made its debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Show. However, Jeep first used the model name Gladiator in 1963. 

Now, Jeep Philippines has confirmed that this vehicle will be arriving in the country this year. According to its website, the Gladiator will arrive in the Philippines mid-2020. The Gladiator is said to feature unrivaled off-road capability – basically, it’s a Jeep Wrangler with added cargo bed at the back.

Isuzu D-Max

2020 Isuzu D-Max

No announced date yet for the all-new D-Max, but the Philippines needs this

The Isuzu D-Max 2020 was introduced in Thailand last October 2019, which features a bolder fascia, more aggressive bumper, and a redesigned rear.

The launch in Thailand last year indicates that there’s a chance that Isuzu Philippines Corporation will bring the 2020 D-Max in the local market, and that can be very soon since the company is ramping up its aging lineup.

Mazda BT-50

The front end looks like the one on the CX-series. [Source: Kleber Silva]

This is just a rendering, but expect the Kodo design language with the new BT-50

Australian car news site called CarExpert.com.au reported that the 2020 Mazda BT-50 is set to be launched globally this June 2020. Of note, the next-gen BT-50 will be based on the new Isuzu D-Max. 

With that in mind, the D-Max based BT-50 could have the same 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine and chassis of its Isuzu pickup counterpart. We expect that Mazda BT-50 2020 will feature Mazda’s current iteration of the Kodo design language.

Ford Ranger

Current generation Ford Ranger

A more powerful Ranger and Everest is coming

Last month, we reported that Ford is working on a next-gen Ranger. Nothing is confirmed as of this writing but all roads lead to the idea that Ford is indeed working on a next-gen Ranger that will be equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine along with an electric motor.

The combined power output of this engine is said to deliver 362 hp and 680 Nm of torque. 

On the other hand, the top-of-the-line Ranger is expected to be fitted with a 3.0L V6 twin-turbo diesel engine that generates 250 hp and 600 Nm of torque. The next-gen Ranger could make its global debut towards the end of 2022.  

Hyundai Santa Cruz

Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz has not yet been confirmed for local release, but we'd like to think it's best sold here

Hyundai has finally announced that it will enter the pickup segment last year, which is four years after the Hyundai Santa Cruz concept was revealed at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show.

The Santa Fe features a unibody chassis that offers better handling and ride comfort as compared to the usual pickup truck configuration known as ladder-frame. 

The ladder-frame chassis is seen in pickup trucks such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Mitsubishi Strada.

However, the Santa Cruz pickup will only be available in the U.S. market – at least initially, but it's not far-fetched that it will also be offered in the Philippines, considering the popularity of pickup trucks here. It is expected to be launched in 2021.

Here at Philkotse.com, we value your interest in the automotive industry. You can visit our website to find out more.

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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