During more than five decades of Toyota Hilux development, this Japanese pickup gains a reputation for its ruggedness and reliability. While rival popular pickups had luxury upgrades to move into luxury, in 2004, the seventh generation launch was the most successful step forward for the Hilux.
Toyota Hilux: Exterior and Interior Design
First built on Toyota's innovative New Multi-Purpose Vehicle design, the seventh-generation Hilux is equipped with aerodynamic bodywork to improve safety. Also, Toyota upgraded the interior space to expand and be more comfortable, while the modern D-4D diesel engine boosts the car's dynamics.
The current eighth-generation Hilux introduced in 2015 has replaced a lot with its predecessor. Although still a sturdy pickup, the car's style is considered to be more refined than previous versions. The stylish line design, as well as the flat front and rear wheel arches, give this pickup truck a muscular look.
Based on the IMV design, the current Hilux's interior also is subtly designed like a car rather than a pickup for comfort. Vertical multi-information display and analog gauges are fully installed on the instrument cluster. In the meantime, designers mounted long-thin central vents high up to create more room for the 6.5-inch touchscreen display. Additionally, the lower variants have a 2-DIN stereo system.
Based on the G variant, the Conquest variant entered the lineup in 2018 with a more rigid style. By 2020, the E, G, and Conquest Hilux variants have been transformed by upgrading the D-4D engine. Meanwhile, the design of the commercial variants, as well as the J variants, are kept.
Toyota Hilux: Engine and Performance
Toyota Philippines offers two options for diesel engines. The 4x2 variants and the 4x4 J variant have a 2.4-liter D-4D mill that produces 148hp and 400Nm of torque. That number in the 4x2 J variants is 343Nm of torque.
The 4x4 Conquest variants are more powerful, with a 2.8-liter D-4D engine producing 500Nm and 201hp of torque. Interestingly, if the Conquest comes with an automatic tranny, the engine torque level will be lower than 420Nm.
Both the 2.4-liter D-4D and the 2.8-liter D-4D engines are paired with either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. The surprising point is that 4x2 J only has a five-speed gear shift.
Toyota Hilux: Safety features
Electronic brake force distribution and anti-lock braking system are two of the outstanding features in standard safety equipment of the Toyota Hilux. Besides, the driver also has a knee airbag for the driver and an SRS airbag, while the passenger will only have an SRS airbag. Not only that, with a 4x4 automatic transmission in the variants, the safety suite also adds side airbags and curtain airbags, electronic stability control, and traction. The deflection control and ramp start assist are also available in some premium variants.