The Toyota Hilux is a pickup with a globally known nameplate for being one of the reliable workhorse vehicles. It was 1968 when Toyota's pickup truck started building a reputation for being rugged and dependable, and it continues until today with the facelifted model launched in 2020. 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 gets a much-awaited refresh in 2020 inline. Aside from improved looks, the Philippine iteration also comes with more powerful engine options. The Toyota Hilux is available in 4x4 and 4x2 variants. In the Philippines, the pickup truck is offered with diesel engines. It is available with automatic or manual transmission depending on the variant.
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 and Chevrolet Colorado.
2021 Toyota Hilux Philkotse Quick Look
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 its 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 too. The E and G variants ride on 17-inch wheels, while the top-spec Conquest uses 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels.
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, sports bar, roof ornament, and side decals to provide a sturdier road presence on the go.
Interior
The Toyota Hilux currently on sale got an updated interior along with the other parts of the vehicle. Inside the pickup, there is a 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.
The Toyota Hilux got an updated interior along with the other parts of the vehicle
Higher trim levels feature seats with leather wrappings while lower trims got 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
Both the E and G variants get to enjoy a 6.75-inch infotainment screen with six speakers, while the top-ranging Conquest variant is installed with a larger 8-inch infotainment screen with eight speakers. All systems support Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Smart Device Link (SDL), Bluetooth, and USB connectivity.
The top-range variant comes 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. Cruise control also made its debut in the new Hilux, further adding convenience and security driving on Philippine highways.
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.
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's pickup truck has a commanding presence on the road
The measurements of the pickup truck include a length of 5,345 mm, a width of 1,855, a wheelbase of 3,085 mm, and a maximum height of 1,845 (including roof ornament). It also comes with a ground clearance of 279 mm which can help the truck drive through even the toughest of roads. The layout can either be front-engine, rear-wheel driver or front-engine, four-wheel drive, depending on the chosen variant.
>>> Toyota Hilux for sale in the Philippines at the best price
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.
Under the hood of the Toyota Hilux, it either has a 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV or 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel motor
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.
>>> Related posts:
![Which 2021 Toyota Hilux should I buy? [Comparison Guide]](https://img.philkotse.com/crop/272x177/2021/01/22/O3IWXvly/toyota-hilux-e77c.png)
