Toyota Hilux Overview
The Toyota Hilux, a pickup whose name is renown all over the world for being one of the hardiest and reliable workhorses for any task. From 1968 until today, the Hilux has garnered much praise thanks to its reliability. The Philippine iteration comes with improved looks over the previous generation, as well as more powerful engine options. The midsize is one of the, if not the best-selling pickup in the country today.
Toyota Hilux Launch
Updated in the year 2015, the truck’s grand public debut, the eighth-generation Toyota Hilux made its way onto Philippine shores thanks to Toyota Motor Philippines. Introductory prices and variants for the Toyota Hilux were as follows 2.8 G 4x4 MT is listed at P1,555,000, 2.8G 4x4 AT; P1,685,000. The 2.4 J 4x2 MT; P 929,000, 2.4 E MT; P1,033,000, 2.4 G MT; P1,208,000, 2.4 G AT; P1,283,000. There is also bare 2.4 Cab & Chassis version for businesses at P776,000.
Toyota Hilux Chassis, Platform & Powertrain
Based on the Toyota IMV platform that is shared between the Fortuner and Innova, the Hilux comes equipped with robust carrying capacity out of the factory. The chassis of the Hilux features double-wishbone suspension in the front and a rigid axle with leaf springs at the rear.
The powertrain of the Hilux is available with either a 2.4L 2GD-FTV or a 2.8L 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel motor. The Smaller displacement engine is capable of 147 Hp with 343 Nm of torque, while the bigger displacement mill churns out 174 hp and 450 Nm of torque. The motor can be paired to either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic.
Toyota Hilux Driving Performance
The Toyota Hilux features a responsive turbo-diesel engine that delivers power on demand. Acceleration is coupled with tight steering and precise handling for the city. Maneuvering around tight corners at low speeds is painless and safe thanks to the light steering.
Toyota Hilux Technology Features
Toyota has placed the display audio system into the Hilux’s current iteration. Baser variants will have a more basic audio system with only AUX and USB connectivity, but upper trims will see Bluetooth connectivity thrown in the mix. The display measures 6.5-inches diagonally and of the TFT LCD variety.
In its highest trim, the Hilux comes equipped with a push-start system with keyless entry. Other technology features such as hill start assist also add to the drivability and livability of this pickup. Cruise control is also available in the upper variants.
Toyota Hilux Exterior
The exterior is bolder than the generation that preceded it. The long-withstanding nameplate received some much-needed flare when Toyota Motor Philippines launched the Conquest variant of the Hilux. In its top-trim level, the Hilux can turn some heads through its various external enhancements. The normal Hilux leans on the safer side while the Conquest looks more aggressive.
Depending on which variant you get, either a set of reflector or projector Halogens will light the road ahead. Top trims will be able to enjoy an LED lighting array. HIgher models will receive a set of DRLs as well. This pickup truck can roll on an assortment of wheel designs, starting from the base 15-inch steel rims with hubcaps, all the way to the top of the line 17-inch two-tone units found in the Conquest.
Toyota offers the Hilux in an array of six colors, ranging from Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Orange Metallic, Spark Red Metallic, and Freedom White. Nebula Blue Metallic serves as an exclusive color for the Hilux Conquest variant.
Toyota Hilux Interior
The interior of the Hilux is updated along with the rest of the car. A healthy dose of dimensionality can be found in the interior which is similar to other Toyota vehicles sharing the same platform. There are, however, subtler styling elements that can distinctly mark it as a Hilux.
Consumers can opt for the higher trims that come equipped with leather-wrapped seats, or opt for the cloth seats in the lower trims. Top variants can also come with automatic climate control as well as steering wheel audio controls depending on the head unit. The gauge cluster is a twin-dial setup with a multi-function display in the middle. Down the center lies the 6.5-inch display audio system that can be also found in other Toyota vehicles.
Toyota Hilux Safety
The Toyota Hilux is a safe vehicle that features airbags as standard even in the most basic variant. Driver’s and passenger’s airbags are standard, but opting for higher trims will allow the user to be shielded by two front airbags, along with an entire plethora of side and curtain airbags, bringing the total to seven. Other safety features that the Hilux can come with are ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, which is also augmented by brake assist, stability control, as well as speed sensing door locks. As usual, your mileage may vary depending on the variant that you choose.
Toyota Hilux Pros and Cons
The Toyota Hilux comes with quite a bit of good. It features a solid design that’s extended thanks to the Conquest trim level. All models will, however, feature a powerful yet fuel-efficient engine. Occupants will also be able to enjoy the more than sufficient interior space that the cabin contains.
On the other hand, the ride of this midsize pickup is slightly rougher compared to other vehicles in its class. Inside the cabin, the chosen materials could have been better-selected. Finally, at several trim-levels, the Hilux carries a high price tag considering the features that you get.
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