Australians have always had a disdain for those who drive show ponies in the name of Utes. Anybody who sits behind a Toyota Hilux is definitely laughing at those who drive a Tesla Cybertruck. This is because the traditional Utes are powerful, elegant and most importantly, don't shy away from towing heavy and driving harshly as in the Australian terrain.

Utes like the Toyota Hilux are an extravagant representation of the Australian spirit. It is reliable, it is fierce and doesn’t disappoint when taken on a challenge.

Pros

• Robust build quality
• Excellent off-road capabilities
• Spacious interior
• Reliable engine
• Advanced safety features
• Excellent Pick-up bed
  

Cons

• Ride quality can be firm
• Limited towing capacity compared to some competitors
• The infotainment system could be more modern
• Some interior materials may feel utilitarian
• Single engine option in mid-premium level variants
• Higher ownership costs compared to smaller trucks
  

What’s new?

• All variants now come with an Extra-Cab option
• Updated traction control systems
  

The Toyota Hilux comes with over 27 combinations of variant, cab options and engine options and then there is an extra set of options which are created out of choice for Rear wheel drive and All wheel drive.

Trim specification and price for Auto 4x4 Double Cab

Exteriors

Styling Elements

Strictly speaking, the Hilux boasts a bold and muscular design with prominent grills and sleek LED headlights/DRLs. If you bump up to the GR SportX variant, you’ll get more aggressive-looking bumpers with metal-effect skid plates and a sportier black grille.

Colour Options

Toyota Hilux is offered in 5 standard vibrant colour options which make the vehicle stand out of the crowd even in the most camouflaging terrains. Additional colours are subjected to be chargeable depending upon the variant at hand.

Glacier white, graphite, stunning silver, eclipse black and nebula blue are the colours which will make you look absolutely dashing while riding in it.

Wheel Design

Various wheel options are available, ranging from durable steel rims to stylish alloy designs. Depending upon the intensity of usage, Toyota offers 18” to 22” inch alloy wheels making your drive nothing short of a roller coaster. However, do note that certain trims do not offer Dakar DNA chassis upon which bigger wheels rest.

Interiors

Interior layout and space

This is by far the most debated aspect of the Toyota Hilux. While the interiors cater to almost all the necessary requirements of a Ute, it is also by far the most car-like cabin you’ll find in any other Ute like VW Amarok or Ford Ranger Raptor. Even though it is very spacious the extra cab feature is technically a one-and-a-half cab feature. The rear seating is extremely crammed in. Other than pre-teen children, only your extra luggage is comfortable in the second row. You’ll be far better and more comfortable in getting a dual cab feature.

Even the material quality is impressive with middle and upper-level variants. Those come with a standard leatherette seating, steering and handbrake feeling. The texture gives a very premium ambience to the cabin. For those looking to purchase a lower variant, we suggest you pay a bit extra and get the leatherette upholstery to feel the comfort of a Hilux truly.

The Toyota Hilux variants have 3 different seating capacities. Based on the choice of cab you opt for, the seating capacity increases. The Single Cab and Cab Chasis Toyota Hilux have a seating capacity of 2. The Extra Cab and the Dual Cab has seating capacity of upto 5 people. However, the extra cab is particularly crammed second-row. If you truly need a 5 seater Toyota Hilux, we suggest you bump upto the dual cab option.

Comfort and Ergonomics
The Hilux comes with all the headroom and legroom that you can ask for. As a high-riding vehicle, space is rarely a constraint. However, the seating features are a different conversation altogether. Most of the intuitive and interesting features are reserved for mid-range and upper variant models which makes the lower variant a bit sidelined. Then again, there isn’t much difference between mid-range and upper-range variants apart from heated seats and electric seat adjustments.

Another thing to note about the Hilux is that in the previous models, engine noise and cabin noise were considerable, Toyota acted upon the issues and now has made a quieter engine with an even quieter start and stop. However, there have been mixed feelings about how long the quietness lasts as a Ute is made to be stressed.

Boot

There isn’t much use for a boot space as the loading deck is all you’ll need. That being said, space in the load bed depends on which of these models you choose, so Single Cabs are the roomiest, followed by Extra Cab and Double Cab models. You’ll be able to carry more than a tonne in the load bed, whichever truck you pick.

Technology and Infotainment

Other than the ‘Extra-cab’ debacle, equally embarrassing, if not more, is the infotainment screen. A 7” screen on the beast of a truck seems too small for its bridges. Adding onto the problem, the navigation of the screen is just tedious and more if you’re wearing gloves.

Technology features;

• Multi-terrain select (MTS)
• Regenerative energy
• Quieter start and stop
• Dakar DNA
• LED tray lights
• Motorised roller cover
  

In higher-level variants, you’ll get spoke buttons to play around with but on-the-go even those are a distracting task.

Connectivity options include

• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Radio
• CD - Player
• Bluetooth connection
• Satellite navigation is chargeable in Rogue and GR Sport models.
• 9-speaker JBL premium sound system
  

Note: Smartphone mirroring isn’t available in any other variant than the GR SportX.

Performance and Engine

Toyota Hilux has set itself apart as the mother of all terrains mother nature has to provide. Apart from the charismatic design, the Hilux turns out to be an extremely powerful vehicle. As evident in that TopGear episode where they run this beast through every imaginable terrain and Hilux stands strong after overcoming it with ease and grace.

Apart from the Workmate trim, which offers a 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine, all other variants come with an extremely powerful 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine. With a towing capacity of 3500kg and towed pick-up speed of 0-60kms/h in just over 10 seconds, the Hilux turns out to be somewhat of an uncontested winner in the true blue ute race.

Trim specification and price for Auto 4x4 Double Cab

Toyota Hilux, for all intents and purposes, is made to tow heavy, overcome challenges and look sleek while doing it. The 216mm ground clearance in addition to its 3500kg towing capacity and still being able to cruise without making a snooze is a testament to how powerful this car is. Mind you: The Hilux ute itself weighs about 3000kg, putting that in perspective, pulling its own weight while maintaining a speed of up to 80 km/hr is exhilarating.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Toyota Hilux transmission is pretty standard in all 5 of its variants. All Hiluxes come with a 6-speed automatic with the sole exception of the Toyota Hilux Workmate which comes in a 5 or 6-speed manual.

The transmission is particularly smooth and moves quite comfortably. While Toyota has taken some great leaps to ensure that repeated use on harsher terrains, older model users have complained about the transition. Some concerns with the clutch requiring a bit more attention than ideal have also been reported.

Braking system

Like all modern-day automobiles, the Toyota Hilux comes with Autonomous Emergency Braking which is quite effective given the brakes are ventilated and rear brakes have a rear drum feature which avoids unnecessary skids.

Fuel economy and efficiency

Given that this car is loading heavy and riding strong, Hilux fanatics wouldn’t mind a bit fuel-hungry vehicle. However, Toyota has made Hilux loved by all, the thrill seekers and the functional drivers. The Workmate along with SR & SR5 don’t see a lot of difference in the economy with 7.8 L/100km and 7.9 L/100km respectively. It is at Rogue where the fuel economy tops with 8.5 L/100km. While Rogue seems to be a great selection as far as fuel economy is concerned, do consider the fact that Rogue’s torque is not as impressive as you’d want your Hilux to be. While the top variant GR Sport has a humble 8.1 L/100km economy, coupled with 221 Nm of torque, you get to make the most of your Ute.

Handling and driving dynamics

Now this is where you see Hilux at its best and oxymoronically at its worst. The handling is precise and swift. The car is a precision driver’s dream. It moves like butter and floats like a butterfly. However, given its weight, the occupants definitely feel the pull when turning hard or going upwards and diagonally.

Muddy roads are everybody’s nightmare and everyone at this point knows how to get out of them, however, the 4x2 drive type has repeatedly shown better results in getting out of a muddy road than the 4x4 drive type.

Safety Features

The safety features of Toyota Hilux aren’t particularly extensive, however, the list that we get with the Hilux is extremely effective. This makes the Toyota Hilux, a car which performs best when handled by an experienced driver. If you’re a novice driver, we suggest you opt for the extra package which gives you a whole new suite of features.

• Dual frontal airbags
• Side chest-protection
• Side head-protecting airbags (curtains)
• Driver knee airbags are standard
  

Advanced safety features include;

• Autonomous emergency braking (City, Interurban and Vulnerable Road Users)
• Lane keep assist (LKA)
• Lane departure warning (LDW)
• Advanced speed assistance system (SAS)
• Trailer Sway Control
• Downhill Assist Control
• Road Sign Assist
• Pre-Collision Safety system
• Lane Departure Alert
• High-Speed Active Cruise Control
  

Crash Test Ratings;

• Adult Occupant Protection - 96%
• Child Occupant Protection - 87%
• Vulnerable Road User Protection - 88%
• Safety Assist - 78%

Ownership Experience:

HIlux while is an excellent Ute to own. The thing that bothered us the most is that lower-level variants don’t have a lot of features, compared to middle-level variants like Hilux Rogue, they seem not as good of an investment.

So far, people have actively avoided any risks and picked the GR Sport or Rogue variants.

Hilux also turns out to be a bit bumpy even though Toyota boasts about its suspension and handling abilities. No ADAS! This is a bit ridiculous, particularly when it is available in HyCross. Manufacturers like Toyota need to proactively promote safety. Toyota Safety Sense is not good enough for Utes especially the terrains they’re made to take up.

Major Strengths

• Entry-level variants and trims of any Hilux are as user-friendly as it gets. Nothing blingy, but gets the job done!
• For those who can change their mind at the dealership, upper-level trims are way better!
• The cabin is exceptionally roomy, exclusive of extra cab.
  
  

Major Drawbacks

• Extra cab at best is a joke. It only makes sense that you invest in a dual-cab given the price difference.
• While a great car, doesn’t shine a candle to the looks of the Ford Ranger Raptor.
• Look out for tight turns and cornering.
• Towed driving experience is good for advanced drivers.
• No cruise control in entry-level models.
  

Maintenance & Warranty Information

Every new Toyota is covered by a five-year warranty, with unlimited kilometres as long as your vehicle isn’t used for commercial purposes. Keep up the annual service schedule, and Toyota extends your engine and driveline warranty from five to seven years.

Toyota keeps the cost of your annual service at a capped price for the first 3 of 5 years, depending on the model. In addition to that, Toyota offers the Toyota Warranty Advantage Extended Engine and Driveline coverage for 7 years from your vehicle's first registration date, provided your vehicle is properly serviced and maintained per its Warranty and Service Book.

To make a long story short;

The Toyota Hilux is offered to us Australians in three extremely functional and efficient variants, SR5, Rogue and GR Sport. While all of these cars are very well suited to take on the harsh climate and terrains of Australia, technologically Rogue and GR Sport are aeons ahead of SR5. To put it simply, it is better if you opt for the Rogue or GR Sport variants.

Another notable aspect for prospective buyers is that the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok are far better options. However, just like everything the comfort and experience of a Ford or Volkswagen comes at a cost. This is where Toyota Hilux takes the win. Toyota is making some of the finest yet most affordable Utes the Australian market has seen. Even historically, Australians have preferred Hilux over Ranger or Amarok.

So if you are able to overlook the limited technological features of a SR5, the 7” infotainment screen, and some tricky manoeuvring on twisty roads when towing, Toyota Hilux will remain to be a loyal and reliable companion for you on Australian roads and more.

Reference

Owners Manual

Brochure

FAQs

1. What safety features are included in the Toyota Hilux, and how does it perform in crash tests?

The Toyota Hilux boasts a suite of advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, earning high ratings in crash tests for superior protection.

2.  Are there any common maintenance or reliability issues reported for the Toyota Hilux?

Common maintenance issues for the Toyota Hilux are minimal, with reports praising its reliability and durability, especially in rugged terrain and harsh conditions.

3.  How does the fuel efficiency of the Toyota Hilux compare across its different variants?

Fuel efficiency varies across Toyota Hilux variants, with diesel models typically offering better mileage than petrol counterparts, catering to diverse customer needs and driving preferences.

4.  What are the key specifications of the Toyota Hilux, including engine options and performance figures?

Key specifications of the Toyota Hilux include engine options ranging from efficient diesel to powerful petrol variants, with torquey engines delivering robust performance on and off-road.

5.  What are the warranty coverage and after-sales services provided for the Toyota Hilux?

Warranty coverage for the Toyota Hilux includes a standard manufacturer warranty, with extended warranty options available for additional peace of mind, backed by comprehensive after-sales services from authorised dealerships.