Toyota Hilux : The Toyota Hilux is not just a pick-up truck. It’s a global icon, renowned for its ruggedness, reliability and off-road prowess.
After gaining fame across the globe, the Hilux has now made its Indian entry, along with the assurance of life-long companionship and the reliability synonymous with the Toyota badge.
Yet in a nation dominated by SUVs and where pickups are still considered niche, can the Hilux make an impression? The solution is the combination of power, sophistication and utility.
Toyota Hilux Exterior – Aggressive, Lengthy, and Goal-Oriented
The Hilux is huge for a start. Measuring 5.3 metres long, it’s longer than most SUVs that ply on Indian roads.
It’s an aggressive looking unit, with a large hexagonal grille, LED projector headlamps and a high stance. Flared wheel arches, 18-inch alloy wheels and high ground clearance lend it a respectable off-road look.
From the rear, the open cargo bed is wide and blue-collar ready to bear heavy-duty loads. It’s utilitarian by nature, but Toyota has infused it with enough style that it has some appeal for lifestyle buyers, too.
Cabin – Rugged but Refined
The interior of the Hilux also resembles the Fortuner to some extent. The dash is all business and laid out in clean, useful and long-lasting fashion.
Inside, the cabin is adorned in black with silver touches, with leather seats upline. The front seats are wide and supportive, and the rear seats provide good legroom for a double-cab pickup.
It’s not ultraluxurious, but the comfort and space characteristics are all more than sufficient for around-town driving and off-road adventures.
Moz-Hiking Shoes Features –Enough To Keep You From Slippin’ And A Slidin’
It might not feature quite as many gadgets as some of those premium SUVs, but it has enough that I don’t feel like I’m making myslef uncomfortable by driving it.
It gets an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There are dual-zone climate control system as well as cruise control, reverse camera, and steering-mounted controls.
The higher trim receives leather upholstery, a power driver seat and connected car tech. In terms of lifestyle pickups, it strikes the perfect balance between ruggedness and modern conveniences.
Engine and Performance – Purpose-Built For Muscling Into the Day Ahead
It also has a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel powering the Toyota Hilux. It churns out 204 bhp and 500 Nm of torque with the automatic gearbox and 420 Nm with the manual version.
This engine is also used in the Toyota Fortuner and has been a workhorse the world over. Whether you are lugging heavy weight, clambering up a hill or cruising a highway, the engine feels hearty and stout.
The 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions are well-tuned for performance, as well as fuel efficiency.
Off the Path -Where It Is At Its Best
Of course, the Hilux is a real four-wheel drive pickup. It comes ruggedized with shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive, a low-range gearbox and an electronic diff lock.
It is also equipped with Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and a deep 700 mm water-wading capability. These are what make it an animal in the backcountry.
Slush, snow, rocks or sand; it’s all a walk in the park for the Hilux.
Ride Quality – Firm, but Controlled
And, as is the case with any pickup, the Hilux employes leaf spring rear suspension. This is to say that the ride can feel a touch bouncy when there’s no load at the back.
But it feels quite good on the highway and well-maintained roads. Once the rear is loaded, it squats down, which makes it feel more planted.
It’s not meant to be an urban swapper, but more of a highway commuter or an adventure machine, for which it offers a comfortable ride.
Safety – Toyota’s Trusted Shield
All the safety basics on the Hilux are well and truly covered – 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, traction control and front/rear parking sensors.
It’s got ISOFIX mounts and Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control – the last two will prove especially practical when you’re off-roading.
Toyota build quality, ensures additional safety and peace-of-mind over long trips.
Fuel Economy – Acceptable for its Segment
Considering its dimension and raring capacity, the Hilux provides an 11–13km in mixed driving condition.
It’s not the most fuel efficient of peds, to be sure, but it’s not bad for the power and weight.
Variations and Pricing – Premium but for a Reason
The Hilux comes in Standard and High grade levels in manual and automatic. Cost varies between ₹30 lakh and ₹37 lakh (ex-showroom).
That may sound like a lot for a pickup, but you’re getting a global platform with class-leading longevity and off-road prowess.
Ownership – Peace of Mind Throughout the Long Term
A warranty of 3 years/ 1,00,000 km is provided on the Hilux by Toyota and it can be augmented. The brand has a wide service network and a reliable low maintenance ethos.
It’s made to last and its owners tend to keep it for a decade or more – owing to Toyota’s best-in-the-market reliability.
Pros of Toyota Hilux
Extremely tough and reliable
Powerful 2.8L diesel engine
Excellent off-road capabilities
Spacious and comfortable cabin
Toyota’s trusted after-sales network
Cons of Toyota Hilux
Expensive for a pickup
Bouncey unloaded leaf spring suspension
Not practical for city with large size
Not as many features for the money as comparably priced SUVs
Diesel is the only option; there are no petrol or hybrid versions
Toyota Hilux Conclusion – A Pick-Up with Some Serious Power and Presence
The Toyota Hilux isn’t for everyone. You’re not a city slicker or luxury cruiser. However, for those who are outdoorsy, are in need of a workhorse or in the market for a reliable adventure vehicle – it ticks all the right boxes.
It’s a tough combo to beat, combining toughness, comfort and a well-known brand. It’s a tall order for lifestyle buyers and 4X4 fans and the Hilux certainly stands tall on and off the road, pun intended.