Toyota Hilux Review: The Hardcore Pick-up With Worldwide Durability and Indian Adaptability One of the most reliable and toughest pickup trucks in the world, the Toyota Hilux is synonymous with durabiliyt.
Famed for its durability and go-anywhere ability, the Hilux has become one of the world’s most iconic trucks for its indisputable QDR (Quality, Durability, and Reliability).
With the venture coming to India, Toyota was targeting to combine this inherent global rugged robustness with local need of practicality,
And deliver a lifestyle vehicle aimed at the adventurous and also at professional individuals seeking utility and dependable operations.
The Hilux is built to handle the most challenging tasks with ease, from visiting the farm to carrying a load and my favourite, tackling the weekend trails.
Robust Stance and Aggressive Design
The styling of the Toyota Hilux is very bold and aggressive.
It has a huge hexagonal grille, thick bumpers, twin LED projector headlamps an strong character lines which make its off-road lineage absolutely clear.
With a raised stance, flared wheel arches and chunky 18-inch alloy wheels, the Hilux commands respect, standing tall, both literally and figuratively, in the Indian context.
Its dual-cab configuration keeps work and family life in harmony and the chrome door handles, mirrors and grille provide a touch of class.
The rear cargo bed is wide and flat so it is easier to load, and the tailgate is robustly constructed to withstand heavy usage.
Spacious and Functional Cabin
On the inside, there’s a cozy functionalism to the Hilux. The dash has a simple clean layout and has an air of high quality about it.
And while not as plush as an S.U.V., the cabin was well-appointed, for a pickup.
That includes leather seats, a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control and a multi-function steering wheel.
The seats are comfortable and there’s plenty of legroom for back seat passengers.
Places to put things are many, and conveniences such as grab handles and water bottle holders mean everyday practicality is also high on the list of priorities.
It is still off-road rig, so Toyota’s not willing to compromise ride comfort.
Fast Diesel with 4×4 If you want61751
Under the bonnet is a 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel that the Hilux shares with the Fortuner. It delivers 201 bhp and 420 Nm of torque (500 Nm on automatic).
This engine gets mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
4WD comes as standard The Hilux is built to a tough terrain. It has low range gearing, electronic differential lock, hill descent control and wading to a depth of 700mm.
Whether it’s rock sections or slushy sections or sand sections, the Hilux powers through without a second thought.
Crude though the engine sounds, is is actually rather refined and surprisingly smooth, particularly on the motorway.
The ride is also firm but not punishing, and it feels stable even at highway speeds.
Features and Safety
Toyota has a great overall feature set for comfort and safety.
The latter consists of a touchscreen infotainment system, push-button start, cruise control, a rear camera and front and rear parking sensors, as part of a connected car tech package available in higher grades.
In terms of safety, it gets seven airbags, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill-hold assist, and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard fitments.
Passive safety is further optimized by the including side airbag and solid frame structure.
Pros of Toyota Hilux:
Longstanding Dependability and Quality
Strong V6 engine and off-road performance
Aggressive road presence and rugged appearance
Roomy interior with practical and easy-to-use interior controls
Toyota’s service and resale value
Cons of Toyota Hilux:
Pricey for a lifestyle SUV
Unladen, the ride can be bouncy
Bulky size is tricky in cramped city locations
No petrol engine option
Urban-only buyers may find it narrow in appeal
Toyota Hilux: Conclusion
The Toyota Hilux isn’t just a pickup truck — it’s a proclamation.
The Hilux, for all its bells and whistles, gamely provides the same wear-it-in-the-shed attitude; this is a sledgehammer of a truck, after all, and it’s made to use, not abuse.
It won’t appeal to city types looking for something small and easy to place, but it stands out for drinkers whose life is an adventure, or need a versatile workhorse.
The Hilux is a global vehicle from Toyota and with some country specific changes, the Hilux promises to be an iconic truck once again, this time in India.