Toyota Hilux

Evolution not revolution, that’s the latest Toyota Hilux as we found out recently. It’s been updated but still comes built for anything. So, what’s the same & what’s different?

The engine

The core 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine remains, continuing to deliver 204 hp with 500 Nm of torque, but it’s now paired with a 48V mild-hybrid / Diesel 48V system.

Chassis & body

It’s now only available as a double-cab., but does retain the fundamental IMV body-on-frame ladder chassis as the previous generation. And the shape, so the roofline, doors, & glass are all carried over from the previous model. As is the rear passenger space which is still tight for taller passengers.

Transmission & Drivetrain

The 6-speed automatic transmission with switchable 4WD & differentials remain, whilst the manual gearbox has gone.

Payload & towing

Where practicality is concerned, Hilux’s one-tonne payload & 3.5-tonne towing capacity is now delivered across just a Double Cab.

When you step up to the latest Hilux, plenty will be familiar but there are some changes.

Outside

There’s a more vertical front, slimmer LED headlights & a new hexagonal grille.

Inside

The cabin feels very similar to the old model but Hilux now comes with a digital drivers display & new 12.3” touchscreen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity which is wireless on some versions. It all sits within a brand new dashboard inspired by it’s passenger car range. And you also get Electric Power Steering which replaces the old hydraulic system & a Land Cruiser steering wheel. For ride comfort Toyota has revises its hydraulic mounts, added sheer-type cabin mounts & extra spot welds with the aim of reducing cabin noise & vibration.

A good place to begin, is with the motorway. The Invincible X we were driving, featured a six-speed auto gear box & to be fair, it’s pretty good. Once up to motorway speed, adaptive cruise control which comes with the X, makes short work of the motorway miles. And, unlike many similar systems it’s really simple to engage.

What impressed us most was the Invincible X’s road holding, which even on tight motorway bends, was exemplary. The improvements to the chassis  & power steering also shine through, making the latest Hilux far more driver friendly.

In town, or driving along more local roads, Invincible X shows improved road manners with little or no body roll nor bouncing, things that the previous version could sometimes be guilty of. Of course, any pick-up will always feel more stable as well as more comfortable with a sizeable load in the rear.

Not so good are Toyotas fiddly driver-safety features, which you need to change every time you re-start the engine . It’s ll done with a tiny steering wheel switch & the list is long & the wording small so it’s time consuming. Furthermore, if like us you stop then forget to re-set the DAW, LDW or anything else, you can’t do this on the move & the usual beeps begin t o annoy.

As far as fuel economy goes, Invincible X has a claimed economy of 29.1 mpg. Driving in October, we averaged 30.8 mpg, so above & that was with a 220 mile motorway trip where we drove at 60-70mph.

The latest Hilux is more refined, both in the cabin & on the road. Chassis tweaks have also improved the ride.

Losing the single & extended cab models & doing away with the manual gearbox means there’s no ‘cheap’ route into a Hilux. And we’d love a driver safety short-cut lease Toyota.

If Toyota were aiming to make the latest Hilux more car-like to drive, then they have succeeded, which if you’re in one every day, has to be a good thing. We couldn’t fault the more comfortable ride, better equipped cabin & latest safety & infotainment system. Reassuringly, the Hilux will still take you places other’s fear to go, but by reducing the model-choice it’s now more expensive to get into & the old more basic versions had appeal in the building, farming & utility sectors, so those areas are not as well catered for as before

Whether off-road or on, Toyota’s Hilux still cut’s the mustard  3.75/5