Test Car Specifications
Model tested: Toyota Hilux 2.4 D-4D Double Cab Invincible Auto
Price: £32,645
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: six-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Body style: double-cab pick-up truck
CO2 emissions: 204g/km (Band K, £290 per year)
Combined economy: 36.2mpg
Top speed: 106mph
0-62mph: 12.8 seconds
Power: 148hp at 3,400rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,600- to 2,000rpm
What's this?
The Toyota Hilux is the Japanese firm's near indestructible pick-up truck that's sold by the million globally. It has carried everything conceivable and rolled over almost inch of the planet. This one's new, though not entirely, as it's more a very comprehensive re-engineering of its predecessor, though with Toyota's usual attention to detail nothing's been left untouched. There's a stronger ladder frame chassis, more spot welds, a much smarter interior, new diesel engine, more space, more capacity to haul and a sharper exterior look.
It's still a Hilux though, so it's not quite as glitzy as its rivals, but it'll now not look so out of place parked on the slip ramp when off-loading your wakeboard boat, or, as is more likely, down the supply yard collecting essentials.
How does it drive?
Sitting inside, you could forget the Hilux is a commercial vehicle with the sort of ruggedness that sees them destroy deserts, conquer ice caps and journey through jungles all over the globe. It's tough then, though the driving environment's more family hatchback in design. It looks and feels good, but retains its sense of toughness, too. There's a touchscreen satnav (depending on model) and it's properly integrated rather than aftermarket as is the case with some rivals, while the instruments are smart looking and the driving position good. Starting it up, however (via a button on this Invincible version), does remind you, as the new four-cylinder engine is a bit rough when cold, but it settles into a respectfully hushed idle once warm.
It remains a mere background accompaniment until about 3,000rpm, when it all gets a bit more forthright. The numbers suggest that high revs shouldn't be necessary, but the reality is that the engine is frequently heard, which is not helped by the automatic's keenness to hang onto gears. It's not particularly brisk, either; indeed, in Eco mode its responses are positively lethargic as it ekes out as much as it can from its fuel tank. Press the Power button and response is keener, giving a greater impression of speed, if not masses of it in reality. It's better as a manual, as the six-speed auto feels like it slows it down, even if it's actually quicker to 62mph against the stopwatch. That's quicker in relative terms, with its 12.8-second time.
Accept it's not an engine that likes being hurried and the big, tough Toyota reveals its sophistication in other areas. The ride is accomplished for a pick-up. Sure, there's some shimmy at the rear due to an unloaded deck and leaf springs, but overall the ride's more composed than in its rivals. The steering is accurate, if light and artificial feeling, so the Hilux is not as fun to drive as Mitsubishi's L200, but it's more comfortable more of the time, and for the majority of buyers that's more important.
Off-road it'll get you almost anywhere on road tyres, and everywhere else if you're specific with your rubber choice - the Hilux is as capable in the mire as you could ever need it to be, and more. On top of that there's more safety kit for the road, including the availability of a pre-collision system with Lane Departure Alert and Pedestrian Detection as well as Road Sign Assist. There are ISOFIX mounts in the rear of the Double Cab, if your 'workforce' is still in infant seats.
Verdict
Tougher, yet more civilised, the Toyota Hilux is improved in virtually every way. The engine might lack real punch, but the numbers associated with it stack up decently against its rivals, even if the reality isn't quite as impressive. That may be addressed with more power in time, but in every other way the Hilux is a huge step forward from Toyota.
Exterior Design
Interior Ambience
Passenger Space
Luggage Space
Safety
Comfort
Driving Dynamics
Powertrain
