Next year will mark a half-century for the Hilux here. Now the eighth edition of Toyota’s
pivotal pick-up has been given a ‘mid-life’ revamp.
A 10 or 11-year production run has been the norm hitherto — seventh generation came in 2005 and current eighth in 2016.
But much goes on during each product cycle. A new 2.5 D-4D 120 engine arrived in
2006 and a 3.0 D-4D 170 unit added in 2007. A limited-run 200ps version appeared
in 2008 and a revised 2.5 D-4D the following year.
Interiors grew more comfortable and equipment levels improved: touch-screen connectivity, rear-view camera, etc. Edition 8 debuted with Toyota’s new ‘Global Diesel’ 2.4 litre engine. A taller and wider vehicle, off-road capability was also enhanced. Variants such as “nvincible X and Limited Edition were introduced in 2018, and active safety features in 2019.
pivotal pick-up has been given a ‘mid-life’ revamp.
A 10 or 11-year production run has been the norm hitherto — seventh generation came in 2005 and current eighth in 2016.
But much goes on during each product cycle. A new 2.5 D-4D 120 engine arrived in
2006 and a 3.0 D-4D 170 unit added in 2007. A limited-run 200ps version appeared
in 2008 and a revised 2.5 D-4D the following year.
Interiors grew more comfortable and equipment levels improved: touch-screen connectivity, rear-view camera, etc. Edition 8 debuted with Toyota’s new ‘Global Diesel’ 2.4 litre engine. A taller and wider vehicle, off-road capability was also enhanced. Variants such as “nvincible X and Limited Edition were introduced in 2018, and active safety features in 2019.
Headlines for the 2021 Hilux are a gutsier 2.8-litre engine option (top two Invincible models) together with improved on/off-road handling. Equipment also sees a further step-up. A limited-slip differential (Icon and above) benefits on-road 4x2 behaviour.
Spring rates and shock absorbers have been reworked. Layout remains traditional (independent front; semi-elliptic for the rear beam axle) but lengthened main leaf springs at the rear make for a subtler response to poorer surfaces. Variable power steering lightens for tight manoeuvring and eases off as pace quickens.
Off-road, apart from the traditional transfer-box-enabled High/Low Ratio gearing, revisions include press-button-activated Automatic Electronic Control. This replicates the effect of a mechanical limited-slip differential (when in HR rear wheel drive ‘4x2’ mode). It’s in addition to the existing Active Traction Control when in LR 4x4.
Familiar electronic assets, Hill Start and Downhill Assist Control (“Icon” models and above) are retained together with Vehicle Stability and Trailer Sway Controls. Engine idling speed is now lower and accelerator response retuned.
Toyota’s Hilux remains a tough 4x4 pick-up well up for a long life of hard work. To its credit (and perhaps as a reflection of this) manual transmission models take around two thirds of sales. Both manual and auto ’boxes are six-speed. Clear performance gains flow from the return to a big bore four-cylinder engine and plentiful torque delivery.
Apart from switchgear, few controls are finger-tip light but the driving experience is not tedious. New tech or not, everything works well and that sense of durability and longevity remains. Front seats however could be deeper and more supportive. That said however, Toyota’s tough pick-up has become a distinctly smoother operator.
Model Range: Single, Extra & Double Cab Active, Icon, Invincible, Invincible X (all Double Cab); £22,466-££33,783 (excluding VAT).
Competition: Ford Ranger; Mitsubishi L200; Nissan Navara; SsangYong Musso;
Isuzu D-Max; VW Amarok.
Facts & Figures: Invincible six-speed manual 2.8-litre 204ps £29,554 (excl.VAT); 109mph; 0-62mph 10.13secs; 31.3-33.2mpg (official); 29mpg (Trip Computer Avge on test); Road Tax LGV TC39 £265; CO2 224-236g/km; Ins Grp 42D; Payload 1,015kg; Max Braked Trailer 3,500kg; Ground Clearance 310mm; Approach & Departure 29º & 26º; Max Wading 700mm; Warranty 3yrs/60,000 miles, extendable to 10yrs/100,000 miles with annual Toyota service.
Huw Thomas
First published in Welsh Farmer, the newspaper of the Farmers' Union of Wales
Spring rates and shock absorbers have been reworked. Layout remains traditional (independent front; semi-elliptic for the rear beam axle) but lengthened main leaf springs at the rear make for a subtler response to poorer surfaces. Variable power steering lightens for tight manoeuvring and eases off as pace quickens.
Off-road, apart from the traditional transfer-box-enabled High/Low Ratio gearing, revisions include press-button-activated Automatic Electronic Control. This replicates the effect of a mechanical limited-slip differential (when in HR rear wheel drive ‘4x2’ mode). It’s in addition to the existing Active Traction Control when in LR 4x4.
Familiar electronic assets, Hill Start and Downhill Assist Control (“Icon” models and above) are retained together with Vehicle Stability and Trailer Sway Controls. Engine idling speed is now lower and accelerator response retuned.
Toyota’s Hilux remains a tough 4x4 pick-up well up for a long life of hard work. To its credit (and perhaps as a reflection of this) manual transmission models take around two thirds of sales. Both manual and auto ’boxes are six-speed. Clear performance gains flow from the return to a big bore four-cylinder engine and plentiful torque delivery.
Apart from switchgear, few controls are finger-tip light but the driving experience is not tedious. New tech or not, everything works well and that sense of durability and longevity remains. Front seats however could be deeper and more supportive. That said however, Toyota’s tough pick-up has become a distinctly smoother operator.
Model Range: Single, Extra & Double Cab Active, Icon, Invincible, Invincible X (all Double Cab); £22,466-££33,783 (excluding VAT).
Competition: Ford Ranger; Mitsubishi L200; Nissan Navara; SsangYong Musso;
Isuzu D-Max; VW Amarok.
Facts & Figures: Invincible six-speed manual 2.8-litre 204ps £29,554 (excl.VAT); 109mph; 0-62mph 10.13secs; 31.3-33.2mpg (official); 29mpg (Trip Computer Avge on test); Road Tax LGV TC39 £265; CO2 224-236g/km; Ins Grp 42D; Payload 1,015kg; Max Braked Trailer 3,500kg; Ground Clearance 310mm; Approach & Departure 29º & 26º; Max Wading 700mm; Warranty 3yrs/60,000 miles, extendable to 10yrs/100,000 miles with annual Toyota service.
Huw Thomas
First published in Welsh Farmer, the newspaper of the Farmers' Union of Wales
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