The Japanese carmaker, Toyota, has finally brought its ever-popular pickup truck, the Toyota Hilux, to Indian shores via the Semi knocked down the route. It shares the same platform, IMV2, with the Fortuner and Innova Crysta and sits just below the Fortuner in Toyota’s lineup, evident by pricing.
The Hilux starts at 33.99 lakhs for the 4×2 manual petrol version and goes up to 36.8 lakhs for the 4×4 automatic diesel.
Toyota Hilux: A Lifestyle pickup truck
Hilux is a lifestyle pickup truck, best for those who enjoy Weekend trips, camp outings and travel daily across highways. As of now, there is only one automaker that has a pickup truck in its portfolio, which is Isuzu. However, the Isuzu D-Max failed to impress the Indian audience and hence has sold very few in number, so there is no real competition to the Hilux.
Talking about dimensions: It measures 5,325mm in length, 1,855 mm in width and 1,815 mm tall. It has a ground clearance of 217mm [laden].
Keep on reading to find out what 5 likes, and dislike about this new ‘segment creator’ car at first glance.
Toyota Hilux Likes-
1) Power –
The Hilux carries the same 2.8-litre diesel engine from Fortuner that churns out a whopping 201 bhp of power and a torque output of 500 Nm. It gets an optional automatic gearbox with manual as standard. It also has two modes, Eco and Power, altering how the steering wheel handles. Considering all this, it’s already a capable machine off the road. A petrol engine is not offered on the Hilux due to this segment’s low demand for petrol.
2) Tested engine and platform –
The Hilux is based on Fortuner and Innova crystals IMV2 platform. This platform has been running for more than a decade. Their owners give many praises, proving to be synonymous with reliability and cheap maintenance. It also has a top resale value.
3) Five-star safety rating by ASEAN NCAP.
The rating speaks for itself. It makes it reliable AND safe. Talking about features, its equipped with 7 airbags, ABD, EBD, HAC, and more. It even gets a steering wheel that weighs up at higher speeds! (this is made possible due to variable flow control)
4) True off-roader:
Toyota Hilux has some of the best segment-leading features onboard, suitable for those who often go camping. Highlights of the off-roading features are :
-1,015 kg pick up in load tray
-Departure angle – 26 degrees, Approach angle – 29 degrees
-Downhill assist control and electronic differential lock.
-700 mm water-wading capability,
-Tyre control monitor, traction control and of course, 4×4.
Toyota Hilux Dislikes–
1) Not for city commute –
Hilux is one of the longest cars in India. It is super long, measuring over 5.3 metres. It has a turning radius of 6.4 metres. The Seltos has a turning radius of 5.3 meters to give a rough idea. The Fortuner has a turning radius of about 5.6 meters. So it wouldn’t be a bad idea to make some biceps before you plan to buy this beast.
2) Low on Features –
Back in 2019, The Seltos and Hector spoilt us by offering features known only in luxury cars. Since then, other automakers have had to up their game too. However, some manufacturers still don’t take this seriously and continue to offer the same old features. The same is the case with the Hilux. It has 6 speakers, non branded from any reputed company. Apart from this, it doesn’t offer blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera, which should’ve been offered considering the size of the car.
Also Read About The Seltos X-Line!
Although it does focus on the real aspect of the car – Driving. It has a monstrous, but at the same time reliable engine, that gives a whopping 500 nm of torque! Its best in class.
3) No sunroof {again} –
Toyota and Maruti are known for being notorious for not offering a sunroof on any of their cars. [In fact, Toyota does not even offer one on their flagship Vellfire priced at INR 1 Cr.] Once again, they missed out on the favourite yet almost useless feature for Indians. [What an irony]
4) Gas Guzzler –
Hilux is expected to be a big gas guzzler. Let’s give some rough estimates. The Fortuner diesel, on average, gives 10.33 km/l in actual life conditions. It weighs about 2,100 kg. The Hilux, powered by the same engine in the same state of tune, weighs almost 3000 kg!
That makes it 900 kg more than the Fortuner. Apart from this, looking at the stance of Hilux compared to Fortuner, the Hilux looks aerodynamically poor, which in turn means a further dropping in Mileage. Thus, one can expect a mileage of 8 km/l (combined) in real-life of the Hilux.
Fuel Efficiency A Problem? Check Out These 6 Most Fuel-Efficient Diesel Engines In India!
Pricing And Final Verdict –
The price for Hilux is 33.9 lakhs ex-showroom for its petrol manual standard version, 34.8 for the 4×4 manual high variant, and 36.8 lakhs for the 4×4 automatic variant. This makes it the most expensive pickup truck in India. Toyota is aiming to grab the lifestyle pickup truck sector, which is slowly gaining steam.
Also Read: The Rising Emergence Of Pick Up Trucks In India!
In a nutshell, the new Toyota Hilux is a unique package offered by Toyota, which does stand a chance of impressing the Indian audience, which Isuzu failed to do. So if you’re in the market for a pick up truck, bet were not impressed by the Isuzu D-Max, the Toyota Hilux is the perfect fit as of now.
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