Toyota Hilux on test – a pick-up that inspires confidence

Toyota Hilux Invincible Double-Cab 3.0-litre Manual

What is it?

Toyota’s Hilux – the original ‘Tonka toy’-style 4×4 pick-up – has been around since 1968. It’s now in its sixth incarnation and has built an enviable reputation for toughness and reliability around the world.

The latest version couldn’t look more ‘butch’ with ‘you-want-some?’ styling, plus, on the Invincible model, 17in alloy wheels and chrome sidebars. It’s available in Single-, Extra-Cab and Double-Cab versions and in three specs – HL2, HL3 and the top-of-the-shop Invincible. There are two engines – a 2.5-litre and the 3.0-litre D-4D unit in our test version. The four-cylinder DOHC 16v turbo-diesel is a burly piece of kit offering 343Nm of torque and a power output of 171PS. It will haul the Hilux from 0-62mph in 12.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 102mph. Impressive figures, although it didn’t seem as sprightly as some of its rivals, possibly because the Hilux itself feels so substantial. It does give the impression of strength, though, and with the low-range gears selected especially, seems as if it would pull down a house. The cab styling isn’t quite as up to the minute as some of its rivals’ but it is well appointed and, all in all, pretty comfortable. But the long-throw gear lever seems quite retro, as does the additional transfer lever to switch between two- and four-wheel-drive high/low range. Most rival pick-ups now employ a switch for this function.

The Hilux has a reputation as a durable working pick-up with good off-road capability and consequently its underpinnings have to live up to this. It rides on independent double wishbone suspension at the front coupled with rear leaf springs – good for a load, not so good for the ride. Nevertheless, the Hilux acquits itself well, only the worst of uneven road surfaces making the going a little uneasy.

 

What’s hot?

• Big, beefy ‘in-your-face’ looks will definitely say something about your business
• Meaty engine with the grunt to haul a 1060kg payload and good characteristics for off-road work
• 2800kg braked towing capacity
• Safety and security systems include ABS, Vehicle Stability Control (Invincible models), driver and front passenger airbags plus, on Invincible, front and side and curtain air bags, Thatcham 1 alarm and reversing camera
• Toyota reliability with high dealer satisfaction level

 

What’s not?

• Cab doesn’t feel quite as modern as some rivals and stowage facilities could be better
• Rear view and front nearside edge visibility inhibited when parking, although the rear-view camera helps tremendously

 

Business Vans verdict

It difficult not to like the Hilux. It’s Europe’s best-selling pick-up and it’s easy to see why. It feels solid and substantial and inspires confidence that it’ll do the job you expect of it. And when it’s to time to say goodbye, you could be pleasantly surprised by the residual values.  

 What you need to know

On the road price as tested (ex-VAT)	£21,169.17
Load length (max)	1545mm
Load width (max)	1515mm
Load height	850mm
Load capacity	N/A
Payload	1060kg
GVW	3080kg
Towing capacity braked/unbraked	2800/750kg
Engine	3.0-litre, 4-cyl diesel
Power/Torque	169hp/343Nm
Economy (combined)	36.7mpg
CO2 emissions	203g/km