The latest Hilux Invincible couldn’t look more rugged with ‘in-your-face’ styling, 17in alloy wheels and chrome sidebars
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 Hilux has a reputation as a durable working pick-up with good off-road capability
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 rear-view camera in the tailgate helps tremendously when reversing and parking
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.
The cab is well appointed, but not quite as up to the minute as some of its rivals’
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.
