The Toyota Hilux is perhaps one of the most recognizable pickup trucks on earth. The first iteration of this famous ute was released half a century ago in 1968. Today, the Toyota Hilux is available in over 180 different countries and its reputation tends to precede it well before reaching a new nation. Also, this Japanese goliath has managed to move nearly 18 million units worldwide - over 6.5 million of which are in the Middle East, alone.
In its eight generation now, the 2019 Toyota Hilux is set to build on the reputation of its forefathers of bullet-proof reliability, ease of use, practicality, and efficiency. However, popular as it may be, the Hilux is not without competition. Its chief rivals today are the Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi L200, and the Ford Ranger.
Exterior
The Toyota Hilux was always a tough-looking pickup truck, a trait which suited its utilitarian purpose of hauling stuff no matter the terrain. However, after its makeover a few years ago, the Hilux seems to have taken on a softer, more approachable route in pickup design, and now also features a few curves.
The front fascia sports a chrome grille and large, clear lens headlamps. The bumper has been spruced up too and gets integrated fog lamps plus a large air dam. The redesign hasn’t made many changes to the side profile of this pickup as it retains a vastly similar look as its predecessor. At the back too, changes have been kept to a minimum. The taillamp units are now larger and of a different design, and have been modernized with newer elements. The tailgate has been revamped and now features a centre-mounted LED stop light.
The Toyota Hilux is available as a single cab (SC), double cab (DC), and as a 3-, 5-, or 6-seat configurations. The base SC Hilux is 5.330 meters long, 1.800 meters wide, 1.700 meters in height, and has a wheelbase of 3.085 meters. The full-option Hilux DC TRD version sports dimensions of 5.330 meters, 1.855 meters, 1.815 meters, and 3.085 meters in length, width, height, and wheelbase, respectively.
Interior
The cabin of the Toyota Hilux is well put together and is meant to last a lifetime. It is designed to be a practical and ergonomic space, thus making use of tough, long-lasting materials. This ensures longevity and reliability for fulfilling its utilitarian purpose.
The base Hilux comes with 16-inch steel wheels, manually-operated mirrors, a manual a/c unit, fabric upholstery, and a 2-speaker music system with Bluetooth. The top Hilux TRD adds 17-inch alloys, automatic climate control, power windows & mirrors, heated & cooled glovebox, a 6-speaker audio system with steering-mounted controls, keyless entry, and a rearview camera.
The Hilux can be had with the usual safety kit such as ABS with EBD and brake assist, dual front airbags, stability program, hill assist control etc.
Engine and performance
The 2019 Toyota Hilux will be available with a 2.0-, 2.7-, and 4.0-liter petrol engines, plus a 2.4-liter diesel mill. The petrol units make 134 HP with 182 Nm, 164 HP with 245 Nm, and 235 HP with 375 Nm of torque, respectively. The Hilux can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Fuel consumption figures for the petrol-powered Hilux range from 10.0L – 13.0L/100 km, while the Hilux diesel checks in at 7.5L/100 km.
Verdict
The 2019 Toyota Hilux range begins at AED 77,000 and tops out at AED 147,000 for the full-option TRD edition. Cost of insurance for the base Hilux starts at AED 1,733 and for the TRD at AED 3,308.
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