2021 Philippine Toyota Hilux: The Pros and Cons

The brand-new 2021 Toyota Hilux has recently made its debut in the Philippines, giving pickup fans in the country a real excitement. While retaining its typical durability and reliability, it is renewed with a stylish fascia and more powerful engine options.

The new Hilux comes in the Conquest trim, the G trim, the E trim, and the J trim. Other versions of a cab and chassis, Cargo, and FX will be available in the future as well. In total, there are 13 variants for consumers with different needs and budgets to choose from.

As the second best-selling car of Toyota in the Philipine market, the Hilux has made itself a household name. As for its latest eighth generation, however, is it worth buying? Let’s find out in this review.

Pros

• Powerful Engines

The latest Hilux is now available as a 2.4-liter (2GD-FTV, 148hp and 400Nm) for the 4x2 variants, and a 2.8-liter (1GD-FTV, 201hp with 420 – 500Nm of torque depending on transmission) for the 4x4 models. Though these are the same engines as before, they are more powerful than the previous generations. The Hilux’s two transmission options—a 6-speed automatic and 6-speed intelligent manual—are just as tough. With reviewers widely praising the latest Toyota pickup’s acceleration, you know it lives up to its fame and your expectations.

• Excellent Off-Road and City Driving

As the only one pickup to have conquered both the North and South poles, Toyota Hilux justifies itself as an all-terrain workhorse. It is far more rugged than most competitors in its class, partly because it is equipped with a double wishbone system at the front and a leaf spring rigid axle at the back. The 4x4 variants also come with the plus of an autonomous disconnect differential and differential lock to better track the slippery surfaces, while Conquest variants have the cruise control to make long haul trips easier.

For a mountain and water conquester, smooth city roads are just easy-peasy. The latest Hilux’ suspension system offers reassuring stability and firmness to a good ride. Even in busy traffic, it is easy to drive with precise steering supported by features like proximity sensors, reverse camera, downhill assist control, traction and stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control.

• Easy-to-Use Infotainment

The simple and neat design of the infotainment system is also a delight. There’s no complicated controls whatsoever. You can access the controls via the steering wheel switches. Bluetooth connectivity makes things even easier. Without touching the screen, your car can be automatically connected with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and Smart Device Link. 

Cons

• Affordability

Priced from PhP 843,000 to PhP 1.85 Million, the 2021 Hilux is more pricey than some of its competitors, for example, Mitsubishi Strada and Ford Ranger. If you’re not planning for off-road uses, you might as well consider buying lower variants instead of the Conquest.

• Tall Ingress Height

The Hilux’s 279mm maximum ground clearance is the tallest in its class. This makes it an imposing off-road machine, which may cause some difficulty for the driver and passengers alike to climb on. Therefore, you’d better prepare for this limitation.

In conclusion, the 2021 Toyota Hilux is a good player in the pickup class, as its driving performance is guaranteed with its strong powertrain and technological features. In addition, the infotainment system is user-friendly. It also comes in with a wide range of variants, but still, you’d better place your budget at the top of your list for decision-making and find the one most suitable to your needs. Finally, don’t forget to take the ground clearance into consideration.