Built like a tank: Top 5 reasons people choose the Toyota Hilux

Every pickup buyer has their definition of what makes a good pickup. Some say it has to ride like a sedan, even though it’s not. Others say it’s fuel consumption, even though it needs a large engine to lug itself around. However, the base definition of one is purely subjective, and no one pickup can be objectively good.

If there was one that could come close, however, it would have to be a truck that could do it all – cargo, comfort, consumption, convenience, and performance, all in a neat commercial package, and that’s where the Toyota Hilux (Specs | News) comes in.

For the longest time, the Toyota Hilux wasn’t the best choice for a pickup; it was the only choice, thanks to its legendary reliability and a drivetrain that seemed to defy the laws of physics, carrying everything from bales of hay to complete lathe machines over long distances at a decent speed.

Over the years, the reputation for reliability and capability grew, especially when it became the first land vehicle to reach the North Pole, courtesy of three bumbling British TV presenters.

In today’s world, however, there are many other trucks that people can consider that take away a sizeable chunk of the Toyota Hilux’s virtual monopoly. Can it keep up, or has this old dog run out of new tricks?

Cargo

The Toyota Hilux has been the brand’s flagship light commercial vehicle since its launch in 1968. Over the years, it’s grown to carry and do more to fulfill its role in an ever-changing world.

Carrying a payload of 1000 kg, the Toyota Hilux is now capable of towing up to 3500 kg and have a full complement of passengers on top. While it may not have the largest cargo capacity in the market, it’s arguably one of the more capable pickups in its segment.

Consumption

It may not surprise you that most pickups aren’t exactly frugal when it comes to diesel, and the Hilux is no different. Averaging 16 km/L on the highway and 8 in the city, the Hilux is on par with the rest of the trucks in the category, and while that isn’t stellar performance, it’s passable. However, a rumored hybrid powertrain in the next model will definitely change that.

Convenience

It may only have five seats, but the Hilux is still a highly sought-after model even in this 7-seat obsessed market. Inside, the Hilux gets many creature comforts that make the average journey a little more pleasant. Android Auto and Apple Carplay, Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and even power-adjustable seats for the front passengers make the Hilux a far more comfortable vehicle to be in.

It may not ride as well as most other vehicles – what pickup does? But the supple lumbar support and soft foam of the seats do a very good job of ironing out most light bumps.

Performance

Under the hood is where the Hilux shines, because, with the latest model, this turbodiesel cargo hauler has a whole 204 PS at its disposal, with a whopping 500 Nm of torque, all going through a 6-speed transmission to either the rear or all wheels via a 4x4 drivetrain.

With those new figures, the 2.8-liter turbodiesel Hilux eclipses the majority of the other pickups in its category, going from 0 to 100 kph in just 11 seconds. To most, that would sound like an eternity, but considering that that’s the acceleration time for a nearly 2-ton pickup, with a diesel engine, it becomes quite impressive.

Price

Normally, Toyotas don’t fare well when it comes to price, and the Hilux is actually no different.

Coming in at over 2 million pesos for the Hilux GR-S, it’s not what most would call affordable. But the great thing about Toyota is that they offer a wide range of options for those who want a Toyota, but can do without some luxury features. Case in point: the cheapest Hilux, the Hilux J 4x2 Manual, which comes with no features whatsoever – even power mirrors and windows – is priced at just ₱971,000, which is more reasonable, though you would have to do without amenities most would consider essential.

The mid-range Hilux Conquest 4x2 A/T, powered by a smaller engine, is priced at ₱1,582,000 – more palatable than the top-spec GR-S, and more comfortable than the base model J.

If you are buying a Hilux, what are your considerations? Tell us in the comments below.