A paragon of durability and uncompromising performance, the Toyota Hilux is the only pickup truck offered by Toyota in the country that had savored phenomenal sales every successive year.

Proof of fact just last year (2021), according to one reputable US-based motoring review, Toyota has shifted a jaw-dropping 47,480 Hilux units in Europe alone. Enough horsepower that would cause quite a stir in the foreign car market scene.

Meanwhile, Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) has made progressive updates to this ubiquitous workhorse, adding more features to its impressive lineup of Hilux variants.

Whereas last year when the Toyota Hilux boasted only 7 variants in the car market, for 2022, however, TMP has refreshed the Toyota Hilux into 14 variants namely the Cab & Chassis, Cargo, J, FX, E, J, G, and the formidable Conquest.

However, the biggest update in this midsize four-door pickup truck was the major tweak for the 2.8-liter engine which can now ultimately rival those other great mid-sized work fleets like the brawnier Ranger and the much beefier Chevrolet Colorado.

RUGGED EXTERIOR

Sporting the standard massive chrome grille at the front, bold front fascia, and bi-beam headlights, these aggressive external aesthetics found in the prominent external features of the Toyota Hilux suggest solid dependability and awe-inspiring durability, especially in the Hilux Conquest variant which features a more ruggedly-menacing exterior design not found in the standard variants.

What’s more, other higher trim levels feature an LED lighting set, as well as engorge from an array of DRLs too while other Hilux variants come with either a set of projector or reflector halogen headlights.

Moreover, The E and G variants glide on 17-inch wheels, while the top-spec Conquest boasts 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels for maximum mobility.

The Toyota Hilux Conquest variants also include a tailgate assist mechanism, a bed liner, sports bar, classy roof ornamentation, and side decals to provide a more prominent road fixture for other motorists to see while on the road.

COZY AND ROOMY INTERIOR

The interior of the Toyota Hilux offers a lot of creature comforts rarely seen on pickup trucks. The higher trim variants like the sporty GR-S variant introduced in 2021 has leather and suede seats with red accents and "GR '' (Gazoo Racing) badges or logos while Its interior, seats, and GR- tattooed steering wheel get red contrast stitching.

Lower trim variants, however, only have modest fabric seat coverings which will hardly make a dent in terms of comfort levels.

In addition, top variants like the 2022 Hilux Conquest come with a dual-zone climate control system. The rearview mirror has been upgraded to include an electrochromic unit or “auto-dimming” function while an ergonomically installed panoramic view mirror, gives lots of headway providing the driver better visibility, especially in oncoming traffic.

TECH AND SAFETY FEATURES

Safety has always been the main concern as TMP continues to innovate with the Toyota Hilux variants to further reduce car fatalities.

Each Toyota Hilux variant comes with the standard front, side, curtain, and driver-side knee airbags, an Anti-lock braking system with EBD, stability control, speed-sensing door locks, and Hill Start Assist.

Even more impressive for the top-range variant is the push-start system and keyless entry for seamless ignition and maneuverability.

As for entertainment, Both the E and G variants feature a 6.75-inch infotainment screen with an unbelievable set of six speakers, while the top-ranking Conquest variant is equipped with a much larger 8-inch infotainment screen with a whopping eight speakers. All stereophonic systems support Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Smart Device Link (SDL), Bluetooth, and USB connectivity.

PLATFORM AND CHASSIS CONFIGURATION

The Toyota Hilux is a sturdy reliable utility vehicle that has the same Toyota IMV platform molded along its lines like those found in other impressive midsize car fleets like the Innova and Fortuner.

This outstanding pickup truck features a double-wishbone front suspension while its rear setup comprising a rigid axle with leaf springs extensively supports maximum weight-bearing loads.

The measurements of the Hilux include a length of 5,345 mm, a width of 1,855, a wheelbase of 3,085 mm, and a maximum height of 1,845 (including roof cladding). It also comes with a ground clearance of 279 mm which can help the truck drive through even the toughest of terrains. The layout can either be front-engine, rear-wheel driver, or front-engine, four-wheel drive, depending on the chosen variant.

ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN

What makes Toyota Hilux a beast of burden is its engine, especially the upgraded 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine installed in the Conquest variant which is capable of generating 201 hp at 3,400 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 1,400 to 3,400 rpm (500 Nm of mind-boggling torque for the Conquest 4X4 A/T variant). The standard 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV diesel engine which can be found on the E, G, and the Conquest 4x2 variants, however, can generate 148 hp at 3,400 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 1,600 to 2,000 pm.

In addition, Toyota Hilux 2022 current price listings in the Philippine car market range from 843,000 PHP for the entry-level 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT to 1,985,000 PHP for the much costlier Toyota Hilux GR Sport 2.8 4x4 AT variant.