After the recently modernized Land Cruiser, another time-tested classic from the Toyota portfolio passed our editorial test. The Hilux model is an inherent constant in the work pick-up segment, which also boasts excellent sales over the long term.
It is therefore not surprising that the eighth generation of this model is already available to its users. This generation was also affected by the now-traditional rejuvenation, which made a decent impression on the exterior of the car, a more powerful engine got under its hood and the equipment was also improved.
Exterior
The modernization of the outer parts remained faithful to its original proportions. The Hilux therefore still offers relatively robust and durable shapes. The side profile of the car is pleasantly balanced, and the proportions of the double cabin and the body of the car harmonize nicely.
The current modernization has thus had the greatest impact on the front part of the car. It is now significantly more "nosy" thanks to the newly shaped mask and its distinctive edging.
The rear section continues to be shaped with an emphasis on practicality. The rear lights have received only slight shape retouches and are newly equipped with LED technology.
Covering the body of the tested car was very effective. It was equipped with an elegant optical extension of the upper part of the car's cabin, and then a discreet electrically retractable blind.
Interior
The interior of the tested Toyota Hilux will immediately make you forget what car segment this worker belongs to. As soon as you get behind the wheel, you are surrounded by the interior of a classic passenger car, which does not lack leather seats or a JBL audio system. In the specific case, however, we must take into account that we are sitting in the top Invincible equipment. The Hilux is able to add sufficient emphasis on pampering its crew to its working capabilities.
The dashboard of the car will offer a simple and elegant design, good clarity and the traditionally abundant number of classic controls. The instrument panel will delight you with the analog indicators of the speedometer and tachometer in a pleasant graphic design. The new feature is the 8" on-board infotainment display, which is lined with classic quick dial controls.
The Toyota Hilux has good interior space and sufficiently sized storage spaces. I must also praise the comfortable and comfortably adjusted front seats. There is also plenty of space and comfort in the rear seats.
An open body or a covered storage space, here let each user choose how they want to use this part of the car. The loading area itself offers dimensions of 1555 x 1540 x 480 mm. The car we tested offered a covering bed with an electrically controlled blind. Its controls are practically located in the rear corners of the body. Unfortunately, their reaction was sometimes slower as well as the automatic movement of the entire blind. Here, I would probably choose a somewhat simpler way of covering the storage space, but I have to praise the additional lighting of the loading area.
Offered motorizations and driving impressions
The most important change that has occurred with the current modernization of the car is the presence of a new power unit under its hood. The proven 2.4 D-4D engine is still available, but the Hilux can now also be ordered with a 2.8 D-4D engine, which brings both a positive increase in power and torque to the car.
Thus, the Hilux, like the recently tested Land-Cruiser , came to life pleasantly with this engine. The power was increased by 54 horsepower and the torque value increased by 100 Nm. The expression of the motorization is then pleasantly "dense" and traditionally sufficiently refined for the brand. Towards the cabin, the engine is well soundproofed.
The new engine is available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The classic manual gearbox will "impoverish" the Hilux by exactly 80 Nm of torque. In the case of the automatic, the Hilux reaches torque values equal to 500 Nm. The tested automatic transmission shifted logically and quite smoothly, but it can still be classified as one of the more prudent ones.
As part of the modernization, work was also done on tuning the chassis, the Hilux should now be a bit more refined, i.e. more user-friendly, especially in the case of an unloaded car. Of course, it is still a workhorse that stands on a classic frame and its rear axle is equipped with leaf springs. It can still be seen in its driving performance, and the unloaded Hilux is able to occasionally bounce on lateral unevenness.
However, the Toyota Hilux is an honest and sturdy pick-up for all-round use. The car is definitely not afraid of the terrain and handles highway speed with great clarity. All this with a consumption of around 9 liters per 100 km. The tank with a volume of 80 liters gives the car a pleasant range.
In conclusion
The modernized Hilux is available in either Single Cab, Extra Cab or Double Cab versions. You also have a choice of the original 2.4 D-4D engine or the new 2.8 D-4D (combined with manual or automatic transmission), the last choice is the trim level, i.e. Live, Active, Executive, Invincible or Invincible Sport.
The basic Single Cab with a weaker diesel engine, six-speed manual starts at 988,570 CZK including VAT (Live version). You can then purchase a basic Double Cab of the same specification for CZK 1,036,970 including tax.
The more powerful 2.8 D-4D engine is then only available in the Extra Cab or Double Cab version. In the case of a double cab, with a manual from CZK 1,176,120 including VAT (Active version) or with an automatic from CZK 1,224,520 including VAT (Active version).
The car we tested had the Invincible trim level, a more powerful diesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, its purchase price in this case starts at CZK 1,465,310 including tax.
Even in the case of the Hilux model, Toyota offers its additional packages, which can be used to customize the car quite decently. The SAFETY, VIP, STYLE, PROTECTION, CARGO, ACTIVE or INVINCIBLE packages are probably the most interesting.
The Toyota Hilux is an ageless classic that, thanks to its many years of development, has been tuned to near perfection. As part of the current modernization, the new drive unit should be appreciated the most, which is noticeably more dynamic and has greatly improved the car's driving characteristics. The tested higher level of equipment brings enough comfort on board this worker, thanks to which the Hilux becomes a significantly more versatile car.
Source: Author's text
Image source: Author's own photos
