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First Drive Review: Toyota Hilux

Thursday, 1 October 2020

Toyota is very serious about claiming the top ute spot back off Ford with the heavily revised Hilux.
Toyota has given the Hilux an extensive mid-life refresh across the range.
Toyota has given the Hilux an extensive mid-life refresh across the range.
There’s 20kW more power from the 2.8-litre diesel engine that now pumps out 150kW.
There’s 20kW more power from the 2.8-litre diesel engine that now pumps out 150kW.

Toyota New Zealand launched the eighth generation Hilux with great fanfare in late-2015. Model Year 2021 upgrades arriving this month introduce the biggest changes yet the latest generation of the Toyota workhorse.

Make me an instant expert: what do I need to know?

Torque is also up on the automatic models, to 500Nm, while the manual models get 420Nm.
Torque is also up on the automatic models, to 500Nm, while the manual models get 420Nm.

The current generation Hilux has a mixed report card. It holds the honour of being the best-selling Hilux of all time yet has failed to dislodge the Ford Ranger from ute market leadership since Ranger took the top spot from the previous generation Hilux in 2014.

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A bolder, less boat-like face now spans the Hilux range.
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The Hilux range covers everything from cab/chassis workhorses to top-of-the-range luxury lifestyle utes.
The Hilux range covers everything from cab/chassis workhorses to top-of-the-range luxury lifestyle utes.

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Toyota says the MY21 upgrades are a response to customer feedback. The result is a bolder-looking Hilux with more performance, improved fuel efficiency and refinements across most aspects of the vehicle.

The SR5 Cruiser model adds some aggressive styling touches, like those bold wheel arch extensions.
The SR5 Cruiser model adds some aggressive styling touches, like those bold wheel arch extensions.

There are more powerful engines for all diesel models, a styling makeover that borrows some cues from Toyota’s North American market trucks (these are reserved for the wide-body Hilux models) and new connectivity to enhance the user experience.

Diesel engines now have 150kW output (up 20kW) while peak torque on auto diesels is 500Nm (up 50Nm). Manuals have an unchanged 420Nm torque peak but it’s available across a broader rev range and the intelligent-MT rev-matching function is now available on SR manual models.

Chassis tweaks improve the Hilux’s on and off-road abilities.
Chassis tweaks improve the Hilux’s on and off-road abilities.

The performance boost is the result of a new cylinder block and pistons, a larger turbo, new exhaust manifold, increased fuel injection pressure and cooling improvements. It’s accompanied by a 10 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and 11 per cent lower CO2 emissions.

Toyota is busy making Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality standard across its model range and you might ask what took it so long?

Toyota’s Safety Sense package comes as standard across the entire Hilux range.
Toyota’s Safety Sense package comes as standard across the entire Hilux range.

All MY21 Hilux models gain a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen – in place for previous 6.0- and 7.0-inch screens – which is a significant benefit and there is a revised 4.2-inch multi-info display with a digital speedo readout as another convenient new touch.

SR models have new four bulb projector headlights while from SR5 level there is the addition of parking support with front and rear proximity sensors, new LED taillights, redesigned LED headlights with a chrome surround, new dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels and heated door mirrors have been added on SR5 4WD models.

The premium SR5 Cruiser gains a nine-speaker JBL audio system, an auto-dimming interior mirror, new 18-inch two-tone grey/black alloy wheels, blue ambient lighting in the doors, new matte and piano black interior surfaces, welcome lights in the mirrors and a new leather accented two-tone grey/black seat trim. It also has the largest price increase at $2500.

Across the board prices have edged upwards slightly by either $1000 or $1500 on 4x2 models and between $500 and $2500 for 4x4 models.

Where did you drive it?

Toyota had earlier previously communicated the key upgrade changes, model line-up and pricing for MY21 Hilux, so the Palmerston North to New Plymouth press launch route was the chance to point the Hilux toward some highways, back roads and have a brief play in the muddy stuff – complete with spring time squalls and strong winds.

It was easy to pinpoint where Hilux has gained refinement. The new engine is quieter at both cold start and idle and remains so when it works harder with the power delivery continuing higher into the rev-range to aid overtaking response.

Under the skin there have been subtle chassis changes and Hilux offers more compliance in its initial suspension response across sudden bumps and corrugations.

A more settled highway ride quality comes through leaf spring rear suspension modifications including an extra leaf added to the rear suspension of double cab models (excluding Workmate).

There are re-tuned shock absorbers, spring rates and suspension bushes while a new variable flow power steering pump lightens low speed effort and reduces assistance at higher speeds. The result is a more direct feel on the highway.

There also changes to the cab mounting points for improved isolation from vibration and tyre generated road noise.

The farmland off-road programme had short sections of low ratio 4x4 work on slippery grass surfaces. There was a chance to sample the Hill-Start Assist Control and the Downhill Assist Control functions - which now operates in a quieter and less intrusive style.

To improve traction the Hilux 4x4 now has a rear auto limited slip differential which works when the ute is in two-wheel-drive while Downhill Assist Control has been added to SR Double Cab 4WD manual which previously missed out on this feature.

What’s the pick of the range?

It’s an 18-strong multi-tasking line-up (19 if you count the range-topping Raptor-fighting Mako) and a pick-of-the-range answer varies with job descriptions as diverse as farm or forestry workhorse, tradie transport or dressed-up tow vehicle for weekend family adventures.

For a balance between specification, capability and value my personal choice would from the middle-of-the-range SR5 Double Cab variants where spec is appealing and pricing is just over $50K in 4x4 guise and just above $40K as a high-rider in the PreRunner 4x2 configuration.

Why would I buy it?

Rugged off-road attributes combined with the on-road benefit of the full Toyota Safety Sense package which is standard.

It includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with pre-collision safety and autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert and road sign assist on all models. With seven airbags and a 5-star ANCAP rating the Hilux makes a compelling case on safety and is supported by improved performance and refinement.

In terms of model choice, the availability of six manual transmission models creates a point of difference and wider appeal for Hilux. The launch didn’t provide an opportunity to sample the six-speed manual with the more powerful engine as these versions arrived slightly later.

The entry-level Hilux Workmate holds a unique position in the market at sub-$30K pricing and a big displacement four-cylinder petrol engine. And there’s no compromise of the safety content for the Workmate either.

Why wouldn’t I buy it?

Even with the smart front-end design changes I would argue the Ford Ranger still holds the high ground when it comes to tough truck styling.

2020 Toyota Hilux line-up: