Top Ute: Toyota Hilux

Wednesday, 2 December 2020

The Stuff Top Ute for 2020 is the Toyota Hilux.

With the comprehensively refreshed Hilux Toyota is clearly gunning hard for the top commercial spot in the sales figures that has recently been dominated by the Ford Ranger.

To do that, the Japanese manufacturer is not only undercutting the Ford in price by quite a lot – think more than $10,000 difference between a 4WD SR5 Hilux and a 4WD XLT Ranger, both double cabs (although it should be noted that Toyota uses fixed pricing, whereas the Ford is still open to haggling. But $10K is quite a bit of haggling…) – but it has also tweaked and refined so much on the Hilux that it has given us convincingly the best ute to land this year.

The mechanical part of Toyota’s update has resulted in a bit more power and more refinement in the engine and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) area. The diesel in the new models is undisturbed in operation and has thrust from what feels like idle. The automatic is better too, more eager to kick down cogs when you want extra power and smoother while doing it too. Power delivery continues further into the rev range as well, to aid overtaking manoeuvres.

More power, more tech and some chunkily handsome looks – watch out Ranger, the Toyota Hilux is coming for you.

Under the skin there have been subtle chassis changes and Hilux offers more compliance in its initial suspension response across sudden bumps and corrugations. In other words; a better ride.

**READ MORE:

Comprehensive tweaks under the skin make the Hilux better on and off the road.

* First Drive Review: Toyota Hilux

* Toyota confirms 2021 Fortuner pricing

Toyota has added more equipment and technology to the Hilux as well.

* First Drive Review: Toyota Hilux Mako

* Fortuner follows Hilux with new upgrades

The Hilux will face some serious competition shortly, with the likes of the Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50 and a range of other new or extensively refreshed utes landing soon.

Leaf spring rear suspension modifications include 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.

A refreshed cabin improves the drive experience as well, with a larger touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a 4.2-inch multi-function display in the dash, and other small revisions. 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. See, that’s fairly comprehensive.

The base SR has a lot of hard plastics but that’s good for a workhorse, it means it can take more of a beating. One place I only thought to look at after my dad pointed it out was the exterior of the transmission tunnel next to the driver’s left foot, right next to that little footrest. That area cops more glancing blows from a work boot than any other place and, in the SR at least, it’s plastic which means it won’t wear through. Higher-spec models have hard-wearing carpet, which will eventually wear down.

But then you consider the price and it’s hard to justify moving past the Hilux. The biggest thorn in Toyota’s side will be the Isuzu D-Max and its mechanically related sibling, the Mazda BT-50, which offer similar capabilities and tech for, in the Mazda’s case at least, a very competitive price.

What else was in the running?

The biggest competitor was the all-new (and impressively good) Isuzu D-Max that is, in all honesty, as good as the Hilux, but Toyota’s aggressive pricing policy swung the needle the Hilux’s way.

The Mazda BT-50 arrived just a little bit too late to make the cut, so it will have to fall into 2021’s pack of contenders that will include the updated Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger and competition from China in the form of LDV’s refreshed (and hopefully electric) T60.

Essential details: 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel four-cylinder with 150kW/500Nm (six-speed auto) or 150kW/420Nm (six-speed manual). 4x2 between 7.1L/100km (manual) and 7.5L/100km (auto); 4x4 between 7.4L/100km (manual) and 8.0L/100km (auto) depending on body style. Price: $28,990 to $79,990.

Safety: 5 star ANCAP rating and the impressive Toyota Safety Sense package of driver alerts and assists across the entire range.

At a glance: A mid-sized update that pays dividends. The powertrain has been improved in every way, the interior is nicer and it’s easier on the eyes… not that the Hilux was ever particularly ugly.

Who should consider it: Anyone who wants a ute, really…

Things to consider: The active cruise doesn’t work below around 30kmh, you might snap a cupholder if you’re not careful.

What else could you buy?: The obvious one is the Ford Ranger, which still packs an impressive punch and features similar levels of up-to-date tech and abilities, however as mentioned, the Toyota does savage it on price now.

Obviously there is no shortage of competition in the segment, but the Hilux, Ranger and now the new Isuzu D-Max currently have a clear advantage in over the rest. That won’t last long though.