Toyota Hilux

Toyota Hilux at a glance

Every Hilux uses a ladder frame with a longitudinal front engine. Single, extra and double cabs have been offered in most generations, with different wheelbases. The model replaced Toyota's Stout and Briska light trucks. More Toyota models are in our Toyota catalogue, and the company's story is told in Toyota history: from weaving machines to cars.

Toyota Hilux generations

First to third generations (1968–1983)

The first Hilux (N10, 1968–1972) began as a small truck with a short wheelbase and a 1.5-litre engine, replaced by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder in 1971; a long-wheelbase version followed. It used a four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive, double wishbones with coil springs at the front and a live axle on leaf springs at the rear. All brakes were drums, there was no power steering, and ground clearance was 190 mm.

The second generation (N20, 1972–1978) still had no four-wheel drive. It was refreshed after three years and sold well abroad. Engines included a 1.6 with 61 kW (83 PS); North American versions had 2.0–2.2-litre engines with 71–80 kW (97–109 hp). Four- and five-speed manuals were offered.

The third generation (N30, 1978–1983) introduced four-wheel drive, borrowed from the Land Cruiser 40 series. Ground clearance rose to 200 mm. Petrol engines of 1.6 to 2.4 litres produced 59–71 kW (80–97 PS) and 123–175 Nm; the only diesel was a 2.2 with 46 kW (62 PS) and 126 Nm. Besides four- and five-speed manuals there was a three-speed automatic. The front suspension used torsion bars with double wishbones; better-equipped versions had power steering and front disc brakes.

Fourth to sixth generations (1983–2005)

The fourth generation (N50/N60/N70, 1983–1988) offered two cab types and three wheelbases, with 190–200 mm of ground clearance. Petrol engines included 2.4-litre four-cylinders with 71–99 kW (97–135 PS) and 174–234 Nm and a 3.0-litre V6 with 110 kW (150 PS) and 244 Nm. Naturally aspirated diesels of 2.2–2.4 litres produced 46–60 kW (62–82 PS); the strongest diesel, a 2.4, delivered 68 kW (93 PS) and 216 Nm. Gearboxes were four- and five-speed manuals and three- and four-speed automatics; drive was to the rear or all wheels, with independent coil-spring front suspension, leaf springs at the rear, power steering and front disc brakes.

The fifth generation (N80–N130, 1988–1997) was built in seven countries and facelifted in 1991. Ground clearance was 205–220 mm. Petrol four-cylinders of 1.8–2.0 litres produced 57–83 kW (78–113 PS); the 3.0 V6 remained, and turbodiesels of 2.4 and 2.8 litres delivered 65 and 66 kW (89 and 90 PS).

The sixth generation (1997–2005) came with three cabs, three wheelbases and eight engines, and was facelifted after four years. Petrol engines of 2.0–2.7 litres produced 74–112 kW (101–152 PS), with a V6 of 142 kW (193 PS) at the top. Diesels included naturally aspirated 3.0-litre units with 72–77 kW (98–105 PS) and turbodiesels of 2.5–3.0 litres with 74–92 kW (101–125 PS). Ground clearance was about 195 mm.

Seventh generation (2005–2015)

The seventh Hilux, updated three times, has a simple but robust design with large halogen headlights, a big chrome-trimmed grille and round fog lamps. It was offered as a Single Cab, Extra Cab and Double Cab, with prominent wheel-arch flares and side steps. Payload is up to 830 kg, and ground clearance is 212–222 mm. In 2011–2012 a Hilux of this generation reached the South Pole.

The cabin is plain and practical, with hard plastics and fabric; plastic trim can start to creak with age. The front seats are heated and have light side support. Depending on version there is a simple radio or a 6.1-inch navigation system, which can occasionally glitch. Rear knee room is limited.

Typical diesel engines are a 2.5-litre common-rail four-cylinder with 106 kW (144 PS) and 343 Nm (five-speed manual, 0–100 km/h in 13.3 seconds, 8.3 l/100 km combined) and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel with 125 kW (170 PS) and 360 Nm (12 seconds, 175 km/h, about 8.9 l/100 km). The part-time four-wheel-drive system has a rear differential lock and a front-axle disconnect. The IMV platform, shared with the Fortuner SUV, uses double wishbones at the front and a live axle on multi-leaf springs at the rear, ventilated front discs, rear drums, ABS and power steering.

Eighth generation (2015–2025)

The eighth Hilux was unveiled simultaneously in Bangkok and Australia in May 2015, with changes from the frame to the engines. Slim headlights with LED daytime running lights flank a large chrome grille. It is available in eight colours with six alloy-wheel designs in 17 or 18 inches, and ground clearance is 227 mm. Depending on version, payload reaches 1,240 kg, and it can tow up to 3.5 tonnes with a braked trailer.

The interior is a big step up, with better materials and metal-effect trim. Two large instrument dials with blue lighting flank a 4.2-inch display that shows instant consumption, an Eco mode, phone and media information and remaining range. The driver's seat has good side support; the front seats have electric adjustment and heating. There is push-button start next to the four-wheel-drive selector, two glove boxes (one of them cooled) and 11 storage areas in total. A 7-inch touchscreen with Toyota Touch 2 shows navigation and the rear camera. The rear bench is designed to fold easily, but its upright, curved backrest becomes tiring on long journeys.

Engines and transmissions

The GD diesels follow Toyota's ESTEC efficiency concept, with common-rail injection, an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head and a variable-geometry turbocharger. All engines are paired with six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. The Hilux is offered with rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case (low range) and a rear differential lock.

The eighth generation sits on an improved version of the previous platform with a stiffer steel frame. Front suspension uses double wishbones and an anti-roll bar; the rear has leaf springs. Three suspension settings are available: Standard for all road types, Comfort for paved roads and Heavy Duty for big loads. Steering is hydraulically assisted.

Key specifications

Safety

The eighth generation's reinforced frame absorbs crash energy and spreads loads. Electronic aids include VSC stability control, A-TRC active traction control, ABS with EBD, brake assist (BAS), hill-start assist (HAC) and downhill assist control (DAC). Seven airbags and ISOFIX child-seat mounts are fitted. Higher trims add leather upholstery, climate control, a rear camera, cruise control, keyless entry, a cooled glove box, LED headlights with automatic levelling and heated, electrically adjustable seats.

Strengths and weaknesses

Owners like the Hilux's styling, good headlights, comfortable chassis and drivetrain, and excellent off-road ability thanks to the ground clearance and four-wheel drive. Reliability, reasonable fuel economy, good sound insulation and strong engines also stand out. The main drawback is its size, which makes it awkward in town. Rivals include the Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok, Mitsubishi L200, Chevrolet Colorado and SsangYong Actyon Sports.