Toyota Hilux 2021: review and test drive of the SUV


Toyota Hilux 2016

In 2021, Toyota updated one of its best workhorses - the Toyota Hilux. The technical characteristics and appearance of the model have been changed, but only for the better. At the presentation of the updated Toyota Hilux, three main modifications were presented - with a single cabin, double (Double index), and one and a half (Xtra index) cabins. Overall, the long-awaited Toyota Hilux update makes a positive impression.

Model features

The new Toyota Hilux has received a completely redesigned frame with reinforced transverse sections, extended springs in the rear suspension and larger diameter shock absorbers in the front. The car's suspension was handled by the company's Australian specialists, who prepared three settings modes for various road characteristics:

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  • Standard - average values ​​suitable for most types of roads,
  • Heavy Duty - for increased loads associated with off-road conditions,
  • Comfort - for pleasant, constant driving on regular asphalt roads.

The steering has also been upgraded, making the steering much more responsive.


SUV appearance

Compared to its predecessor, the new Toyota Hilux has increased its length by 70 mm and its width by 20 mm. The updated pickup truck has a more refined appearance with an embossed front bumper and fog lights. The 2021 Toyota Hilux is equipped with rims measuring 16, 17 or 18 inches, depending on the configuration.

The interior of the new product has also changed for the better. Many interior elements were changed by the company's designers, which, in general, increased the comfort of the Toyota Hilux interior. For example, the steering wheel was improved, the already familiar touch screen was replaced by a tablet, and the instrument panel was slightly changed. The manufacturer replaced the already good finishing materials with better ones.

Updated interior

The interior of the new Toyota Hilux looks very attractive. Buyers will enjoy high-quality finishing materials, a large amount of the latest equipment, improved front seats with expanded adjustments, as well as a comfortable rear row. Sound insulation has also improved. The second row has 35 additional millimeters of legroom compared to its predecessor. To achieve this goal, the Japanese used a simple solution - thinner front seat backs.

If we talk about the interior equipment of the Toyota Hilux frame pickup truck, then it now has a modern multimedia system with an 8-inch diagonal touch display, an instrument panel with an integrated color display, climate control with division into zones, seven Airbags, traction control and stabilization technologies, an assistant starting to move uphill, etc.

Engine and dimensions overview


Off-roading on a Hilux

The technical specifications of the 2021 Toyota Hilux can compete with most SUVs. Power units are presented in two versions, four-cylinder diesel engines with the following characteristics: volume 2.4 and 2.8 liters with power, respectively, of 150 and 177 horsepower and torque of 400 and 450 Nm. The pickup is equipped with a new six-speed automatic or manual gearbox. Naturally, the Toyota Hilux still remains an all-wheel drive vehicle. The minimum ground clearance is 208 mm, which allows you to feel confident off-road and on roads of any quality, even the most broken ones.

The maximum speed of the new product is 175 km/h, which, together with acceleration to 100 km/h in 13.3 seconds, is a very respectable result for cars of this class.

Fuel consumption of the Toyota Hilux in the urban cycle will be from 8.9 to 10.9 liters per 100 km, depending on the configuration. In the extra-urban cycle, fuel consumption will drop to 6.4-7.1 liters per 100 km and in the combined cycle it will be approximately 7.3-8.5 l/100 km. This fuel consumption, taking into account the 80 liter fuel tank, makes it possible to relax and not regularly look at the indicator. This, of course, is far from the standards of minicars, but it allows it to compete with cars of this type from other manufacturers.

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Chassis and engine

The overall dimensions have changed slightly and are 5330 mm in length, with a wheelbase of 3085 mm, the height of the new Toyota Hilux is 1815 mm and the width is 1855 mm with a front track width of 1540 mm and a rear track width of 1550 mm. The total weight of the car in the 2016 version is 2910 kg. The payload capacity of the updated legendary pickup truck continues to impress - 1250 kg. The car can also be equipped with a trailer weighing up to 3500 kg.

Engine, transmission and i-MT

The 3-liter 1KD diesel engine is no longer available on the Hilux. It was replaced by the 1GD model, which has a volume of 2.8 liters. Turbocharged four with 177 hp. produces 450 Nm of torque. Instead of a 2.5 liter diesel unit, a 2.4 liter D-4D engine with a capacity of 150 horses and a torque of 400 Nm is now installed. For some consumers, the latest generation continues to be equipped with engines from the seventh version - 2.7 petrol and 4-liter "four".

The diesel version will be more economical. In the combined cycle, it is expected to consume 1 liter of fuel less to cover 100 km. According to technical data, it is stated that a 2.4 liter engine will consume on average just over 7 liters, although in reality this figure should be increased by 2.5–3 liters. The volume of the Toyota Hilux tank is 80 liters.

The Toyota Hilux transmission has undergone significant modernization. The 5-position automatic gave way to a 6-speed one. For lovers of mechanics, two options are offered - 5th and 6th gears. The latest version, called i-MT, is especially interesting, since for the first time the technology of automatic re-throttle or matching of engine speed when switching was implemented. Having mentioned it, it is worth going into more detail.

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The latest Hilux is the first pickup truck in the world to feature the innovative i-MT system. Thanks to it, the driver can change the gear in a manual transmission. When shifting to a higher gear, the system maintains a high engine speed level. In this case, the rotation speed of the drive shaft of the box and the engine speed at the moment the clutch is connected are identical. When downshifting, the crankshaft “accelerates” to the desired speed, thereby preventing jerking.

Options

Toyota engineers and designers have made every effort to ensure that using the updated car is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The technical characteristics of the Toyota Hilux pickup truck in terms of configuration are presented below:

In terms of lighting, the car is equipped with reflector halogen or LED headlights, which are protected from dirt by the presence of high-pressure washers. Headlights are adjusted mechanically or automatically. For ease of maneuvering in all weather conditions, a fog lamp is installed at the rear. The interior has two lamps for separate illumination of the front seats and a central lamp.

SUV interior

Visibility is provided by an acoustic windshield with green top tinting, rear window and side windows with automatic windows. All glasses are protected from ultraviolet radiation. The rear window is heated using an auto-timer.

In terms of comfort, the Toyota Hilux will please you:

  • steering wheel adjustment,
  • heated seats,
  • central armrest with storage compartment,
  • fabric trim on door armrests and center armrest,
  • sun visor for front passenger
  • and other pleasant little things.

Depending on the configuration, it is possible to install a rear view camera, comfortable front seats with pockets and hooks for bags in the backs. It is also possible to install a system for accessing the car and starting the engine “Smart Entry and Start” and cruise control. As an audio system, it is possible to install the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with a seven-inch color touch screen and six speakers.

Toyota Hilux diesel engines

GD series motors are a new development by Toyota. They are 15% more economical than their predecessors in the KD series, while having a 25% increase in torque. The improvement in technical characteristics was facilitated by the installation of pistons made of reinforced silicon-aluminum alloy, optimization of the shape of the combustion chamber, increasing the injection pressure to a maximum of 2200 bar, the use of a more compact compressor with variable geometry, the use of new software (32-bit controller), and the installation of a catalytic converter with additives urea SCR (reduces the content of nitrogen oxide in the exhaust by 99%). The introduction of new technologies made it possible to achieve a record thermal efficiency of 44%.

Safety

The manufacturer takes a very responsible approach to the issue of safety, which is one of the priority areas of work when creating new car brands and updating models already loved by customers. To maximize the safety of life and health of the driver and passengers, the Toyota Hilux is equipped with various active and passive safety systems.

The active system includes an anti-lock braking system, a brake assist system and a brake force distribution system. Also installed are a vehicle stabilization system, traction control, trailer stabilization and differential locking.

Passive features include airbags, a seat belt warning system, a child lock and secure child seat anchors. The pillows are equipped with switches.

Toyota Hilux in any configuration is already equipped with an immobilizer and central locking. These security measures, although not ideal, will still deter most hijackers.

Characteristics of Toyota Hilux / Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux pickup truck first appeared in Japan in 1967, and was introduced in Europe at the end of 2005. Since the late 70s, more than 12 million cars have been sold worldwide. With their strength and reliability they have gained a strong reputation in the world. Working on the new, sixth generation Hilux, Toyota designers sought to create a car suitable for both work and leisure, combining the advantages of its predecessors, but devoid of their shortcomings. Traditionally, a farmer-commercial vehicle has become much more comfortable and solid. The designers did a great job on the style - the sixth generation Hilux turned out to be much more elegant in comparison with the previous “hard workers”.

From the driver's point of view, important changes affected the design - the frame was additionally strengthened by almost one and a half times, the suspension was redesigned with the expectation of long runs on asphalt, and the engines became more economical.

The pickup truck will be offered to customers in two configurations: with a double cab (Single Cab) and with a five-seater cab (Double Cab). The new Hilux has grown significantly compared to its predecessor. The length of the model has increased by 340 mm and is now 5130 mm. The wheelbase has also increased to 3085 mm - this not only provides additional space in the cabin and body, but also makes driving more comfortable. The width of the Hilux in the Single Cab version has increased by 60 mm, and in the Double Cab version by 45 mm, but the height has remained unchanged.

Compared to the previous generation, the build quality has also improved: the body panels fit closer to each other, the permissible gaps between them have decreased to 4-5 mm. The panels are made of high-strength steel with anti-corrosion coating. The aerodynamic shape helps reduce fuel consumption and reduce wind noise when driving.

It is based on the global Toyota IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) platform - a classic spar frame with special energy-absorbing zones in the front part, a rigid rear axle and semi-elliptical springs traditional for most pickup trucks.

By the way, based on the same chassis, factories in South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia and Argentina also produce SUVs and minivans, which are sold in 140 countries.

The Hilux Double Cab version can comfortably accommodate five people. The rear seat cushions have become longer, the ability to change the angle of the backrest and adjustable headrests have been added. In addition, the rear seat can be folded down to increase luggage space. The cabin has enough compartments for small items: cup holders, large pockets on the doors, a box on the center console. The interior is decorated with high-quality materials, and in the upper part of the cabin the walls are covered with a special shockproof coating.

At the beginning there was only one engine - a naturally-aspirated diesel 2.5 D-4D (102 hp), equipped with a second-generation common-rail system. All-wheel drive transmission without frills: there is a reduction range in the transfer case and a self-locking rear differential. And for those who do not drive on heavy off-road conditions, a simple rear-wheel drive version is offered.

Models for the 2005 model year came with a five-speed manual transmission, and differential locks were available as an option. Both full-fledged off-road versions and more economical 4x2 versions were produced.

In 2006, the line of power units was headed by a three-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 171 hp. Common-Rail technology made it possible to increase the pressure to 1600 bar and reduce the diameter of the injection nozzles; the maximum engine torque is 343 Nm in the range from 1400 to 3400 rpm. The top-of-the-line engine is limited to four-wheel-drive, four-door cab pickup trucks and can be paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

With a manual transmission, the car reaches a maximum speed of up to 170 km/h, and with an automatic transmission, the maximum speed increases to 175 km/h. According to the manufacturer, a Toyota Hilux with a four-door cab, equipped with a three-liter engine, consumes 8.3 liters of fuel per hundred.

The previously used turbocharged diesel engine has been modified. It is equipped with almost all modifications of Hilux: both all- and part-wheel drive, with a different number of doors, right-hand or left-hand drive. Parameters of this engine: volume 2.5 l, power 120 hp. This engine is paired with only a five-speed manual transmission. The speed of a four-wheel drive pickup truck in this configuration can be about 165 km/h, and for all-wheel drive this figure is 155 km/h.

Both engines comply with Euro IV environmental standards.

The proprietary Oil Management and Maintenance System deserves special attention - this set of measures allows you to change the engine oil every two years or every 30,000 km.

In some markets, the new pickup truck with the richest configuration, with a variety of electronics, leather interior, all-wheel drive, fashionable alloy wheels and the most powerful engine will be positioned as the exclusive Hilux SR-X model.

What to expect from the new SUV?


Restyled model 2016
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Once again, Toyota has pleased us with a high-quality update of another model in its line of SUVs. The familiar reliability, comfort and safety are intertwined in the updated Toyota Hilux with new design solutions that distinguish this car from others on the road. Here's hoping that the frustratingly low number of pickup trucks on our roads will be rectified by this well-designed, superior performance vehicle.

The technical characteristics of the Toyota Hilux Surf 185 are also high - a proven five-door classic, loved by many for its reliability and convenience, unfortunately, has not yet been updated, but we can expect its new debut in the foreseeable future.


History and statistics

Production of the Toyota Hilux started back in 1698. Over the course of 47 years of production, this frame pickup truck was bought by those car enthusiasts who needed a truly reliable car that could last for many years without serious breakdowns. Toyota Hilux sales were carried out in 180 countries; in total, the company was able to sell over 12 million of these cars.

In some countries, this particular pickup truck is one of the most common vehicles. As a rule, this applies to African countries, as well as the Russian Federation, where the car has to work in really difficult conditions. Statistics for 2014 indicate that 6,790 Toyota Hilux 7th generation were sold in our country. This model took first place in the pickup truck sales ranking.

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