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Toyota Hilux Series Pick Up Truck Road TestProduced By Peter Grunert
Pluses:
One of the toughest, most economical pick ups around. If Clarkson couldn’t kill it, no one can.
Minuses:
The engine is overdue an upgrade. While loadspace is excellent, you’ll have to watch the weight of trailer you’ll be able to pull behind.
Pick Up Trucks Direct Rating:
Planning a trans-global trip? Choose one of these over a VW Camper any day. Perfect for anyone likely to give their pick up a hard life.
Pulling Power They drove it into a tree, they drove it in the sea, they even demolished a tower block beneath it, yet infamously Top Gear still couldn’t find a way to destroy the Toyota Hilux. This most rugged of pick ups has built a reputation for resilience that has seen it evolve over six model generations, with over 12 million sold in 164 countries worldwide.
And the Hilux is still evolving. Currently a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine is offered with a modest 101bhp output, matched to 147lb ft of torque in rear-wheel drive versions or 192lb ft in four-wheel drive models. Reacting to suggestions that more would suit for all round use – not to mention keeping up with the competition – Toyota has just announced a new range of engines due for January ’07.
Hold off until then and you’ll find the existing 2.5-litre lump has been boosted to 118bhp and 240lb ft, while a new 3.0-litre engine will also be introduced with a hearty 169bhp and 253lb ft. For the first time, an optional auto ’box will also be on the agenda.
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Toughing It Out A common theme this, but Toyota claimed major improvements in the strength of the latest Hilux’s ladder frame chassis, with as much as 45 per cent greater torsional stiffness. More precise handling and fewer shimmies through the bodywork over rough surfaces are the result. This pick up truly is built tough – extensive underbody shielding includes guards for the fuel tank and the gearbox’s standard low-ratio transfer case.
One party trick comes as a standard fit on double-cab HL3 and Invincible spec Hiluxes – the ability to high-ratio four-wheel drive to low-ratio at speeds of up to 5mph; no need to come to a complete stop before hitting the rough stuff then. You can also switch from rear-wheel drive into four-wheel drive at any point up to 50mph.
Where the ride quality is firm and there’s some body lean through corners on-road, the Hilux shows its real strengths off-road. Ground clearance is excellent and, unusually, a differential lock is a standard fit on all four-wheel drive models, particularly useful for towing up slippery inclines.
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The Wide Open Spaces The Hilux’s inexorable rise towards world domination has seen it grow with this latest incarnation, stretching by over a foot to give improved passenger and cargo space.
The rear seats are still best for brief commutes rather than epic long-distance road trips, with very upright backs and no three-point belt in the centre. Alternatively they can be flipped down, giving extra loadspace.
You really aren’t going to feel short-changed on that score. The double-cab version beats the best-selling Mitsubishi L200 with 1,520mm of load length, while the single-cab Hilux offers 2,315mm. Payloads are an impressive 1,170kg for the rear-wheel drive single-cab and 1,085kg for the double-cab. Braked trailer weights aren’t quite so competitive though, at 1,800kg and 2,250kg respectively.
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In For the Long Run Visually off the pace, or disarmingly cool? You choose. Either way, the Hilux takes a determinedly more discrete approach than the latest L200 or the Nissan Navara. Even the flagship Invincible spec model restricts bodystyling add-ons to some chromed tubular side bars, front foglamps and borderline sensible 16-inch alloys.
Still, Invincible trim also includes a six-disc CD changer built into the dash, along with dark-tinted glass. Even the most simply kitted-out single-cab features air-con and anti-lock brakes as standard, while double-cab HL1 models and upwards get an alarm and a stereo upgrade. Leather seats, satnav and a range of truck tops and bed liners can be found on the options list.
While the current Hilux’s engine may soon be due for an update, it is one of the most economical available. Insurance groups range from a low group 8A to 9A, and Toyota claims lowest-in-class servicing costs. The three-year, 60,000 mile warranty also backs up the Hilux’s lengthily fought-out battle for indestructibility.
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Nissan Navara
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Ford
Ranger
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Mitsubishi
L200
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Toyota
Hilux
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Isuzu
Rodeo
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Mazda B Series
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Land Rover
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Nissan NP300
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Tippers
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