While we all know Toyota for the Innova and the Fortuner in India, the most famous Toyota all over the world could be argued to be the mighty Hilux pick-up. It has been a favourite in many countries and is a popular brand while being known for its toughness and reliability. It took some time for it to come here but recently the Hilux was finally launched while it took even more time for us to get behind the wheel but folks at Toyota made sure it was worth the wait as they laid out an adventure drive for us to really get a proper taste of the Hilux.
The Hilux is a lifestyle pick-up truck and is based on the same tough platform as the Innova and the Fortuner. That said, it is even longer than both and is in fact one of the longest cars in India. It comfortably gets over 5m in length and looks huge with its massive wheel arches hiding those large 18-inch wheels along with a grille that can swallow a hatchback. The front-end design is tough and simple with loads of muscle while being different looking from the Fortuner. In particular, we like the black Trapezoidal grille with thick Chrome Surrounds while the double cab configuration lends the above-mentioned size. Toyota will add a ton of accessories including a cover for the pick-up bed. which by the way can hold up to 470 kg. You get the sense that this is a place of serious business by just looking at it.
Inside, it is not as plush as the Fortuner and it requires a climb to get inside. It is simple here but well made with no garnishing as instead it is designed to be simple yet hard wearing. The leather seats for the automatic variant we were driving were plush while it gets features like dual-zone climate control, cruise control, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a cooled glovebox, Smartphone-based Navigation and more. There is an 8-inch touchscreen which is simple to use as well and the same goes for the easy-to-read dials. The double cab configuration means there is decent room at the back but it isn't hugely spacious.
Anyways, it is about the driver seat which counts and here the view is typically expansive with an excellent view out. The Hilux in 6-speed automatic form is quite easy to drive and the 2.8l diesel with 204 bhp and 500Nm is excellent in terms of low-speed smoothness along with having the torque to move this huge vehicle.
At low speeds, the Hilux is refined as well and the steering actually feels slightly lighter than a Fortuner but you do need to keep in mind the huge length when reversing or making a U-turn. That said, you do get used to it. The Hilux minus any load at the back also had a surprisingly comfortable ride save for a slight amount of bounciness.
Toyota had other plans for us though as we took the Hilux where ordinary cars won't exactly go. We went deep inside the Rajaji National Park, Rishikesh, while going through no roads at all. However, it proved to be just a day's work for the Hilux and it showed how tough it is. 4x4 is standard and its tough ladder frame underpinnings are designed to take on anything. The 4x4 system features an Electronic Drive Switch, Electronic Diff Lock, and Downhill Assist Control- all of which later came in handy. First up, the excellent ground clearance enables you to tackle big rocks with ease and then the tough suspension just eats up any kind of terrain. Over bad roads, the Hilux felt solid and just went through. Any other car would have probably faltered.
Toyota also had obstacles laid out for us to try with the Hilux and it just went through them- even if some of them were extreme. The way it scrabbles on two wheels and lifts itself along with effortless water wading through seriously deep water (it has a 700mm water wading depth) or climbing high up a mountain was just showing how capable it is. Plus electronics means that you can do all of this easily.
Covered in dust, mud and whatnot, the Hilux looked in its natural habitat and perhaps, this is where owners will take it. The Hilux is an extreme go-anywhere pick-up and comes with a toughness which Toyota is known for. It is way more hardcore than even a Fortuner with seriously impressive approach/departure angles yet also comes with a decent amount of comfort features for everyday use. The top-end auto Hilux is nearly Rs 38 lakh but for this money, you cannot get a better off-road machine or with such toughness. Sure, it is way too big and cumbersome to live with, but as an off-roader's tool or even a go-anywhere vehicle, it is the best right now.
What We Like — Looks, toughness, off-road ability, performance
What We Do Not Like — Too big, slightly heavy steering
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