Toyota Hilux Pick-Up First Drive Review

The name Hilux is more famous all over the world than the Fortuner and it is known for its toughness, reliability plus being suited for the worst of conditions.

Toyota Hilux Pick-Up First Drive Review

New Delhi: The world's best selling pick-up (markets in the rest of the world, other than America) is coming to India and that means a quick lesson on what the Hilux is all about.

The name Hilux is more famous all over the world than the Fortuner and it is known for its toughness, reliability plus being suited for the worst of conditions. Pick-up trucks are often used as work trucks and the Hilux has gone onto arctic expeditions amongst others with no problems. However, Toyota realized that the truck market has increased and now a lot of owners buy it for the lifestyle.

Not everyone will go to the Antarctic but they do like the pick-up truck image along with the looks. In India we also have seen demand for the V-Cross from Isuzu being a premium pick-up. However the version sold here is dated and there is clearly a demand for a tougher pick-up from a known badge. That is where Toyota comes in with its wider dealer network and image. Hence, the Hilux would be its premium lifestyle pick-up for India. We drove this beast for a short time aboard to know what it's all about.

In the UAE, the Hilux is a popular pick-up and there is a commercial pick-up version but for private buyers, the new gen Hilux Adventure is there too. With the new generation model (India will get this), Toyota have made improvements to the design or features to the driving experience. It is less like a work truck but more of a lifestyle vehicle.

The new gen Hilux is based on the same platform as the Fortuner but looks bigger and meaner. In UAE it is sold as Hilux Adventure and it looks fantastic. It is huge and has more presence than a Fortuner. The new gen model also has a different front-end with its huge hexagonal grille, cladding and skid plate. There are LED lamps and big 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres while customizations are there too. India will get the double cab version for private use.

Compared to the previous Hilux, the new one is a lot more luxurious and about as well equipped as the Fortuner here. Just like the new Fortuner, there is a new instrument cluster along with an 8-inch touchscreen. You get climate control, rear-view camera, smartphone connectivity and various modern day features plus stuff like a 9-speaker JBL audio system. Work truck? Not quite. The Hilux will also offer enough space for five passengers in the double cab configuration.

In UAE, the Hilux Adventure comes with a massive V6 petrol engine and that is not coming to India. The commercial version does come with 2.4l diesel. For India the Hilux will come with a 2.4l diesel and a 2.8l for the top-end expectedly with manual/automatic gearbox options. Expect a more refined diesel engine and more torque- similar to the Fortuner.

It drives like a taller Fortuner but feels solid from behind the wheel. The ride is decent with no massive body roll in the corners but it does feel huge in the city. The way it goes over everything is the USP. It will be even better than the Fortuner off-road with only its massive length as any disadvantage. Switchable four wheel drive makes it brilliant off-road but we only had it for a short drive but that said, there is no doubt it will excel on the rough stuff.

India will get the Hilux next year and prices might reach Rs 38 lakh for the top-end version. That is more expensive over the V-Cross but this is far more modern, better equipped and the Toyota badge will mean better reliability. To us, the Hilux is quite desirable and will sell well as a lifestyle pick-up.