What the Toyota Hilux offers between G and E

If you’re just getting your first pickup truck and you want it to be a Hilux, you might want to start with the 4x2 trims from the E or G variants before upgrading to the more capable Toyota Hilux Conquest.

Get a feel for riding a vehicle with high ground clearance, stiff suspension, rigid chassis, a long tail but no trunk (this means no place to just dump stuff inside the vehicle) and see the advantages it gives you during your daily drive and feel for the things that you’re going to need some getting used to.

You don’t really want to go any lower with like the J, FX, Cargo, and Cab & Chassis variants as these are design more commercial purposes as vary from bare to very minimally appointed.

The entry level to the high-end pickup line of Toyota is the Hilux 2.4 4x2 E MT (manual transmission).

It uses the 2.4L 2GD-FTV engine that was developed in response to the need for cleaner engines both in developed countries where more stringent emissions standards are being enforced and in emerging countries where emissions standards are expected to be strengthened. Along with the 1GD-FTV, it adopted next-generation advanced thermal insulation diesel combustion that uses Thermo Swing Wall Insulation Technology (TSWIT) for the first time in the world. Working with the turbocharger that Toyota helped develop, TSWIT enable maximum thermal efficiency of 44%, one of the highest in the world. It offers significantly enhanced environmental performance, such as an approximately 15% reduction in CO2 emissions at maximum. In terms of power performance, the starting torque and acceleration response have been dramatically improved. Also, the adoption of the urea Selective Catalytic Reduction system, a Toyota first, and other features clear Euro 6, the world’s most stringent emissions standard, as well as Japan’s emissions standards and other regulations.

The engine puts out 148hp and 400Nm of torque straight through a six-speed MT to its 4x2 drive layout.

On the chassis is a double wishbone front suspension, leaf spring rigid axle rear suspension, ventilated front disc brakes drum type rear brakes, 17-inch steel wheels with 265/65 R17 tires, multi-reflector halogen headlamps, bulb rear combination lamps, LED fog lamps, and intermittent windshield wipers.

The cabin gets six-way manually-adjustable driver’s seat and four-way manually adjustable passenger’s seat, one-piece cushion rear seat, 4.2-inch TFT (thin film transistor) display in the instrument cluster, power steering with variable flow control (automatically adjusts steering wheel stiffness upon the speed of the truck, which helps reduce driver's stress), and a plain urethane steering wheel with audio/phone/voice command/MID (multi-information display) controls.

The door trim is a combo of fabric and silver. If you’re riding with a thirsty group, you’ll appreciate the four cupholders and four bottle holders in front and two bottle holders in the rear.

It only comes with a keyless entry system but already offers an illuminated entry feature. There are speed-sensing door locks, manual climate controls, and a 6.75-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Smart Device Link, Bluetooth connectivity, and four speakers.

Safety features include driver/front passenger/knee airbags, Anti-lock Braking System with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, child restraint system, emergency brake signal, and immobilizer with horn.

The Hilux 2.4 4x2 E MT is priced at P1.113 million.

Just a notch below the Conquest variant is the Hilux 2.4 4x2 G that is offered in either six-speed MT or six-speed AT (automatic transmission).

The engine, with all its features and output, is the same as the E variant.

The chassis equipment is also the same but it now gets better 17-inch Gun Metallic Gray alloy wheels that pair to 265/65 R17 tires.

It gets intermittent with time adjust windshield wipers and a few other upgrades in the cabin including 60:40 separate rear seats, leather steering wheel, an additional two cupholders in the rear, automatic climate control, six speakers, and rear sonars.

The Hilux 2.4 4x2 G AT is priced at P1.295 million while the Hilux 2.4 4x2 G MT goes for P1.22 million.

Should you wish to spruce up your Hilux G or E variants Toyota offers a variety of accessories starting with an overfender, front under run, side step board, front and rear digital video recorder, side molding, rear bumper, wireless charger, a roof ornament, heads-up display, side visor, hood lift assist, emergency kit, a bedliner, tailgate lift assist, and a cool box.

The new Toyota Hilux G and E variants comes in seven colors, Super White, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Crimson Spark Red Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, and Orange Metallic.

Photos from Toyota Motor Philippines