Toyota Hilux 2019: Manual or automatic?

When buying a car, it’s always been a battle of whether you’ll get one with a manual or automatic transmission. Between driving effortlessly or shifting gears manually, deciding on which can be difficult sometimes,

especially if you already got your eye on one model. Solution? Find as many options that you can have! Take Toyota Hilux models for example. It comes in various trims and for most, it has both manual and automatic transmission options.

Toyota Hilux has been in the car scene for generations. Already known for its strength and off-road durability, the Hilux 2019 now levels up the game by fusing ergonomic technology, better engine power, and added safety features. It comes in a total of 12 variants and also available in various colours with a price ranging from Php 829K to Php 1.8M.

Hilux Conquest 

The Hilux Conquest segment is available in two drivetrains - the Hilux Conquest 2.8 4X4 and Hilux Conquest 2.4 4X2 - both having manual and automatic transmission trims. All Conquest models share the same sizes with a length of 5,335 mm, a width of 1,855mm, and a height of 1,815 mm.

The 4x4 drivetrain variants of Hilux Conquest employ a 2.8L diesel, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine with a capacity of 2,755 cc. The 1GD-FTV engine model for both trims has a compression ratio of 15.6 at a maximum of 130kW or 174 hp. Even though both cars have the same power output, the automatic trim is considered torquier with 450/1,600-2,400 Nm/rpm as compared to the manual with only 420/1,600 - 2,400 Nm/rpm.

When it comes to safety, the A/T trim provides vehicle stability control, active traction control, hill-start assist control, trailer sway control, and brake assist while the other only has the iMT or Intelligent Manual Transmission.

On the other hand, the 4x2 drivetrain variants of Conquest has the smaller engine 2GD-FTV (High) with a 2.4L diesel, four-cylinder, 16 valve DOHC with a 2,393 cc capacity and output of 110 kW or 150 hp. Unlike the 4x4, both CONQUEST 2.4 4X2 cars share the same torque output of 400/1,600-2,400 Nm/rpm.

All A/T trims for both 4x4 and 4x2 drivetrains have 6-speed automatic transmission with ECT (Gate Type Sequential) while the other has 6-speed manual transmission.

When it comes to the exterior, the Toyota Hilux Conquest cars are available in Nebula Blue Metallic and Freedom White colours only. It also has a steel high over the bar or a sports bar which is suitable for mounting point for accessories and also improves its vehicle off-road appearance. Moreover, both of its headlamps and front fog lamps are made with LED.

In addition, all Hilux Conquest cars have 6.5” capacitive touchscreen, DVD, Tuner, Steering Wheel Audio Control/MP3, Bluetooth, USB and Auxiliary Input with 6 speakers. However, the Conquest 4X4 A/T has more airbags (Front, side, curtain, shield, driver, knee) than its M/T counterpart and both 4X2 drivetrain variants.

This is also the only HILUX variant that has a Smart Entry or Push Start System.

Hilux G

The Toyota Hilux 2.8 G 4X4 and 2.4 G 4X2 cars are almost the same with the Hilux Conquest in terms of specs. With the same engine set-up, both drivetrain variants are also available in both automatic and manual transmission.

Aside from having halogen headlamps instead of LED, the Hilux G variants have no sports bar at the back. Both wheels of the Hilux G cars are also 265/65 R17 alloy wheels as compared to the 265/65 R18 alloy wheels of the Conquest variants.

One small difference of the Hilux G 4X2 drivetrain variant is that it has a CD player instead of DVD in terms of its infotainment system.

The Hilux G cars are available in Attitude Black Mica, Freedom White, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Crimson Spark Red Metallic, and Orange Metallic Colors.

Hilux E

The Toyota Hilux E variant is also available in 4x4 and 4x2 drivetrains but with manual transmission only. Just like the Conquest 4x2, 2.4 G 4x2, this car has a 2.4L diesel, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine but it has a 225/70 R17 steel wheels.

Its 4x2 M/T trim is slightly smaller than its 4x4 counterpart considering it is 5,285 mm long and 1,815 mm wide but it has the same height as the previously mentioned cars. Since this is smaller, the 4x2 trim is also much cheaper than the other. Furthermore, it comes with different colours such as Attitude Black Mica, Freedom White, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, and Crimson Spark Red Metallic.

Hilux J

If you prefer a smaller pickup but has the same power output as the 2.4 G 4X2 trim, then the Hilux J 4x2 might be a good option for you. Just like the Hilux E, this variant only comes in manual transmission. This 5-seater pickup, just like the previously mentioned models, is slightly smaller than the Hilux E 4X2 M/T and shares the same engine capacity of 2,393 cc and power output of 147/3,4000 hp/rpm with Conquest 2.4 4X2 and G 2.4 4X2.

This model runs runs in a 5-speed manual transmission with 205/70 R15 steel wheels. Hilux J 4x2 is only available in Freedom White Color.

Hilux Cab & Chassis

The cheapest among the Hilux 2019 models is the Cab & Chassis. This two-seater pickup is also smaller than the Hilux J but shares almost the same specifications from the engine to transmission setup. Its interior includes a PVC seat material and a 2DIN CD, Tuner, MP3, USB & Auxiliary Input with 2 speakers.

Toyota Hilux 2019 price list 

Toyota Hilux 2019  Price
VARIANTS	A/T	M/T
HILUX CONQUEST 2.8 4X4	P 1,792,000	P 1,662,000
HILUX CONQUEST 2.4 4X2	P 1,427,000	P 1,352,000
HILUX 2.8 G 4X4	P 1,636,000	P 1,506,000
HILUX 2.4 G 4X2	P 1,279,000	P 1,204,000
HILUX 2.4 E 4X4	--	P 1,186,000
HILUX 2.4 E 4X2	--	P 1,030,000
HILUX J 4X2	--	P 939,000
HILUX CAB & CHASSIS	--	P 829,000

 

If you are up for a lower price and more comfortable in driving manually, the Hilux J 4X2 or Hilux Cab & Chassis might be the perfect fit for you. Meanwhile, if you would like to keep the standards of a more powerful driving and adventurous enough to go through terrains or off-road tracks with utmost automated assistance, the Hilux Conquest  4X4 A/T or Hilux 2.8 G 4X4 is a definite must-have. With its top of the line inclusions of technology and exterior features, this can definitely be a wise choice.

Given this, it still boils down to your comfort and control when driving. Essentially, all automatic transmission trims of Toyota Hilux models come with more safety features and driver-assist technology while the other will offer more control over the car. Needless to say, automatic transmission cars can be more expensive than the manual trims, hence, you have to take a look at the factors and technical details that you would want to prioritize.

Generally, manual driving is good for long-distance travelling and if you feel that having better control over the gear can make your drive more efficiently. Meanwhile, having an automatic transmission car is ideal for those who are into urban driving.

One good reason to drive an A/T car here in Metro Manila is the traffic. If you would want to lessen the chances of having driver fatigue by manually pressing the clutch from time to time because of the unstable heavy flow of traffic, ergo the automatic transmission car might be a good one for you.

Also Read: Toyota Hilux: Maintenance guide