Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 A/T

Pickup trucks have come a long way since the sixties when they looked boring and were meant to be just workhorses and nothing else. The entire focus back then was about load carrying. Midsized pickup trucks have really evolved in the last few years and these have now become lifestyle vehicles. In the Philippines market, few pickup trucks are as special and storied as the Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT. This Toyota pickup has increasingly grabbed a sizeable share of the market pie since its launch.      

Pros

• The Toyota brand reliability
• Improved power delivery
• Supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Cons

• Expensive than most rivals
• No leather seats
• Interior not updated

Specs and Powertrain

The Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT is equipped with a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine which produces 150PS maximum power and 400Nm peak torque. The motor is paired with a 6-speed automatic. The car is mounted on a double wishbone suspension in the front and leaf-spring absorbers at the back. The 2.4-liter unit is a powerful motor and gives the Hilux Conquest tremendous hauling power. 

What is the difference between the Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT and the Conquest 2.8 4x4 AT?

The latter tops the Hilux range in the Philippines. Its engine is more powerful, comes with all-wheel-drive, and is more expensive than the 2.4 4x2 AT. 

Which is the cheapest Hilux Conquest available?

At a starting price of ₱1.486 million, the Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 MT is the cheapest in the series. 

Interior

The interior of the Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT isn't unexciting, but isn't too plain either. The Conquest is meant to be a performer and not a fancy sports car. The interior is fabric. Given the car's price, leather seats were expected. Leather is harder-wearing than cloth and also more luxurious. While the front seats are adjustable, they aren't motorized. The all-black theme goes nice with a car of this size. It tends to add a bit more class to this version of the Hilux.    

Exterior

The Hilux Conquest looks imposing from all sides. It's one of the handsomest members of the midsized pickup truck segment. With a matte finish instead of glossy, the Conquest looks more rugged that its earlier version. The black plastic cladding lends the pickup truck a more masculine look. Toyota has restored the ‘Conquest’ decals to profess the brand's impact. With dimensions of 5,325mm x 1,900mm x 1,8745mm, this is a really big pickup. The bay area is huge and accommodates all your cargo. The pickup runs on 18-inch alloy wheels.   

Drive and performance

On-road handling of the Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT is pretty impressive. The ride is definitely planted and well-balanced. The truck's rear doesn't skip much. This allows negotiating corners faster and with confidence. The diesel motor has the highest performance numbers in its class. Revving is quick and the accelerator's response is pretty good. The 6-speed automatic is standard and driving in start-stop traffic is no problem at all. The transmission shift is smooth and there's no gearbox jerk. But a car of this size needs some practice to drive on city streets.    

Is the Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT suitable for off-road driving?

Yes. Pickup trucks come with SUV qualities and the Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT is suited for off-road. But the Conquest 2.8 4x4 AT will be a better option because it has all-wheel-drive and a more powerful engine.   

Passenger and boot space

All pickup trucks ride better with a loaded boot. The Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT is no different. The interior is spacious and comfortable and there's a lot of headroom and legroom for all passengers. It's actually an SUV with an extended cargo bay. The cabin is roomy and the air-conditioning is fast. The powerful diesel engine is uncharacteristically quiet. Some road noise does enter the cabin. Some pickup trucks get bumpy at a higher speed. But that's kept to the minimum in the Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT. The car offers a decent ride. But don't expect a buttery-smooth riding experience.  

Comfort and entertainment

The Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT comes with a 6.75-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. Features like cruise control, adjustable seats, and automatic climate control adds to a comfortable travelling experience. The high ground clearance ensures better maneuvering of bumps and potholes.  

Safety features

Toyota cars are known to among the safest and the Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT lives up to the reputation. The car comes with two front airbags, along with a plethora of side and curtain airbags. Other safety features include antilock braking, brake-assist, stability control, and speed-sensing door locks. The Toyota Hilux was awarded a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating.

How many airbags does the Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT have?

The Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT comes with seven airbags.

Fuel consumption

The Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT returns a fuel economy of 8kmpl in city traffic, 11kmpl on free roads and up to 16kmpl on the highway. This motor isn't exactly frugal but the AT manages to keep the consumption low.  

Does AT consume more fuel?

No. In most cases AT consumes less fuel than MT. Most people don't drive a MT car the way it should be driven.

Value for money

The Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT has a starting price of ₱1.562 million. The car comes with a 3-year (100,000 km) warranty. It's among the most expensive midsized pickup trucks in the Philippines. Its service is backed by Toyota's brand reliability. 

Which is the best Toyota Hilux Conquest?

The Conquest 2.4 4x2 MT is the most affordable trim in the Hilux range. Its price starts at ₱1.486 million. The Conquest 2.8 4x4 AT priced at ₱1.937 million is the fully loaded version and also the most expensive.   

Verdict

Toyota Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT is a nice option for those wanting a tough, practical, and good-looking pickup truck. It's a capable vehicle that can take you from point A to B along with your family and a lot of cargo. It's a nice highway performer too.