Toyota Hilux

Toyota has managed to strike a nice balance between rugged functionality and modern comfort in the Hilux’s cabin. The dashboard layout is straightforward and the controls are placed ergonomically for easy access. The entry-level model gets fabric upholstery. Lots of hard plastics dominate enhance durability. Higher trims like the GR Sport gets soft-touch materials, leather upholstery, and metallic accents, leading to a premium travelling experience. 

The dual-cab models of Toyota Hilux are particularly spacious. The two front seats, like most midsized pickup trucks, get the maximum legroom and headroom. Both seats are well-cushioned and supportive, offering good lumbar support, making long trips less tiresome. The higher models get power-adjustable seats. Dual-zone climate control is available in the higher trims. The entry-level models get manual air conditioning.

Pros and Cons:

Pro: Nice balance of comfort and functionality

Con: Hard plastics in base models

Features and Technology

The Toyota Hilux comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s paired with a multi-speaker audio system. The unit is responsive, though some users may find the interface slightly less refined compared to global rivals like the Ford Ranger. The higher models get a premium JBL sound system, wireless charging, and additional USB ports that enhance convenience and entertainment. The screen is bright and is easy to read. 

The instrument cluster comprises analogue dials along with a digital multi-information display for the entry-level models. Higher trims get a digital instrument cluster, displaying key driving information such as fuel efficiency, navigation guidance, and off-road data.

The Toyota Hilux is well-equipped with multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and Bluetooth functionality for easy connectivity. The multi-function steering wheel allows drivers to control audio, calls, and cruise settings. It adds to the overall convenience and safety.

Pros and cons:

Pro: Bright display of infotainment unit

Con: Response sometimes lags

Boot Space and Storage

The Toyota Hilux gets a cargo area of around 1,525mm in length, 1,540 mm in width, and 480mm of depth. The area is larger in single-cab models. There’s enough room for transporting tools, equipment, or outdoor gear.

The Toyota Hilux’s cabin gets multiple storage compartments. The twin-cab models offer a spacious glovebox, center console storage, door pockets with bottle holders, and overhead sunglass compartments. The rear seats can also be lifted to reveal additional under-seat storage, which is to keep smaller valuables. The higher trims come with rear armrests with cup holders. 

The overall cabin storage is generous. But rear-seat occupants in the double-cab may find limited space for storing large items. 

Pros and cons:

Pro: Spacious cargo bed

Con: No armrest in lower models

The Toyota Hilux measures 5,200mm in length, 1,800mm in width, and 1,690mm in height. It has a rugged appearance that makes the vehicle immediately recognizable. It sports a bold front grille that lends an aggressive and commanding presence. The high-end variants come with a blacked-out grille with chrome or gloss-black accents. The entry-level trims have a more utilitarian look. The grille is flanked by sleek, angular headlights with integrated daytime running lights (DRLs). The pickup truck gets all-around LED lighting.

The Toyota Hilux, when looked from the side, retains its muscular stance with pronounced wheel arches. The side mirrors are large and aerodynamically shaped, and gets power adjustability, heating, and auto-folding functionality in the higher trims. Black plastic cladding along the wheel arches and side skirts adds an extra layer of protection against dirt and minor scrapes. Some models get side steps that assist in cabin entry. The entry-level 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 model runs on 15-inch wheels.  The top-end GR Sport gets 17-inch alloy wheels.  

The rugged theme of the Toyota Hilux continues at the back with a well-structured cargo bed designed for durability and heavy-duty use. The tailgate is sturdy and comes with an integrated locking mechanism for added security. Higher trims get a soft-close function for smoother operation. The taillights are sleek and look more premium compared to the traditional halogen units. The rear bumper is built for resilience. It gets integrated step pads for easy access to the cargo area.

The Toyota Hilux comes with optional accessories like a sports bar, tonneau cover, or a hardtop canopy to enhance functionality. 

Pros and cons:

Pro: Rugged and robust look

Cons: Entry-level model looks more utilitarian

Pickup trucks are not exactly fuel efficient. They are more about performance and utility. The 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 model returns a mileage of around 10kmpl in the city. The mileage increases to around 16kmpl on the highway. The midsized pickup is also available with a turbocharged 2.8-litre diesel powertrain that returns a mileage of around 8kmpl in urban conditions and 12kmpl on highways. The Toyota Hilux is a fairly fuel-efficient pickup, though it may not offer a best-in-class mileage. 

Pros and cons:

Pro: Decent fuel economy

Con: Mileage lower in 2.8-litre powertrain

Similar to most midsized pickup trucks, the Toyota Hilux is more of a practical workhorse than a luxury cruiser. The suspension setup, featuring a double wishbone front and leaf spring rear, is built to withstand heavy loads and rough terrains, making it excellent for off-road driving and carrying cargo. The ride quality is a bit firm particularly when the cargo bed is empty, causing bumps on rough city roads. 

On the highway, the Toyota Hilux’s ride quality is stable and planted, with good high-speed control. The steering feels a bit heavy and less responsive. Off-road, the Hilux truly shines, courtesy its high ground clearance of 279mm for the all-wheel-drive models. The two-wheel drive variants get 185mm of ground clearance. There’s a bit of body roll which is common among most pickup trucks.   

Pros and Cons:

Pro: Stable highway ride

Con: Suspension is bit on the firmer side

The entry-level 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 model of the Toyota Hilux is equipped with a liquid cooled, four-cylinder, 2.4-litre diesel engine that produces 148PS/343Nm. The motor is mated to a six-speed manual transmission (MT). The powertrain provides a smooth low-end torque, allowing for easy acceleration in start-stop city traffic. It isn’t overtly quick, but manages to deliver steady power for urban conditions. The MT is smooth but requires a firm hand, particularly when shifting gears at a low speed. The clutch feels moderately heavy. The entry-level model handles inclines and light off-road trails well. But while carrying heavier loads, acceleration may feel sluggish compared to the higher 2.8-litre powertrain.

Pros and cons:

Pro: Capable pickup for city driving

Con: Heavy clutch

The Hilux is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) technology that comprises advanced driver-assist features. It includes a pre-collision warning system that automatically detects vehicles and pedestrians and applies emergency braking as and when required. There’s a lane-departure alert, and an adaptive cruise control system. The TSS, along with the reverse parking camera is available only in the higher models

The standard safety equipment of the Toyota Hilux includes seven airbags and parking sensors. The vehicle is mounted on a reinforced ladder-frame chassis that absorbs the impact in case of a collision and protects the occupants. The side-impact beams absorb and distribute crash forces. Other safety features include antilock braking, vehicle stability control, and hill-start assist.

Pros and cons:

Pro: Well-equipped in terms of safety 

Con: Lack of 360-degree camera.

Competitor Comparison

The Maxus T60 Pro is the nearest rival of the Toyota Hilux. The T60 Pro has a starting price of ₱998,000, while that of the Toyota Hilux is ₱1,318 million. However, the Toyota Hilux excels in reliability, resale value, and off-road capability. The cabin features of both pickup trucks are largely the same but the Maxus T60 Pro has a lesser number of variants.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The Toyota Hilux is one of the best-midsized pickup trucks available in the Philippines market. It comes with several powertrain options. The build quality is solid and the Hilux excels with is off-road capability. At the same time, it offers an unmatched daily commuting experience. Backed by the company’s extensive service network and strong resale value, the Toyota Hilux makes for a compelling long-term investment.