Hilux’s seventh generation became so important because it was the first midsize pick-up to use many characteristics that used to be exclusive of urban cars. While retaining its usual level of off-road capabilities, or even increasing it, the Japanese truck experienced a huge evolution regarding comfort and safety, not to mention design. All the other companies were already heading towards that, but none wanted to risk outraging more traditional buyers. However, as successful as that model became, this article’s Hilux shows that Toyota’s work was only getting started. Getting on and off-road vehicles together in a conceptual manner can be great for both, when done wisely. And this is what Toyota has already begun to do.
In case the pick-up’s front fascia is giving you a déjà vu, you’re probably thinking of the global Corolla. Toyota has made probably its biggest effort ever towards implementing design languages into its lineup, albeit in its own way, and Hilux couldn’t be a better model to carry that. The upper grille’s chrome bars make their way into the lights as the internal design of these, while the bumper’s simple lines remind of bigger sisters Tacoma and Tundra. The sides combine smooth design to modern elements such as bulged wheel arches and rounded windows. A pickups’ rear is always more functional than anything else, so the real differences here lie around the tailgate: bigger, triangular tail lights (without LEDs), and a chrome bumper.
Toyota’s design language appears once again in the cabin. The dashboard shows the very same horizontal elements with black and matte chrome sections. Some might find it uninspired, but the truth is it’s more than appropriate for a model like this: it doesn’t remind you of a cheap hatchback, nor does it try to pretend you’ve entered a limousine. A huge touchscreen dominates the center console, like in pretty much every modern automobile, but the air conditioner still relies on physical buttons. The blue lighting aids to a pleasant feeling in the room, while escaping from the red and the orange which so many vehicles use. An interesting detail is that, as modern as it became, Hilux still follows Toyota’s tradition of using a small clock between the air vents.
Since this vehicle set the habitability bar higher than ever, the automaker needed to make that a priority for its brand new generation. The rear passengers were particularly pampered this time, getting more room, exclusive air vents, foldable seats and central armrest. Between standard and optional ones, Hilux’s equipment package was increased once again, and now brings automatic air conditioner, backup camera, Isofix system, new infotainment system, 17” wheels, and keyless-entry system with push-button start. Regarding safety, there are stability and traction controls, ABS brakes with EBD, up to seven airbags (it depends on the selected trim level), differential lock, and electronic systems such as trailer-sway control.
Most pick-up trucks are also known for their long list of variations, and Hilux won’t be an exception to it. Between types of cabin, types of bed, engines, transmissions, traction systems, and trim levels, the new Japanese model will offer up to 31 options, depending on the country. But all of them are claimed to feature several improvements when it comes to dampers, springs and suspension, in order to deliver urban car-like handling. Nevertheless, since Hilux wants to remain the reference in combining leisure and work advantages, Toyota claims its towing capacity reached 3,500 kg, while it can take 1,240 kg itself. Such figures will be carried by up to four engines, although their official performance information hasn’t been released yet.
Using diesel, the eighth Hilux offers two four-cylinder propellers from the GD family. The 2.4-liter delivers 150 hp of power and 34.9 kgfm of torque, and uses a five-speed manual gearbox. The 2.8-liter, in turn, takes those numbers to 177 hp, 42.8 kgfm and six speeds. However, if those are upgraded with a six-speed automatic transmission, their torque rises to 40.8 and 45.8 kgfm, respectively. Switching to gasoline, a four-cylinder 2.7 reaches 166 hp, while a 4.0-liter V6 is good for 281 hp – both options come with manual or automatic speeds. This vehicle was released in both Thailand and Australia at first, but it’ll be sold in hundreds of other countries. South Americans, for instance, will have it produced in Toyota’s Argentinean plant in a few months.