The Toyota Hilux has easily emerged as Australia’s favourite UTE, the Ford Ranger bagging a close second. As far as UTEs go, our sturdy subject is everything you could need. It is unbreakable in all conditions, it’s big, sturdy, has a comfortable and spacious interior and it comes in a variety of options for you to choose from, depending on how rough or how corporate you want your vehicle to be.
If you’re planning to buy the Toyota Hilux, here are a few things you need to consider.
Engine
Toyota Hilux buyers are spoiled for choice when it comes to engines. The Toyota Hilux has both diesel and petrol variants that you may have to choose from. There are two options in diesel, the 2.4L and 2.8L Turbo Diesels that are designed to provide more torque and greater fuel efficiency.
The 2.4L delivers 400 Nm of torque and the 2.8L delivers 450 Nm of torque. However, the diesel engines need to be regularly serviced by a certified technician or they might fall into disrepair.
Among the V6 petrol variants, you have two choices to choose from, the 2.7L and a 4.0L V6. Although the diesel counterparts are more powerful, the 2.7L still delivers a punch, providing 245 Nm of torque.
Interior
The Toyota Hilux has gradually moved away from the pickup interior to something more reminiscent of the luxurious Toyota Camry. The latest interior offers users a lot more than what you’d expect, and that explains why Toyota Hilux sales continue to spike.
There are many advanced features now available in the Hilux, which are designed to not only provide comfort but luxury as well. Some Hilux models come with an air-conditioned cool box for your drinks and snacks. Now you can find Bluetooth connectivity, power sockets, device tray, split glove box, and smart entry smart start, to name a few.
The interesting thing here is that when you enter the Toyota Hilux, you experience the interior of a car rather than a truck, which is always a welcome change. The amalgamation of the robustness of a truck and the sophisticated interior of a car is what makes the Hilux so loved across Australia.
Safety
As a drive used for off-roading or even general use, safety is paramount. This is exactly what the Toyota Hilux has done with its newer models. They have improved their security features, which make it so dependable.
The latest Toyota Hilux models come with a reversing camera, 7 SRS airbags, and a trailer sways control to allow for safer towing. To allow you to indulge in safer adventures, the newer editions also offer hill-start assist control and downhill assist control.
The Drive
When it comes to buying any vehicle, drive is an important consideration. The overall consensus is that the Hilux is very comfortable, but it is still more of a workhorse than a car, without less thought for passengers. However, newer models have improved the drive significantly, though you may experience a jerk here and there going over big bumps. Like any drive, it all comes down to weighing out the pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of the Toyota Hilux
Pros
The Toyota Hilux has stood steadfast on the pillars of strength and reliability, which has luckily been passed down to future models as well. The newer models possess even sturdier body panels, to cater to your need for a durable ride that you can use for a variety of purposes.
To add to that, the Toyota Hilux is now celebrated as not only a vehicle used for adventures, but for daily use as well. The interior is more reflective of Toyota’s luxury cars with the durability and robustness of a truck. This combination makes the Toyota Hilux an all-rounder and a great investment overall.
Cons
That said, the Toyota Hilux is often critiqued for its engine refinement. The Toyota Hilux struggles with its ride on smoother surfaces, which is a problem with most pickup trucks. While the Hilux four-wheel drive is pretty smooth for off-roading, the same suspension makes the car feel a bit bouncy on plush surfaces.
Conclusion
The Toyota Hilux is arguably Australia’s favorite UTE and fairly so. The newer editions have a lot of promise, as Toyota continues to incorporate improvements, making the vehicle accessible for a variety of purposes. With the strength of a truck and the modern interior of a car, the Hilux is clearly something that can be used as an all-rounder family vehicle.
When it comes to purchasing, it is always advisable to see the purpose of purchase and then assess the vehicle’s usability for you as compared to other makes and models.
