Toyota Hilux: Toyota Hilux is a tough, ladder‑frame pickup designed for buyers who need a vehicle that can work hard during the week and still feel comfortable and premium on long highway trips or adventure drives.
With a powerful 2.8‑litre diesel engine, proper 4×4 hardware and a well‑equipped double‑cab cabin, it has become a lifestyle as well as a commercial favourite in markets like India.
Rugged Design and Dimensions
Hilux carries a bold, muscular design with a large grille, chunky bumpers, skid plate elements and high‑mounted LED headlamps that immediately communicate strength.
The flared wheel arches, side steps and high stance give it strong road presence, whether it is rolling through the city or parked at a campsite.
In India‑spec form, Hilux is about 5325 mm long, 1855 mm wide and 1815 mm tall, with a long 3085 mm wheelbase, which provides a spacious double‑cab interior and a sizeable load bed.
Ground clearance is around 190 mm and kerb weight can cross 2.7–2.9 tonnes depending on variant, underlining its heavy‑duty character and ability to carry payloads while towing trailers or equipment.
2.8‑Litre Turbo‑Diesel Engine and 4×4 Hardware
Under the bonnet, the Hilux uses a 2.8‑litre four‑cylinder turbo‑diesel engine with common‑rail direct injection. Output for Indian and many global variants is around 201 bhp (about 150 kW) and up to 500 Nm of torque in automatic form, with slightly lower torque (around 420 Nm) in some manual versions.
Transmission options typically include a 6‑speed automatic and a 6‑speed manual, both paired with a part‑time 4×4 system featuring a low‑range transfer case.
The BS6 Phase‑2 diesel engine in India returns an ARAI‑certified fuel economy of roughly 10–13 km/l depending on configuration and driving conditions, reasonable for a heavy, body‑on‑frame 4×4 pickup.
Off‑Road Ability, Ride and Handling
The Hilux is built on a ladder‑frame chassis with double‑wishbone suspension at the front and a rigid axle with leaf springs at the rear, tuned to handle heavy loads and rough terrain.
High ground clearance, robust underbody protection and generous approach and departure angles make it well‑suited for trails, rocky paths and broken rural roads.
The 4×4 system offers 2H, 4H and 4L (low range) modes, supported by features like hill‑assist, hill‑descent control, active traction control and an electronic stability programme.
In newer global models, a 2.8‑litre diesel with 48V mild‑hybrid assist is also offered to improve low‑end response and efficiency, while future variants add a BEV (battery electric) Hilux with dual motors and around 59.2 kWh battery capacity.
Cabin, Features and Safety
Inside, the double‑cab Hilux blends utility with comfort, offering durable materials alongside touches like leather upholstery on higher trims.
The front seats are supportive, and the rear bench can comfortably accommodate three adults, with foldable backrests to expand secure interior storage when needed.
Feature highlights on well‑equipped variants include automatic climate control, cruise control, a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, steering‑mounted controls, cooled glovebox, rear AC vents and multiple 12V/USB outlets.
Safety kit is comprehensive: multiple airbags (front, side and curtain), ABS with EBD, traction control, electronic stability control, hill‑assist, hill‑descent control, ISOFIX mounts, rear camera and parking sensors; many test programmes rate Hilux at 5 stars for adult safety and 4 stars for child occupant protection.
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Toyota Hilux Price, Ideal Buyer and Conclusion
In India, Toyota Hilux sits in the premium pickup space, with ex‑showroom prices typically starting above ₹28 lakh and rising significantly for higher trims and 4×4 automatic versions. That pricing places it well above regular SUVs and reflects its import status, heavy‑duty hardware and global reputation for durability.
Hilux is ideal for:
Business owners and professionals who need a tough vehicle for farms, construction sites or remote projects but still want comfort and features.
Adventure‑tourers who frequently travel to mountains, forests or beaches and need serious 4×4 capability plus towing strength.
Buyers who value longevity and are willing to pay a premium upfront for Toyota’s reliability and rugged build.