Toyota Hilux Review 2023
The new Toyota Hilux has continued its legacy as a dependable and robust pickup truck. The latest model lives up to the high expectations set by its predecessors.
Rivals to the Toyota Hilux include the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max.
Our Toyota Hilux review covers:
- Rugged and muscular exterior design
- Functional interior with durable materials designed for practicality
- Can carry more than 1000kg in the bed and tow 3500kg
- 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre diesel engine options
- Five trim levels are available: Active, Icon, Invincible, Invincible X and GR Sport
Pros:
- Durability and Reliability
- Off-Road Capability
- Versatile Cargo Space
Cons:
- Ride Comfort
- Interior Quality
- Limited Advanced Tech
The design of the new Toyota Hilux is characterized by its rugged and muscular appearance. It maintains the classic, no-nonsense styling that has become a hallmark of the Hilux lineup. The Hilux sports a bold front grille with a prominent Toyota emblem, flanked by distinctive headlights that may feature LED technology in higher trims. Its high ground clearance and prominent wheel arches convey its off-road capabilities.
The Hilux is available in various body styles, including single cab, extra cab, and double cab configurations. The double cab is particularly popular in the UK, England, as it offers a balance between passenger comfort and cargo space. Toyota is known for its commitment to durability and reliability, and the Hilux is no exception. The build quality is solid, and the materials used are chosen for their robustness, making it well-suited for demanding tasks.
Practicality is one of the Hilux's strong suits, and it's designed to cater to a wide range of practical needs. The cargo bed of the Hilux is spacious and can accommodate a variety of loads. It's often used for transporting goods, tools, or equipment, making it a popular choice among tradespeople. The Hilux boasts an impressive towing capacity, allowing it to tow trailers, boats, and caravans with ease. This adds to its practicality, especially for those who require towing capabilities. Practicality extends to off-road enthusiasts who require a vehicle capable of tackling challenging terrain. The Hilux's off-road prowess and four-wheel-drive system make it a practical choice for outdoor adventures.
The boot space of the Hilux primarily refers to its cargo bed, which can vary in size depending on the cab configuration. The Toyota Hilux can carry more than 1000kg in the bed and tow 3500kg. Here's a general idea of the cargo bed dimensions: Single cab models typically offer the longest cargo bed, making them suitable for larger loads. The cargo bed can vary in length but is designed for maximum utility. Double cab models sacrifice some cargo bed length to provide rear passenger seating. However, they still offer a decent amount of cargo space, and the rear seats can often be folded up to create more room for storage. Extra cab models strike a balance between single and double cabs, providing additional cargo bed length compared to double cabs while still offering some rear passenger space.
The interior of the new Toyota Hilux is designed with practicality and durability in mind. While it may not offer the same level of luxury and refinement as some SUVs, it excels in terms of functionality and robustness. The materials used in the Hilux's interior are chosen for their durability. You'll find hard-wearing plastics and fabrics that can withstand the rigours of everyday use and demanding work environments.
Modern Hilux models come equipped with an infotainment system featuring a touchscreen display. The exact features and screen size can vary depending on the trim level. You can expect features like Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and smartphone integration in higher trim levels. The interior of the Hilux is designed with practical storage solutions. You'll find cupholders, storage compartments, and door pockets to keep your belongings organized.
Five trim levels are available: Active, Icon, Invincible, Invincible X and GR Sport.
We recommend starting with the Icon trim for most customers as it includes several desirable features as standard. This trim level comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a convenient reversing camera, cruise control, and the Double Cab body configuration.
The Active trim, on the other hand, is designed with a utilitarian approach and is primarily targeted at tradespeople and fleet customers. It focuses on practicality and functionality.
Stepping up, the two Invincible trims elevate the experience by adding premium features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a choice of chrome or black trim accents, and a high-quality stereo system.
For those seeking a sportier vibe, the GR Sport trim draws inspiration from Toyota's sportiest models. It distinguishes itself with unique exterior styling and alloy wheels, sports-oriented GR Sport Alcantara seats, paddle shifters for manual control of the transmission, and dampers specifically tuned for this model.
The Toyota Hilux offers a range of engine options, starting with a 2.4-litre diesel engine that delivers 148bhp and a more powerful 2.8-litre diesel engine with 201bhp. Both engine choices can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox. Both engines provide ample low-end torque, making towing relatively effortless. However, opting for the 2.8-litre engine will likely result in fewer impatient drivers behind you, and it means you won't need to push the engine as hard in various driving scenarios.
The Hilux is specifically designed to handle substantial cargo weights in its bed, so Toyota has equipped it with a fairly stiff rear suspension. This stiffness can make the rear of the truck feel slightly bouncy when encountering speed bumps and rough road surfaces, but this characteristic is common among all pickup trucks.
When venturing off-road, the Hilux truly excels. All models come with selectable four-wheel drive, complete with high and low range gearing for tackling demanding inclines. Additionally, a switchable rear differential lock is a standard feature, aiding in extricating the vehicle from challenging situations. Hill descent control, an electronic system that assists in preventing the vehicle from sliding down steep hills, is also included. With this array of off-road technology, conquering uneven and muddy terrain should pose little difficulty for the Hilux.
Overall, the new Toyota Hilux is a reliable and robust pickup truck that caters to those who need a workhorse that can handle a variety of tasks. Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling challenging terrain, the Hilux is up to the task, making it an excellent leasing option for those in need of a dependable pickup.
The Toyota Hilux is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of Price On Request*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £435.20.
If you're considering leasing a Toyota Hilux, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).
Leasing a Toyota Hilux can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.
It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.
