The all-new Toyota Hilux was unveiled on the 10th of November last year, and now, finally, the wait is over. The Hilux has touched down in Mzansi after a not so long wait and here's all you need to know about it.
The looks, that have divided many..
The new bakkie features a completely new face under the “Cyber Sumo” design language which Toyota claims is a concept that combines two defining attributes. “Cyber” reflects the growing importance of advanced technology, connectivity and digital integration in modern vehicles, while “Sumo” represents the strength, stability and toughness that have defined Hilux throughout its history.
The overall design is a complete departure from what we know the Hilux to be. Starting at the front, where you find slimmer LED headlamps as opposed to the old mix of halogen and LED configurations used in the previous generation. There is a new wider color-coded grille supported by Toyota branding and not the traditional logo. Strong lines and proportions give a meaner appearance to the vehicle's front view overall.
The side profile sees the car slightly grow in size from its predecessor. It now measures approximately 5,380 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and 1,800 mm in height, even though this new generation is built on the same robust IMV platform ladder-frame chassis as before. The wheel arches and skirting consist of black cladding accents and a new set of wheel designs to choose from, including the two-tone 18-inch wheels.
The rear has to be our favorite part of the vehicle. Here, you are treated to new LED lighting signatures, a new sports bar design for higher trims, a redesigned tailgate that has "TOYOTA" embossed in it, and some integrated steps that allow for easier access into the cargo area. Depending on the chosen body shape, cargo area capacity varies :
Single Cab: 2,315 mm length × 1,575 mm width
Extra Cab (or Xtra Cab): 1,808 mm length × 1,540 mm width
Double Cab: 1,525 mm length × 1,540 mm width
Depth/Height: All variants generally feature a sidewall depth of about 480 mm to 495 mm
"A Cabin Reimagined for Modern Life "
The new-generation Hilux introduces a new cabin architecture similar to that of the Land Cruiser Prado that prioritizes usability, comfort and technology. The redesigned dashboard features a new set of screens which consists of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster that sits alongside a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The new interior layout also gives way to a new electric steering wheel along with a new gear lever.
Material quality has also been updated throughout the Hilux range, with premium grades benefiting from newly developed upholstery, soft-touch surfaces and refined finishes. Some more gained attributes of the cabin are increased USB-C charging points, wireless charging and improved storage compartments.
This will be the most advanced Hilux yet
Toyota did not stop at just updating the exterior and cabin but they have advancements that goes as far as improving connectivity, safety and technology updates. The new Hilux now has a improved list of advanced suite of driver-assistance which comprise of the Toyota Safety Sense 3, Toyota’s latest active safety platform.
The system includes enhanced Pre-Collision functionality capable of detecting vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, as well as improved Emergency Steering Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control systems. There is also Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beam, and Proactive Driving Assist; and for the first time on Hilux, you now have Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Safe Exit Assist technologies.
Security has also been attentively addressed by Toyota
It is no secret that the Hilux is one of the most risky vehicles to own in the country, so Toyota has set up some measures to keep you safe. The bakkie now comes equipped with features like Ultra Wide Band technology, a system that helps prevent relay attacks by accurately measuring the distance between the vehicle and the key.
Through the Toyota Remote and MyToyota applications, customers can access a wide range of remote services and vehicle management functions. These allow the owner to remotely monitor vehicle status, lock and unlock doors, locate their vehicle, and, as an added layer of security, there is a redesigned gear-lock system.
Although it more or less rides on the same platform, Toyota has tweaked the suspension ever so slightly
The Toyota team says that this new Hilux will offer a much more refined ride and driving dynamics, thanks to some revisions to the suspension, steering, and mounting systems. "Particular attention was paid to improving vehicle behaviour on gravel roads, a critical requirement for many South African and Southern African customers. "
This is achieved thanks to a firm recalibration of the steering wheel, which is now electric as opposed to the hydraulic power steering in the previous generation. They didn't stop there; the suspension geometry now has enhanced damping and updated bushings that deliver greater stability and composure on loose surfaces.
Engine options :
- 2.8 GD-6 Turbodiesel : The trusted 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel remains the high-output backbone of the lineup, producing 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque.
- 2.4 GD-6 Turbodiesel: Toyota is expanding the local range by introducing the proven 2.4 GD-6 turbodiesel, which will be paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
- 2.8 GD-6 Mild Hybrid (48V): This system pairs the 2.8-litre diesel engine with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator. It provides smooth pullaways, improves efficiency, and slightly boosts performance.
Pricing and derivatives available in the range
Owners can choose from the SRX, which will serve as an entry into the Hilux range. Following this will be the Raider, which bridges the gap between work and lifestyle applications. Just before the range topper, you will unlock the Raider X, which enhances the technology list. Lastly, the Legend unlocks a 48-volt system that combines an 8.5 kW / 65 Nm electric motor generator, lithium-ion battery, and DC/DC converter to deliver smoother stop-start operation, enhanced driving refinement, and improved responsiveness when accelerating from a standstill.
- 2.8 GD-6 RB Raider X 6AT – R751 800
- 2.8 GD-6 4x4 Raider X 6AT – R842 200
Double Cab
- 2.8 GD-6 RB SRX 6AT – R658 500
- 2.8 GD-6 4x4 SRX 6AT – R746 100
- 2.8 GD-6 4x4 Raider 6AT – R892 900
- 2.8 GD-6 RB Legend 6AT MHEV – R945 500
- 2.8 GD-6 4x4 Legend 6AT MHEV – R999 900
Pricing for ninth-generation Hilux Single Cab models and the 2.8 GD-6 RB Raider 6AT will be released in the third quarter of this year.The new Hilux is backed by a 3-year/100 000km warranty and a 9-services/90 000km service plan, with service intervals of 10 000km. The Mild Hybrid battery in the Hilux Legend is covered by an 8-year/160 000km battery warranty.