Toyota Hilux pickups have transported people to and through the most remote locations on the planet since production began in 1968, tackling every kind of terrain with a high level of durability and reliability during sustained heavy use, or even abuse.
There have been eight generations of the model so far, along with some facelifts, but Toyota say the current model is tougher, stronger and more powerful than ever with a very strong body frame, high ground clearance and ‘exceptional’ wheel articulation — meaning even the toughest terrain can be tacked with confidence.
Grades are DLX Single Cab with manual transmission, DLX Double Cab M/T, SR5 Double Cab (M/T, A/T), Invincible Double Cab (A/T) and the GR Sport Double Cab (A/T) being reviewed here that comes with Gazoo Racing GR Sport exterior graphics, a new design honeycomb grille insert with Toyota badging, matte black wheel arch extensions, black bonnet and roof, side steps, 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres. My wheels were bi-tone black machined-face GR Sport alloys.
This large pick-up comes with huge road presence, emphasised by its tough appearance and muscular stance. Tough mouldings protect the bodywork in the urban jungle as many pick-ups are also used by families with active lifestyles.
The interior features high levels of comfort, and technology that keeps you well connected. The dark cabin is quite plush with nice shiny trim and lots of sporty red colour dotted around including a red bar across the dash, red stitching on seats, steering wheel and pull-up traditional handbrake, and the GR Sport logo embroidered on the headrests. The GR Sport version has suede and leather upholstery.
A small digital clock sits atop the dash while the 8ins touchscreen includes navigation, Bluetooth streaming, hands-free calls, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There are buttons for temperature controls and the seat heater. The driver’s information display has different information options to choose from.
While visibility is good out the back window it’s not great over your shoulder due to the wide B-Pillars. Also, there is no blind spot alert on side mirrors. Cubbies include a compartment over the large bucket-type glovebox, a big area below the armrest and decent door bins.
My passengers and I found it difficult to get in and out of the cabin — despite the big handgrips — due to the very narrow side steps that were barely wide enough for my small size five shoe, never mind a man-sized boot. When exiting, you can’t see the step as it is tucked in below the sill out of sight.
Those in the rear can enjoy sitting in comfort with huge head and legroom.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t test drive my Hilux to anywhere approaching its potential, just on an off-road track with lots of gravel and deep potholes where the GR Sport suspension shone through.
For those who venture farther afield, Hilux has 310mm of ground clearance and a wading depth of 700mm.
In the 4WD system, use the front-wheel drive control switch to select H2 (high speed position 2WD) for normal driving on dry hard-surfaced roads for greater economy; move the dial to H4 (high speed position 4WD) for driving off-road on icy or snow-covered roads as it provides greater traction that 2WD; and use L4 (low speed position 4WD) for maximum power and traction like when climbing or descending steep hills, off-road driving and hard pulling in sand, mud or deep snow.
Eco and Power modes can be selected to suit driving conditions; Power mode for when you need high levels of response like driving in mountainous regions; Eco mode helps achieve low fuel consumption in trips that involve frequent accelerating.
The big cargo deck can easily carry bulky or heavy loads like machinery and tools with its payload of 1,010kg. GVW is 3,210kg. Towing capacity is 3,500kg braked and 750kg unbraked. Accessories include a protection pack of an under rail bed liner. This polyethylene liner covers both the deck bed and side panels.
My review vehicle was powered by quite a noisy but powerful 2.8, 204hp diesel engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and, of course, 4WD. The steering wheel is nicely weighted and acceleration is fast. Max torque is 500Nm @1,600-2,800rpm and my trip computer showed a fuel return of 10.1 L/100kms. Annual road tax is €333. Toyota claim the GR Sport delivers the best handling in the Hilux range.
Features include Toyota Safety Sense 2 with an array of high-end safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, a dusk sensor, front fogs, Hill-start Assist, Active Terrain Control, Downhill Assist Control, front fog lights dual zone climate control, a rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors and a full spare alloy wheel.
Hilux carries a 3yrs/100,000km manufacturer’s warranty, 3yrs/unlimited mileage - Surface rust/Paintwork warranty, 6yrs/unlimited mileage - Corrosion Perforation.
Priced from €36,230. My GR Sport double cab from €61,070.
