7,000 km in 5 months with the Toyota Hilux calls for a ownership report.

BHPian PrideRed recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Its 5 months since I bought the Hilux and car has clocked about 7000 KMs. I had a 9 Yr old Thar DI which did a about 40K KMs and I was looking for replacement. The new Thar is such a big and nice upgrade and since launch always loved the Thar. New Everest white Thar looks great too. I had test driven Thar multiple times since launch and the diesel engine with AT box drive, felt like this car is from space age compared to my vintage Thar DI. That said new Thar has zero utility, is more of lifestyle vehicle than utility. My use case for Thar DI was utility and zero long drives. The longest I had driven Thar was about 150KM in one go. So despite being much superior, I knew the new Thar is not the one for me and not going to serve my purpose. I was still considering attaching a trolley but that's cumbersome and not easy to drive either. I was delaying the purchase and Thar DI, despite breakdowns was serving the purpose. Lack of creature comforts though, was making life miserable especially during peak summer.

Size aside I always believed pickup trucks were best suited for farm use and personally big fan of pickup trucks. Ford F150 Raptor is one of my dream car. While I liked DMAX, the prices had shot up and was costing close to 30L for 4x4 pvt registration. Their after sales network is poor and investing 30L on brand that doesnot have a solid future plan, did not inspire confidence. The next two options were extreme, with Hilux at 40L and Bolero camper at 12L. The latter had one major flaw, 4x4 variant doesnot come with creature comforts and the Gold variant doesnot get 4x4, now thats a bummer. While I was ok with lower spec engine, 4x4, AC, Power steering and basic creature comforts/safety were non negotiable. Sizewise camper was perfect with close to 1T rated payload. On the other hand 40L for a work truck did not make much sense. That said Hilux was probably the best I could get.

Come mid 2023 I had visited Toyota factory and senior executive mentioned about discounts on Hilux offered by dealers. While I wasn't sure of discount and wasn't keen on spending 40L, by September came across the Standard variant which has most creature comforts safety and at a price which I felt is reasonable for a farm/utility truck. Standard variant came with just two color options and white looked better than Grey. I was still thinking if to pay additional 10L and get the High AT but having Fortuner means, both cars end up having same engine gearbox combo. And after test drive it was apparent that I cannot use Hilux for cross country drives with family and Fortuner will have to do this. With all these calculations, ended up buying the Hilux Standard variant. Major fly in ointment for Hilux was speed was capped at 80KM/Hr despite having a 200BHP 2.8L engine. I was ok with compromise keeping my use case in mind and other cars in garage.

My initial impressions about Hilux can be found here.

Good stuff

- Terrific engine with nice gearbox.

- Utility with good payload.

- Lot of creature comforts for a truck.

- Full suite of safety kit.

- Looks amazing with good road presence and character.

- Solid 4x4 gear, can take you the distance.

Bad stuff

- Expensive before discounts.

- Speed limit despite white board.

- Poor rear seats and poor ride quality.

- Size can get cumbersome for most.

- Being a CKD, guess some parts may not be as easily available.

Observations after 7K:

- The utility offered is unmatched. Makes me feel why I dint go for a pickup earlier. You get to sit in comfort of closed AC cabin while carrying luggage.

- with 800KG-1T payload, the truck marches forward like there is nothing in the back, especially when you select 4H or 4L. The engine is a gem and one of the underrated engines. 

- A-TRAC is super helpful during monsoon, did not have to use diff lock in most cases. Gets activated quickly even with slightest slip and you can sometimes see A-TRAC blinking even on tarmac when you are hard on A-Pedal. 

- Massive size and low seller = attention magnet. For a common man this is unknown model especially in tiny town.

- Decent fuel efficiency. Being a manual, I get around 12-13KMPL on highway and about 10-12KMPL on rural roads/off road.

- Power mode brings out the beast alive. Compared to Fortuner there is massive difference between Eco and Power mode in Hilux. The push back feeling when you floor the accelerator is surreal.

- May be BS6, but i found low end torque average. Especially in Eco mode, needs a gear change unlike say my Jimny or Thar DI. That said this is resolved now will update some other day.

- While Toyota gave lot of features/safety kit for what is a commercial variant, with price reduction they removed few bits like cruise control, IMT and hill descent control. Not a deal breaker but would have been nice to have.

- The front seats are comfortable, and standard variant gets fabric seats which is of good quality. For armrest I would have preferred hard plastic/rexine as fabric insets gets soiled easily.

- Rear seats are bad. First of all is bumpy as expected and is very upright. Legroom isn't great either. Unless you are young energetic person, rear seats aren't good. 

- Stiffer suspension means the truck actually handles decent. But come rough road/bumps, I cannot blaze through like I do in Fortuner. I have to use brakes in Hilux and cannot fly like the Fortuner. That said on smooth road I like the stiffness offered by Hilux.

- The standard variant gets quad beam halogen headlights plus LED fog lamps. Decent setup and found it good during rains as well. Does get Auto headlamps which a welcome move.

- Except for the hatch handles, there is no chrome anywhere, all black looks great with white color. The front black grille looks nice and give Hilux a butch presence.

- The gear shifts are superb! You can shift from 3rd to 4th even with your pinky finger, its that light and shifts with a click which is very nice. The clutch is bit on heavier side but nothing to complain about.

- The steering is on heavier side but on the move is actually pretty nice. The new VFC steering is not as heavy as earlier hydraulics and offers good feedback.

- Massive size and heavier steering means parking can get painful. The car doesnot fit most of parking slots and cumbersome in city. Front parking sensors are helpful .

- Ride gets better with load. Add 200KG stuff in back, there is significant improvement in ride. Yet cannot be compared to a passenger vehicle.

- Switching to 4H is seamless like in the Fortuner. Much easier than the likes of Thar/Jimny. 4 wheel drive engages pretty quickly and you can move between 2H and 4H on the move. 

- Interior is basic yet feels durable and well put. Lacks finesse and I believe the theme goes well with purpose of the truck. 

- Larger DPF tank helps. Compared to Fortuner, one in Hilux might actually last 10K KMs for a full tank. Will need a refill at around 7K mark. The Hilux gets nice display indicating current level of AdBlue, which the Fortuner misses.

Continue reading about PrideRed’s ownership experience of the Toyota Hilux and for BHPian comments, insights and more information.

The certification irregularities did not have any impact on the emissions and safety of the affected vehicles.

Toyota has announced that it has resumed the dispatches of the Innova Crysta, Fortuner and Hilux in India. Last month, dispatches were briefly halted after irregularities were found in the output tests of three diesel engines.

“Toyota has reconfirmed that the diesel engines meet the stipulated Indian regulations. Consequently, the dispatch of Innova Crysta, Fortuner, and Hilux has resumed following a brief temporary suspension. We regret the inconvenience to our esteemed customers. As a customer-centric organisation, we continue to remain committed to delivering the highest quality and safest products,” the official statement reads.

A special investigation committee was tasked to look into potential certification irregularities. The team conducted re-verification tests on mass-produced vehicles and found that they complied with the performance standards and that there was no need to discontinue the use of the affected vehicles.

Earlier, Toyota had clarified that the certification irregularities did not lead to any overstating of horsepower and torque figures and that it did not have any impact on the emissions and safety of the affected vehicles.

Source: Autocar India

Toyota has clarified that the certification irregularities will have no impact on the emissions and safety of the vehicles.

Toyota has suspended all dispatches of the Innova Crysta, Fortuner and Hilux in India after irregularities were found in the output tests of three diesel engines. 

The three diesel engines in question include the 1GD, 2GD and F33A. Out of these, the 2.8-litre 1GD and 2.4-litre 2GD engines are offered in cars sold in India. These have been developed by Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO).

Earlier today, it was revealed that a special investigation committee was looking into potential certification irregularities. The horsepower output performance of engines was measured using ECUs with software that was different from those on the production version.

According to Toyota, the irregularities concern the ‘smoothing’ of power and torque curves. The company has clarified that it did not lead to any overstating of horsepower and torque figures and that it does not have any impact on the emissions and safety of the affected vehicles.

While dispatches of the affected models have been temporarily suspended, Toyota will continue to produce and take orders for the Innova Crysta, Fortuner and Hilux in India.

Source: Autocar India

Unlike the standard Hilux, the IMV 0-based offering could be more utilitarian.

Last month, Toyota showcased the IMV 0 concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. It is said to spawn an affordable pickup, which according to the latest reports, could be called ‘Hilux Champ’.

Reports suggest that the Hilux Champ would be the first IMV 0-based model. It is likely to be launched in Thailand by 2025.

Unlike the standard Hilux, the IMV 0-based offering could be more utilitarian. It is likely to come in multiple body styles designed for different applications.

While mechanical details of the Hilux Champ are not known, reports suggest that it could use a 2.4-litre diesel engine from the Innova Crysta paired with an automatic transmission. Toyota might offer the Hilux Champ in 2WD and 4WD configurations. A strong hybrid powertrain could also be on the cards.

Source: Autocar India

Toyota states that the mild-hybrid system can handle water-wading depths of up to 700 mm.

According to a media report, Toyota has recently unveiled its latest 48-volt mild-hybrid system for its turbo-diesel engines. The new tech is expected to initially be offered on the Hilux and Land Cruiser Prado offerings, while the Fortuner could also get it at a slightly later stage.

Reports state that the new mild-hybrid system comes with two motor generators and a power split device. This helps make it compact and lightweight, allowing for easy integration with existing powertrains. The new mild-hybrid system also features a belt-driven electric motor, enabling quiet engine restart, smoother response and minimal vibrations. The electric motor also provides torque assistance, comes with regenerative braking to recharge the battery and is also capable of powering auxiliary systems like the steering, pumps & fans.

Toyota states that the mild-hybrid system can also handle water-wading depths of up to 700 mm, making it particularly suitable for models like the Hilux, Fortuner & LC Prado.

Toyota has announced that their 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre inline 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine on the Land Cruiser Prado will get the 48-volt mild-hybrid system in select European markets & Australia. The same engine also powers the Hilux & Fortuner.

Source: Car&Bike

The Toyota Hilux was evaluated by the army for over 2 months over rough terrain and in extreme weather.

Toyota has handed over a fleet of Hilux pickup trucks to the Indian Army. It is the first-ever Hilux order by the armed forces.

According to the company, the Hilux was put through over 2-months of extensive and rigorous evaluation by the Northern Command of the Indian Army. The vehicle was tested in extreme weather and rough terrains, ranging from an altitude of 13,000 ft to sub-zero temperatures.

The Toyota Hilux is suited for several applications. It is powered by a 2.8-litre diesel engine that makes 201 BHP and 500 Nm and comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

All variants of the Hilux come equipped with a 4-wheel drive system. It also has a water-wading depth of 700 mm, making it ideal for extreme conditions that the Indian Army encounters at our borders. That being said, the exact details of the Army-spec Hilux are unknown.

Dealers were said to be offering a discount of Rs 6-8 lakh on the Hilux.

Earlier this week, there were reports of heavy discounts on the Toyota Hilux. Dealers were said to be offering a discount of Rs 6 lakh on lower variants and up to Rs 8 lakh on the higher trims of the pick-up truck. Toyota has now released an official statement denying these reports.

Official statement:

“With regards to certain media reports on the Toyota Hilux being offered at a highly discounted price, this is to officially communicate that the reports are incorrect. Toyota Kirloskar Motor continues to strictly follow the price list officially announced by the company which ranges from Rs. 30,40,000 - Rs. 37,90,000/- (ex-showroom).

All thanks to its Versatility, Capability & Comfort in any terrain, the much-celebrated Hilux continues to enthral the market ever since its launch. We thank our customers for their overwhelming response and look forward to their continued love and appreciation for brand Toyota.”

The Toyota Hilux shares its underpinnings with the Fortuner. In India, the pick-up truck is offered with a 2.8-litre diesel engine producing 201 BHP (204 BHP - 6MT) and 500 Nm (420 Nm - 6MT). The engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. It comes with a four-wheel-drive system with an electronic differential lock, a limited-slip differential and Active Traction Control.

Depending on the variant and available inventory, dealers are offering a discount of up to Rs 8 lakh on the Hilux.

According to a media report, some Toyota dealerships are offering a huge discounts on the Hilux. It is said that most dealers are offering at least Rs 6 lakh off on the vehicle's ex-showroom price.

The Toyota Hilux was introduced at a price of Rs 33.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Earlier this year, Toyota reduced the price of the base variant by Rs 3.59 lakh, while the top-spec variants received a price hike of Rs 1.10-1.35 lakh. Reports suggest that depending on the variant and available inventory, dealers are offering a discount of up to Rs 8 lakh on the Hilux.

The Toyota Hilux shares its underpinnings with the Fortuner. In India, the pick-up truck is offered with a 2.8-litre diesel engine producing 201 BHP (204 BHP - 6MT) and 500 Nm (420 Nm - 6MT). The engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. It comes with a four-wheel-drive system with an electronic differential lock, a limited-slip differential and Active Traction Control.

Source: Autocar India

The next-generation Fortuner and Hilux will be based on Toyota's TNGA-F platform.

According to a media report, Toyota South Africa has announced that the next-generation Fortuner and Hilux will switch to mild-hybrid powertrains.

The next-generation Fortuner and Hilux will be based on Toyota's TNGA-F platform, which also underpins the Tacoma, Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX500d. Unlike the old IMV architecture, TNGA-F can accommodate hybrid powertrains.

Now, it is too early to comment on the details of the new hybridised powertrains. However, reports suggest that the 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine could be paired with a mild-hybrid system. In its present configuration, the engine develops 201 BHP and 500 Nm.

Although both Toyota and Hilux mild-hybrids are set to make their global debut in 2024, it would be interesting to see when they will arrive on our shores.

Source: CarMag

Toyota is offering a buyback value of 70% after 3 years and EMIs starting from Rs 32,886.

Toyota has announced an assured buyback offer on the Hilux. Customers can get a buyback value of up to 70% after 3 years from the date of purchase.

Toyota is also offering special finance schemes on the Hilux through Toyota Financial Services, with EMIs starting from Rs 32,886.

The Toyota Hilux is priced at Rs 30.40 lakh for the Standard variant, while the High variants cost upwards of Rs 37 lakh (ex-showroom). It is said that the carmaker has introduced these finance offers with the aim to make the lifestyle pickup truck more accessible to customers.

The Toyota Hilux shares its underpinnings with the Fortuner. In India, the pick-up truck is offered with a 2.8-litre diesel engine producing 201 BHP (204 BHP - 6MT) and 500 Nm (420 Nm - 6MT). The engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. It comes with a four-wheel-drive system with an electronic differential lock, a limited-slip differential and Active Traction Control.