Toyota Hilux

The torque converter accompanying the diesel engine of the new Hilux holds gears well during steep uphill crawls. It also settles smoothly into higher ratios during relaxed highway runs.

2.8L Turbo Diesel Engine

The engine’s power comes through predictably, accompanied by a deep diesel note that fits the rugged nature of the truck. It produces 201 bhp and 500 Nm of maximum torque, and the peak torque comes in early at low revs, allowing the truck to push forward with a full cargo bed easily. 

Drivetrain & Driving Modes

On the top-tier VX trim, off-road driving is helped out by electronic systems like Multi Terrain Select traction control and Downhill Assist Control. Both 4x4 variants get a shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system offering High (H4) and Low (L4) range gearing, along with an Electronic Differential Lock.

Living with a pickup of this size obviously feels quite different from driving a standard monocoque crossover, especially for those who do city commutes more, and off-road adventures less.

City Driving

When driving over speed bumps without any cargo in the back, the suspension causes a noticeable bounce. Toss a few hundred kilograms of weight into the bed, however, and the ride settles down quickly, soaking up rough patches far more smoothly. The Toyota Hilux also uses Variable Flow Control (VFC), which keeps the steering wheel light at parking speeds so you don't have to stress out.

Highway Driving

Braking duties are handled by ventilated front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, delivering progressive pedal feedback when slowing down from higher speeds. On open highways, the truck's long profile keeps it planted in a straight line, resisting crosswind gusts effortlessly. Quick overtakes at 100 kmph are also quite convenient to pull off without pressing the pedal too hard.

Off-Road Driving

Once off the even roads, the new Hilux’s front pitch and bounce control stabiliser works to keep the body stable while the suspension articulates over deep ruts and uneven tracks. The thick rubber on the 17-inch alloy wheels allows the truck to travel unscathed through mud, loose gravel, and rocky trails.

The variant lineup for the Toyota Hilux is split between the GX trim (available in 4x2 and 4x4) and the flagship VX trim (4x4 only).

GX 4x2 AT & GX 4x4 AT

Safety equipment is identical across both GX models, including 7 SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and an Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlock feature. The main distinction actually is the drivetrain of these two trims. The GX 4x2 AT works as an everyday rear-wheel-drive lifestyle truck, while the GX 4x4 AT adds the low-range transfer case and Electronic Differential Lock for off-road duties. On the inside, everything is almost similar, from the all-black cabin and an 8-inch touchscreen interface to a 4-speaker sound system and a 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat.

VX 4x4 AT

To help manoeuvre the truck in tight spaces, Toyota replaces the standard reversing camera with a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and adds a direct Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The cabin, meanwhile, gets upgraded with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, an 8-speaker audio system, illuminated door scuff plates, etc.

An 80-litre fuel tank supports long-distance touring from the Toyota Hilux, so there’s little need for frequent fuel stops on long trips. In heavy stop-and-go city traffic, moving this heavy ladder-frame truck brings fuel efficiency down into single digits, but highway stints at least return double digits.

The new Toyota Hilux has added much clearer visual distinctions between its trim levels.

Front Profile

Toyota equips the top-tier VX trim with LED daytime running lamps, welcome lighting, a subtle hood ornament, and LED front fog lamps. The headlights on the base GX variants use standard LED units with integrated turn indicators. Down on the front bumper, all variants feature Toyota's 'Cyber Sumo' design layout, incorporating a black honeycomb grille and sculpted lower bumper edges.

Side Profile

Getting into the cabin requires using the hexagonal grip side steps fitted as standard on all models. The flared wheel arches house 17-inch alloy wheels. The outside rear view mirrors on the GX get a matte finish with power adjustment, whereas the top-spec VX upgrades to power-folding ORVMs finished in high gloss.

Rear Profile

A pole antenna is mounted on the roof of GX variants here, while the VX model replaces it with a shark-fin antenna. The lockable tailgate door includes lift assistance to keep it from dropping heavily when opened. Loading cargo into the deck is also straightforward thanks to an integrated step built directly into the rear bed bumper. Tail lamps use standard bulbs on the GX trims, but the VX gets full LED rear combination lamps and an LED rear fog light.

Most of the materials inside the new Toyota Hilux feel rugged and hard-wearing.

Front Row

The cabin layout uses an all-black colour scheme across all trims. Choosing the VX variant adds illuminated door scuff plates, a premium finish across the dashboard, and a glossy finish on the internal door handles. Drivers sit high above the road with a direct view over the wide bonnet, with seats that offer manual adjustments. 

Second Row

In the back row, the bench seat fits three passengers and comes with height-adjustable headrests for every position. Laminated glass is used for the windshield, helping block excess solar heat during hot weather. For installing child safety seats, the outer rear seats of the new Hilux feature ISOFIX mounts complete with top tether anchorages.

Boot Space, Storage & Practicality

The open rear deck handles up to 500 kg of payload and can haul up to 3.5 tonnes of towing weight. It can easily handle most heavy equipment or camping supplies. Inside the cabin, storage options include a centre console box, deep door pockets with bottle holders, and a glove compartment. 

Screen sizes depend on the trim level. The GX 4x2 AT and GX 4x4 AT come with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit connected to 4 speakers. The VX 4x4 AT upgrades to a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with an 8-speaker sound system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, alongside Toyota i-Connect connected car features, USB Type-C charging ports, and a wireless phone charger.

And to lighten steering effort at low speeds, we have already mentioned that the Toyota Hilux includes Variable Flow Control (VFC) power steering across the range. It automatically adds weight to the wheel as your speed increases up to 100 kmph on highways. For reversing, the GX variants rely on a basic back camera, while the VX trim upgrades to a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) to assist with tight parking spots.

Safety equipment on the new Hilux is well-distributed, with core active and passive systems found across all the available trims.

Passive Safety

The vehicle holds a 5-star ANCAP crash test rating, supported by an impact-absorbing body structure. Safety equipment has not been gatekept for any specific trim; all variants get the 7 SRS airbags. Front seatbelts include height adjustability, pretensioners, and force limiters, paired with 3-point ELR seatbelts and seatbelt reminders for every occupant. An impact-sensing auto door unlock feature automatically unlocks the doors in a crash.

Active Safety

Off-road electronics on the VX trim of the Toyota Hilux include Downhill Assist Control, along with a direct Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Both 4x4 versions feature Electronic Drive Control for switching between 2WD and 4WD on the move, plus an Electronic Differential Lock for low-traction surfaces. Basic braking hardware consists of front ventilated discs and rear drum brakes, backed by ABS, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Brake Assist, Emergency Brake Signal, and speed-sensing automatic door locks.

Some equally competent ladder-frame SUVs and direct pickup alternatives that challenge the new Toyota Hilux’s market position are the existing Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, and Isuzu MU-X.

Toyota Fortuner

The Toyota Fortuner shares its 2.8L diesel engine and IMV platform with the new Hilux, starting at ₹34.76 lakh. While the Fortuner is mostly for buyers wanting a closed 7-seater SUV body style, the new Toyota Hilux offers an open cargo deck with a higher payload rating and a lower entry-level Toyota Hilux price on the 4x2 automatic trim, starting at around ₹31.99 lakh.

Isuzu D-Max V-Cross

Starting at a lower price point of ₹25.50 lakh ex-showroom, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is the primary alternative in the lifestyle pickup segment. It’s also the more practical option for daily driving. The Toyota Hilux, however, counters this with its punchier 2.8L diesel engine, standard 7 airbags, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and Toyota's wider service coverage across Toyota Hilux India dealerships.

Isuzu MU-X

Priced from ₹34.53 lakh ex-showroom, the Isuzu MU-X is more of an SUV, with a traditional ladder-frame 7-seater option. Keep in mind that the two are entirely different vehicles, with the MU-X being more of a family vehicle at the same price. In contrast, the Toyota Hilux delivers stronger off-road hardware with its Electronic Differential Lock and greater high-speed highway stability.

One should keep in mind certain things if they want to take the new Toyota Hilux home. It’s got many good features, but practicality-wise, you have to make a few compromises.

Adding a 4x2 automatic entry option has made the Toyota Hilux price in India lower than before for buyers who want the pickup look without needing a 4x4 system. The heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis remains untouched. On top of that, if your driving needs involve hauling heavy payloads, carrying outdoor gear, or travelling through rough off-road trails, the Toyota Hilux can handle that kind of usage.

But the truck is best left outside the city. Its 5.3-metre length makes parking in tight spaces tricky, and the unladen rear suspension feels undeniably stiff over broken city roads. If daily urban driving and rear passenger comfort are your top priorities, an SUV like the Toyota Fortuner or the Isuzu MU-X will be much easier to manage. But if you need a truck with a massive cargo bed and serious off-road hardware for your next adventure, the Toyota Hilux deserves your attention.