Toyota HiLux
Ratings
2 stars
Summary
Not Recommended. Tough and useful, but this lifestyle pick up can't match rivals for comfort or performance.
Review
The HiLux has long since earned its reputation as one of the toughest vehicles on the planet, and the latest version adds some car-like virtues to the rugged practicality of its predecessors.
Styling is pretty much as you would expect - the Toyota looks tough and brutal, although it does without much in the way of driveway kudos. The standard of fit and finish is predictably solid, with the cabin feels similarly durable - although the utilitarian vibe is unmistakable, even on top-spec versions. The driving position is also surprisingly cramped for something so big, and taller drivers will have difficulty getting comfortable. The king cab version offers some extra space behind the front seats, and occasional drop-down seating - while the double cab has enough room for five. Neither version is exactly short of luggage space thanks to the vast load bed, although buyers who want security or water-proofing will need to invest in a separate loadspace cover.
On the road the Toyota's commercial underpinnings shine through, though - it feels very crude to drive by modern standards. The ride quality is frankly terrible, with the HiLux crashing over even smooth-looking tarmac - while refinement is poor as well, with lots of wind noise and engine noise getting into the cabin. Handling is insipid, grip levels are low and - at the limit - the HiLux lurches into alarming slides very easily. On the plus side the optional part-time four wheel drive and excellent ground clearance give it genuine off-road ability.
The basic 2.5 litre diesel engine can only deliver very limited performance and, although the new 3.0 litre unit is far better, it remains noisy and crude under hard use.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
2 star
It's a truck, pure and simple - big and brutal, but without much in the way of design kudos to recommend it.
Handling
1 star
With lots of roll under cornering and limited grip the HiLux is no fun to drive at anything more than a very sedate pace.
Comfort
2 star
Crude, noisy and with a very bumpy ride - and the poor seating position grates on long journeys too.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
Durable and well assembled, the HiLux has earned its reputation as one of the world's toughest vehicles.
Performance
2 star
The basic 2.5 litre diesel engine is very slow and very loud - while the bigger 3.0 litre unit is respectably rapid - but still very loud.
Roominess
3 star
Passenger accommodation is less spacious than that of rivals - the load bay is predictably enormous.
Running Costs
3 star
Fuel economy is respectable for a vehicle this size and servicing costs are class competitive. Initial depreciation is relatively steep, but tails off in subsequent years.
Value for money
3 star
Well priced against rivals, although with inferior performance and equipment. Top-spec versions have a respectable number of toys, though.
