In the United States, the Toyota Tacoma is the dominant pickup truck from this Japanese manufacturer. However, around the world, the Toyota Hilux is the pickup of choice. The Toyota Hilux name was first introduced in 1968.
Changes for the 2021 Hilux
For 2021 the engineers at Toyota redesigned the outside as well as adding some power to this truck. The front fascia was redone and the headlights received a narrower and more swept-back look for this launch. The front grille was also redesigned giving the truck a more aggressive, forward stance. But the changes don’t stop there.
Diesel Powered
Powering this little beast is a newly tuned 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine. The engineers were able to tweak out 201 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque out of the little four-cylinder, giving the truck good power over the entire shift range. Other engine options include the 2.7-liter four-cylinder and the 2.4-liter turbodiesel. Engines can be paired with Toyota’s venerable six-speed automatic or manual transmissions. The high torque produced by the turbodiesel gives the Hilux an advantage in off-road and towing duties.
More Capable Footing
With the stronger engine and increased torque, Toyota had to beef up the truck overall. Engineers added better shock absorbers, improving upon the old leaf spring design, and added better bushings, all in an attempt to give the driver and passengers a less bouncy ride. The 4×4 version also got an increase in towing capacity with a new maximum of 7,700 pounds. The 4×4 version also comes with downhill assist control for those tricky winter and off-road driving conditions. They also added traction control for the two-wheel-drive model to help navigate unforeseen circumstances as well.
On the Inside
The Toyota Hilux offers a very comfortable and almost car-like interior cabin. There are various trim levels available, but the seats are comfortable and the controls intuitive. For rear passengers, accessibility is easy with the optional four-door configurations, and the seats are passable for even extended trips. Chunky knobs for various controls and steering wheel control options make it easy for the driver to keep their eyes on the road while making adjustments. The gear cluster for speed and engine information is clean and clear with standard round dials and backlighting. Toyota also added an 8.2-inch infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition items like satellite navigation, push start control and an impressive JBL Premium Sound System are available.
The Verdict
The 2021 Toyota Hilux is a capable off-road truck and with its horsepower and torquey engine, it will get you in and out of trouble confidently. As they say, the proof is in the pudding, Toyota has been successfully running the truck in the annual Dakar Rally. So you can be rest assured that it will get you wherever you need to go. The Toyota Hilux price guide ranges from $23,00 for the basic model up to $68,000 for the top-end model.
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