Toyota’s Hilux pickup aiming high as it gets down to business

Published on 23 June, 2021

Overview

PICK-UPS are great cross-­sections of vehicles.

You can load a tonne of stuff into the flatbed area of the likes of the new Toyota Hilux which I’ve recently tested, use it to tow up to 3.5 tonnes – and/or carry passengers in comfort.

No wonder the likes of the Hilux is popular; their versatility is a key factor for buying one among business and trades people and to a lesser extent families (more anon).

I was well acquainted with its forerunner’s off-road abilities – I drove it up skyscraper-tall sand dunes in Namibia, Africa, a few years back and came away mightily impressed by its surefooted ability in shifting underfoot conditions.

There was no such vista or drama when I came to test the latest edition in Ireland. But there were several areas of note.

By far the biggest advance is the new 2.8-litre diesel engine with its additional 54hp and 100Nm of torque (pulling power – to a total of 500Nm). That’s serious hauling ability.

I had the Hilux Double Cab Invincible automatic (as plush as they come) which costs from €50,750 but there are single and double cab manuals as well and they start from €29,860 (for the 2.4 Single Cab DLX).

It looks a bit sharper now thanks to changes to the exterior. And they’ve improved the suspension for on-road driving. Due to automatic limited slip differential there is now better grip on-road in 2WD mode as well.

This is a big machine and not for the fainthearted when trying to park in narrow urban spaces. I was glad of the front and rear parking sensors.

However, for all its enhanced prowess, I felt the engine was a bit noisy, especially on and after start-up for a while. As is usual with cases like that, the sound smoothed as soon as I was at cruising speed.

On the road I sensed its great stream of diesel power while it felt reasonably agile. We had no need of the second row of seats but there was plenty of room there.

If we wanted to go off-road we had the powerful 4WD system as well as the benefits of Active Traction control at our disposal.

There is 210mm ground clearance as well as 700mm wading depth.

Spec included 18ins wheels, front/rear parking sensors, LED headlights/fog lights, leather seats, heated front seats, auto air con, 8ins display audio with sat nav, etc.

Certainly the leather seats made for a comfortable passage though I imagine most buyers would, for practical reasons, opt for something less salubrious.

It says a lot about such vehicles that they can be decked out so well for more family and social customers as well as being attired for the muck and dirt associated with most in their everyday nature of work.

A warning: If you are thinking of buying one solely for family, road tax, for one, will likely be higher than if you are purchasing in connection with your business or trade.

If the pick-up is registered commercial, the road tax is €333 a year. But if it is registered private, the tax is calculated on a passenger car’s rate, which will be CO2/NOx based and most likely at the higher end.
Buying for private use but registering as commercial is breaking the law. You can’t use a commercial vehicle for the school run, the weekend away, or the family shopping.
It seems there are some obstacles even the Hilux can’t negotiate.