Much like the Abominable Snowman, the Toyota Hilux is something you have surely heard about but not actually seen in the flesh. We’re nearing a year since the legendary pickup went on sale in India and it’s only now that there are records of some sightings on our roads. Perhaps buyers who got their hands on one were quick to head off to the Himalayas for an adventure in search of the real Snowman.
Why is the Hilux such a big deal, you ask? In a word, indestructibility. Legend has it that a Hilux can spend a night out at sea and still make it to work the next day. Some say it’ll outlive not only you but your next generation too. It’s arguably the world’s hardiest vehicle and has been a hero across farms and warzones alike for decades. In India, it’s being marketed as a lifestyle vehicle – an option for adventurous buyers to whom a tent pitched in the great outdoors provides a more satisfying stay than the glitziest of hotels.
Within this introduction, it’s also important to highlight that the Hilux is the pickup derivative of the Fortuner. The ladder-frame chassis, 2.8-litre diesel engine and 4x4 hardware are shared, though the Hilux uses a different rear suspension. Pricing is in the same ballpark as entry Fortuners. The Hilux range starts at Rs 33.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), with the top-spec automatic transmission-equipped version featured here priced at Rs 36.99 lakh. Just for reference, the only other premium pickup on sale, Isuzu’s V-Cross, tops out at Rs 26 lakh.
Toyota Hilux: dimensions, design and cargo bed
First things first. The Hilux is massive. At 5.3m long, it's longer than a Mercedes S-Class and the size is only accentuated by a cabin that’s perched high off the ground. It’s imposing as is but kitted up with fatter tyres, auxiliary lights, winches and the works (as many would be), the Hilux transforms into a very serious-looking tool. For many, the Hilux’s appeal lies in just that.
In the rough, the chunky 265/60 R18 tyres are a good first line of defence and when conditions deteriorate, a twist of the 4WD knob unlocks new ability. The Hilux brushed off the medium-level rock-laden path we attempted with absolute ease. Ground clearance (Toyota hasn’t given a number) is ample and we weren’t limited by the long wheelbase and XL-sized rear overhang in the rocky setting. We will be putting the Hilux through more serious stuff soon so stay tuned to see how the Hilux fares. But it’s safe to assume, all that a Fortuner can do, a Hilux can too. And that’s a lot.
Toyota Hilux: verdict
Lifestyle pickup trucks are all about adventure and travel, and to that end, the Hilux scores big. It’ll take you to places few SUVs can, and there’s comfort in knowing that everything will work as it’s supposed to even in the most adverse conditions.
Thing is, you have to be honest about how much of the Hilux’s skillset is of actual use to you. It’s a committed choice, in that sense, because it requires you to live with a bumpy ride, heavy steering and a relative lack of frills. The sheer size of the thing can also be a pain point in town. So, see the Hilux in light of a like-priced SUV before taking the plunge.
If the pros outweigh the cons, and if you’re specifically looking for a tool to take you off the map, the Hilux could be all the vehicle you need.
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