Toyota Hilux (05 on) - Review

Like most pick-up trucks, the Hilux will carry more than 1000kg in its load bay to ensure it is exempt from VAT for business users. The dimensions of the cargo area are greater than the outgoing Hilux and comparable with the new Nissan Navara. Deck length on the single cab is 2315mm (double cab: 1520mm), deck width is 1520mm (double cab: 1515mm) and deck height is 450mm. Three load covers are offered, one of which has a flat cover- the other two are the same height as the cab.

As well as standard ABS, the Hilux has been designed with an energy-absorbing frame structure, a collapsible steering column and retractable brake pedal to minimise injuries in a crash. Twin airbags are standard across the range and the front seatbelts are fitted with pretensioners which tighten the belt at the moment of impact. They also incorporate force limiters and are height-adjustable. Brakes have been upgraded for this Hilux and the new headlamp design is more effective offering an illumination range of 175m on full beam.

Toyota has made great efforts in making the new Hilux significantly less expensive to run than its rivals. The key area where savings are made is in labour time during services. The Hilux should spend about one third of the amount of time in the garage over 60,000 than a Mitsubishi L200 and about half the time of a Ford Ranger. Toyota claims that an unladen Hilux should achieve about 34mpg, which is good for a relatively heavy 4x4.

The Hilux has a reputation as being one of the most reliable vehicles on the road. This should continue with the new model.