The Toyota Hilux is the Philippines’ bestselling pickup truck, and year after year, competitors can only sit idly by as the Hilux swallows massive chunks of the market in its wake.
With the recent launch of the 2021 model, the Hilux is once again poised to take the top spot in pickup truck sales this year against the likes of the Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Strada.
If you’ve shortlisted the Toyota Hilux among your top pickup picks (and why wouldn’t you?), you’re probably wondering how its latest iteration differs from the model it replaces. Should you spend extra on a 2021 Toyota Hilux, or would it be wiser to put your money down on a brand new 2019/2020 model, which is still available at many dealerships, and probably at a discount?
Check out how much the new Hilux differs from its predecessor below.
The tough and rugged exterior that the Hilux pickup truck is known for is ever present even in the pickup’s latest version. The 18-inch alloy wheels (17-inch on 4x2 models) give this midsize pickup truck the beefy stance it deserves, with a wheelbase of 3085mm and dimensions that max out 5325mm x 1900mm x 1845mm.
The façade of the Hilux is also heavily revamped in the new version—gone is the upper and lower radiator grille, replaced by one massive trapezoidal mug that’s blacked out in the Conquest trims and outlined in chrome in the mid-level variants. The five lowest trims retain the old louver-type grille, though.
The headlamps have the same shape, albeit the internals look more contemporary in the new version. The foglamp housings receive some restyling as well. From six paint finishes, there are now eight color options to choose from, including the Hilux’s new signature color, Emotional Red.
The 2021 Hilux cabin stays largely unchanged, save for an updated infotainment system. To enhance the driving experience, the Hilux has modern features like hands-free Bluetooth mobile device connectivity that can be accessed via the large 8-inch touchscreen (6.75-inch on lower models), with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and Smart Device Link capabilities, as well as AM/FM/ Bluetooth/USB compatibility and six speakers to handle the audio output (only four in lower trims). At the dash of the new Hilux lies a 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display that also comes with tabs that indicate outside temperature, shift range indicators, an “Eco” monitor, and other pertinent trip information.
In comparison, the infotainment system in the old Toyota Hilux, was 7-inch LCD touchscreen that came with Bluetooth, reverse camera and navigation functions.
Just like the interior, the power sources for Toyota’s new behemoth remain to be a pair of GD-FTV engines— one is a 2.4-liter(2GD-FTV, 148hp and 400Nm) for the 4x2 variants, and the other is a 2.8-liter (1GD-FTV, 201hp with 420 – 500Nm of torque depending on transmission) for the 4x4 models. Both engines are 16-valve, DOHC diesel engines with variable nozzle turbo and front-mounted intercooler. Transmission varies between 6-speed automatic and 6-speed manual, depending on trim.
Though these are the same engines, they are more powerful than the ones installed in the old Toyota Hilux. The old 2.8-liter for instance, could only muster 174hp and 450Nm.
Despite being a bestselling truck, the old Hilux noticeably had a glaring absence of advanced safety features. All the 2019 model had were airbags, anti-lock braking, immobilizer, seatbelts, and warning systems for the doors, key, lights, and seatbelts.
Toyota finally makes up for the shortcoming in the new Hilux with the introduction of an Active Traction Control (A-TRC) system that delivers power to the wheels with traction using brake fluid pressure and engine control. Other noteworthy safety improvements include hill-start assist control, downhill assist control, vehicle stability control, and the signature Toyota Vehicle Security System (TVSS).
The old Hilux had 12 available variants. Color options included Crimson Spark Red Metallic, Orange Metallic, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, and Freedom White. The price of the 2019 Hilux ranged from PHP829,000 to PHP1.28 million.
The price of the new Hilux has a difference PHP12,000 to PHP77,000 compared to its predecessor, depending on the variant of your picking. Pricing ranges from PHP829,000 to PHP1.81 million, with the lowest rung model unchanged. The new model has 13 variants in all, with eight colors to choose from.
Check out Carmudi’s selection of new and used Toyota Hiluxes right here.
Photos from Toyota
Refreshed Toyota Hilux: The 13 variants in detail
Pickup Comparison: Toyota Hilux vs Ford Ranger
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