Sporting sharp exterior styling, an upgraded interior, and under-the-skin revisions, Toyota has officially whipped the wraps off the new Hilux bakkie.
Earlier in November, Toyota officially teased the new Hilux, with the Japanese automaker revealing when the ninth generation will finally make its global debut. Well, the time has now come – the box-fresh Hilux has been revealed!
First previewed in leaked brochure images, the most significant cosmetic enhancements made to the Hilux come in the shape of tapered headlamp clusters, which incorporate sharp daytime-running lights, a new grille, which features a similar, hexagonal design as the new RAV4, and a more pronounced front bumper. ‘Toyota’ lettering can be found on the central bar between the front lamps. Round back, fresh taillamps are also present. The ninth iteration also feature side steps for the load bed.
However, the most notable upgrades have arguably been reserved for the interior. Taking pride of place on the redesigned facia is larger, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Sited fore the multifunction steering wheel, which resembles the item found on the new Land Cruiser FJ and Land Cruiser Prado, is a digital driver’s display that measures up to 12.3 inches in higher-specced models. Physical switchgear has been retained for the air-conditioning system.
Retaining its ladder-frame underpinnings, the new Hilux lineup is powered by Toyota’s tried-and-tested 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. Indeed, from what we understand, the 2.4-litre turbocharged oil-burner and 2.7-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit has been ditched in select markets. As a reminder, the new Land Cruiser FJ was revealed with the latter powertrain.
Carried over from the eighth generation, which we’ve sampled in Legend 55 guise in an exclusive first local drive, the 1GD-FTV unit produces 150 kW and 500 N.m when equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. Models equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox churns out the same amount of power and 420 N.m. The 48 V mild-hybrid version of this motor will be available with select double-cab derivatives. 4×4 and 4×2 drivetrains will be on offer. The ninth generation also features Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system.
A first for a Hilux, the new model also adopts electric power steering. The independent coil-spring front/rigid axle rear suspension setup has also been revised, with select models gaining a spring and shock absorber tune geared towards heavy load carrying and towing. The new Hilux offers a braked towing capacity of 3 500 kg.
