Oliver Keohane spent a week with Toyota’s top of the range Hilux, taking it up the West Coast and through some dirt roads to get a feel for the legendary double-cab.
CONTEXT
Toyota’s recipe with the Hilux has long been synonymous with dependability and robustness. The latest iteration, the Hilux Double Cab 2.8 4X4 Legend RS AT, follows this tradition,standing firm against a tide of next-generation competitors.
This model is not an entirely new generation but a face-lifted one, keeping up with Toyota’s cycle of significant changes every ten years, with occasional facelifts. The Hilux, first introduced decades ago, has received numerous face-lifts over the years, with the latest update representing some necessary attention in the face of growing competition.
As such, this review contains a similar sentiment to that of my face-lifted Fortuner review... A nod to competitors like Ford, who are upping the game in terms of tech and drive quality in their next-gen models , but a word of congratulations to Toyota for their timeless design and engineering.
WHAT IS NEW ON THE HILUX?
The changes are primarily aesthetic, with some exterior revamping that successfully freshens the Hilux’s appearance. Inside, black leather seats and an all-black design are the standout features. The multimedia system remains unchanged, still compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (via USB connection).
Outside, the new aggressive LED headlights and other styling changes give the Hilux a renewed presence on the road. Though the engine options remain the same, the Hilux delivers consistent performance. Driving up to St Helena Bay, the vehicle was comfortable to cruise in, and more than happy to do the job when overtaking.
Although the Hilux does not necessarily lead the pack in driving refinement, this is to be expected given there have been no major adjustments to the drivetrain. While the likes of Ford Rangers are chasing the game when it comes too ride quality, the Hilux still remains one of the most comfortable bakkies to drive, between the road and the dirt.
Related: Review: Driving Toyota’s face-lifted Fortuner
WHY IS THE HILUX SIGNIFICANT?
The Toyota Hilux has long held the title for best-selling vehicle in South Africa, with a decorated history as a favourite among off-road enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its reputation for reliability and performance has earned it a loyal following, and you will still rarely find a customer swayed from this loyalty.
The significance of the most recent update is that the Hilux, primarily in design, does not get lost in a competitive market. Toyota has done an admirable job in updating the Hilux, preserving its status as a versatile, family-friendly off-roader while adding contemporary flair.
WHAT IS THE HILUX LIKE TO DRIVE?
I drove my girlfriend and best mate up to St Helena Bay for the weekend. On what is not a comfortable road, the Hilux made for a reassuring drive. You feel safe, you feel fast and you feel firmly set on the road. We took it on minor trails up in St Helena, and even though the low-range gearbox wasn’t necessary, it was enjoyable to try out and just go crawling around some sandy hills. Outside of a low-range transmission, the Legend 4X4 model comes with Toyota’s fantastic traction control system, rear-locking differential and All Terrain tyres, setting you in good stead for pretty much anywhere you need to go.
On the road, the Hilux was sturdy and reliable, delivering the confidence that has long been associated with the nameplate. The trusty 2,8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel does sets new standards on the open road, but producing 150kW and 500 N.m it offers more than enough oomph – for you to be that bakkie driver on the highway.
The slightly tweaked suspension also made for a better-damped ride on the road, contributing to a comfortable and a stable drive.
VERDICT
The face-lifted Hilux Double Cab 2.8 4X4 Legend RS AT upholds Toyota’s style, providing necessary aesthetic and functional enhancements to keep up with even next-gen competitors.
While it doesn’t redefine the category, it offers a familiar and dependable choice for those loyal to the Hilux legacy – while also upping the excitement for what customers can expect come the release of the next-gen Hilux. Toyota has done a good job keeping such a classic vehicle evergreen, even in the face of competition from next-gen models.
In a market crowded with innovative vehicles, the Hilux offers an appealing option that successfully blends timeless design with dependable performance, a vehicle that remains true to its core ethos without succumbing to market pressures.
Related: Top 5: South Africa’s most capable off-road bakkies
TOYOTA HILUX DOUBLE CAB 2.8 4X4 LEGEND RS AT A GLANCE
- Price: 1 003 000
- Engine: 2,8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic or manual
- Power: 150 kW @ 3000-3400 r/min
- Torque: 500 N.m @ 1600-2800 r/min
- Fuel consumption: 7,9 L/100km (combined)