Toyota Hilux – The Legendary Tough Pickup

The Toyota Hilux is a pickup truck produced by Toyota Motor Corporation since 1968. Over the decades, it has evolved from a simple, utilitarian work vehicle into a well-equipped and versatile pickup suitable for both work and family use. Despite the upgrades and modern features added over time, the Hilux has maintained its original formula: durable construction, dependable performance, and a choice of petrol or diesel engines with 2WD or 4WD drivetrains.
The Hilux is offered in three body configurations to meet different needs. The Single Cab model features two doors, two seats, and a long flatbed cargo area, making it ideal for heavy-duty work. The Extra Cab adds small rear-hinged back doors and a compact rear bench that can accommodate two or three passengers, while still retaining a large cargo bed. The Double Cab version includes four full-size doors and five seats, making it the most family-friendly option while offering a slightly shorter cargo bed.
In recent years, the midsize pickup market has become more competitive, with new models from many manufacturers. However, the Hilux continues to stand out thanks to its strong reputation for reliability, durability, and utility.
On the used market, prices vary widely depending on the model year, trim level, and condition. At BE FORWARD, a used Hilux can typically range between US$5,200 and US$66,000.
Engine
Since its launch in 1968, the Hilux has been powered by a wide variety of engines. The earliest models used a 1.5-liter (2R) petrol engine, and over the years Toyota introduced numerous four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines ranging from 1.5 liters to 3.0 liters across eight generations.
Modern Hilux models focus primarily on efficient and powerful diesel engines. The eighth-generation Hilux features a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine (2GD-FTV) that produces about 150 horsepower. This engine allows the truck to tow up to 3,500 kg using a tow bar and carry up to one ton of cargo in the bed. It can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in about 13.2 seconds with a manual transmission and 12.7 seconds with an automatic, while the top speed reaches approximately 169 km/h.
In 2020, Toyota introduced a more powerful engine as part of a facelift update. The 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine (1GD-FTV) delivers 204 horsepower, improving performance significantly. With this engine, the Hilux can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in about 10 seconds, depending on the transmission.
These engines are paired with several transmission options, including five-speed manual, five-speed automatic, six-speed manual, and six-speed Super Intelligent ECT automatic transmissions.
Interior
The interior of the 2021 Hilux received several upgrades aimed at improving comfort and technology. A redesigned instrument cluster now includes a digital speedometer, and a trip computer provides real-time information such as fuel consumption and driving data.
One of the biggest improvements is the 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system, which supports smartphone mirroring for Android and Apple devices, allowing drivers to display apps such as navigation and music directly on the screen.
Seating arrangements depend on the cab style. The Single Cab model offers two seats and focuses on practicality rather than passenger capacity. The Extra Cab includes four seats, but the rear seats are accessed through smaller rear-hinged doors and are best suited for short trips. The Double Cab version seats five passengers and is designed for both work and family use. Rear seats provide reasonable space and include ISOFIX child-seat anchor points, though taller passengers may find legroom slightly limited.
Exterior
The latest Hilux combines practical design with modern styling to appeal to both commercial users and lifestyle buyers. The truck maintains its one-ton payload capacity, making it suitable for heavy-duty work while also offering improved comfort and technology.
Different trims are available depending on the market, ranging from basic work-oriented models to high-end lifestyle variants. Single Cab and Extra Cab versions are mainly designed for work and are usually offered with simpler equipment levels. Some markets also offer tipper or dropside versions for commercial use.
Exterior styling features include LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lamps, and 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels. Earlier eighth-generation models featured slim projector headlights, while newer versions emphasize a more aggressive front-end design.

Features
The Hilux comes equipped with a variety of comfort and safety features. Standard equipment often includes air conditioning, automatic headlights and wipers, steering-wheel audio controls, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Many models also feature Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of driver-assistance technologies. These systems include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pre-collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking. Additional driving aids such as Downhill Assist Control further improve control when driving on steep or slippery terrain.
Safety equipment includes seven airbags, stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, and seats designed to reduce whiplash during collisions. The truck also features trailer sway control, which automatically stabilizes a trailer if it begins to sway during towing.
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Verdict
The Toyota Hilux remains one of the most respected pickup trucks in the world. Known for its tough build quality, dependability, and long-term reliability, it has earned a strong reputation among workers, businesses, and off-road enthusiasts.
Modern versions have become more comfortable and technologically advanced, making the Double Cab model especially suitable for both work and family use. With its ability to handle demanding tasks while still offering modern features and practicality, the Hilux continues to be one of the most versatile pickup trucks available today. Browse our Toyota Hilux stocklist and find your perfect match.