How do you improve on a classic? Well, it does take time – like all good things – but if you start out with a winning formula as Toyota did back in 1968 and just tweak things here and there but always with an eye on retaining your product’s core attributes, you won’t go far wrong.
In fact, you’ll likely go a long way right, as 18 million vehicle sales around the world – over 142,000 of them right here where we like tough stuff – have proven.
Toyota’s Hilux can clearly handle rough treatment, having survived the North Sea, volcanic environments, the rigours of the Dakar rally and of course both the North Pole and Antarctica.
HiLux’s 2.8-litre turbo diesel – the hero engine – has seen an increase in outputs, with 150kW and 500Nm for power and torque respectively.
Six speed transmissions are standard fare across the line up with automatic and manual options. Hilux’s with the manual transmissions are torque limited to 420Nm.
Torque has always been a strong requirement for HiLux users and for the 2021 models is available across a wider range of 1600-2800rpm (auto) and 1400-3400rpm (manual).
And just before we leave the 2.8-litre engine, it should be noted that fuel consumption is up to 11 percent better than the outgoing model and CO2 emissions are down by five percent.
Hilux petrol engines have been retained and have a 122kW /245Nm torque output, giving petrol models a 2500kg braked towing capacity. The turbodiesels have a 3500kg towing capacity.
New for the 2021 Hilux is the rear automatic Limited Slip Differential, which is standard across all 4WD double cab variants, while Downhill Assist Control has been added to the manual SR double cab variants making it now standard across all 4WD double cab variants.
PreRunner and 4WD Hilux variants also have a rear differential lock.
Toyota has remained focused on what it calls QDR for Quality, Durability and Reliability across the 18-strong range with its four specification levels: WorkMate, SR, SR5 and the auto-only SR5 Cruiser in single, extra, double cab and cab chassis with the options of 4WD and 2WD.
Toyota NZ reckons the new Hilux is the most technologically advanced ever and this can be seen from the revamped interior.
New standard features include voice recognition for WorkMate variants, and Apple CarPlay, and Android AutoTM across the range. The SR5 and SR5 Cruiser variants come standard with satellite navigation with SUNA traffic channel.
The five Star ANCAP safety-rated Hilux – tested under the new stringent conditions – arrives with seven airbags, a full range of electronic braking and traction-control technologies, emergency stop signal, reversing camera and seatbelt reminders for all seats.
All variants have the Toyota Safety Sense package, which includes a Pre-Collision System with Autonomous Emergency Braking for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Yaw Assist and Road Sign Assist.
The SR5 and SR5 Cruiser grades have gained front and rear parking sensors and Trailer Sway Control comes standard on all variants, while Active Traction Control is standard on all 4WDs.
The 2021 Toyota Hilux’s are priced from:
2WD 2.7P WorkMate
Single Cab Chassis AT $28,990
2WD 2.7P WorkMate
Double Cab Ute AT $29,990
2WD 2.8TD PreRunner SR
Extra Cab Ute AT/MT $39,990
2WD 2.8TD PreRunner SR
Double Cab Ute AT $41,490
2WD 2.8TD PreRunner SR5
Double Cab Ute MT $40,990
2WD 2.8TD PreRunner SR5
Double Cab Ute AT $44,490
2WD 2.8TD PreRunner SR5 Cruiser Double Cab Ute AT $47,990
4WD 2.8TD SR
Single Cab Chassis AT/MT $44,990
4WD 2.8TD SR
Extra Cab Chassis AT $46,990
4WD 2.8TD SR
Double Cab Chassis MT $45,990
4WD 2.8TD SR
Double Cab Chassis AT $48,490
4WD 2.8TD SR
Double Cab Ute MT $47,990
4WD 2.8TD SR
Double Cab Ute AT $49,990
4WD 2.8TD SR5
Double Cab Ute MT $51,990
4WD 2.8TD SR5
Double Cab Ute AT $53,990
4WD 2.8TD SR5 Cruiser
Double Cab Ute AT $58,990
