Toyota HiLux 2011 Review

Toyota HiLux

On the top-spec SR5 HiLux, newly designed wing mirrors with integrated repeater lamps and a choice of redesigned alloy wheel designs also lift the sporty model's appearance above that of the now familiar seventh-generation 'Lux.

Perhaps drawing inspiration from sponsored TV program The Block, HiLux's interior decor has also undergone a mild facelift, although the no-nonsense commercial vehicle vibe remains. At the same time, leisure vehicle overtones are strengthened by new fabrics and "improved sensory quality", according to Toyota.

The '7.5 generation' HiLux is offered with a choice of three cabins (single cab, Xtra cab and double cab), two body styles (pick-up and cab-chassis), and three equipment grades (WorkMate, SR and SR5).

Of course, the option of two- and four-wheel drive is available across the range, as is manual or automatic transmissions and a choice of three engines (2.7-litre and 4.0-litre V6 petrol or 3.0-litre turbodiesel).

More photos of 2011 Toyota HiLux at motoring.com.au

Anti-lock brakes and cruise control are now offered as standard across SR and SR5 variants, as well as on automatic 4x4 WorkMate models (which also get a limited-slip differential).

On 4x4 variants, stability control is standard on SR5 dual-cab and is optional on SR pick-up. Side and curtain airbags are also offered on SR and SR5.

As well as a tachometer now fitted to all variants, a new range of audio systems are available, and in higher grades includes voice recognition, touch screen and satellite navigation, trimmed by silver-painted frame work.

Throughout the mix, added spec items including dusk-sensing headlamps, steering wheel-mounted remote controls (audio and telephony) and single-zone climate control further add to HiLux's value proposition.

- HiLux 4x4 WorkMate Single Cab / Cab-Chassis $31,990 (turbodiesel 3.0)
- HiLux 4x4 SR Xtra Cab / Cab-Chassis $38,490 (turbodiesel 3.0)
- HiLux 4x4 WorkMate Double Cab / Pick-Up $38,990 (turbodiesel 3.0)
- HiLux 4x4 SR5 Xtra Cab / Pick-Up $46,990 (turbodiesel 3.0)

On 4x2 HiLux WorkMate Single Cab / Cab-Chassis variants a choice of 2.7-litre petrol or 3.0-litre turbodiesel is offered, returning 11.0L/100km and 8.1L/100km respectively. The petrol version is offered with the choice of manual or automatic transmissions, although the diesel is a manual only prospect.

Stepping up to mid-spec 4x2 HiLux SR Single Cab / Cab-Chassis, a 4.0-litre petrol or 3.0-litre turbodiesel is available, again with the oiler sans automatic. The higher capacity V6 petrol outputs 175kW/343Nm while consuming an average of 12.5L/100km. A Pick-Up body style is also available here, but only in conjunction with a petrol engine.

Next in line is the 4x2 SR Xtra Cab / Pick-Up, available with the V6 petrol powerplant, and exclusively with an automatic transmission. Conversely, the turbodiesel option here is a manual only prospect. The body style is available in higher spec SR5 guise, which is also offered with a V6 petrol and automatic transmission, only.

Finally, the 4x2 HiLux Double Cab is available in Pick-Up body style only but in all three model grades (WorkMate, SR and SR5). At the entry end, 4x2 HiLux WorkMate Double Cab / Pick-Up comes with a 2.7-litre petrol and manual transmission. 

In the middle, the 4x2 HiLux SR Double Cab / Pick-Up offers a choice of 4.0-litre petrol with manual or automatic, or manual-only 3.0-litre turbodiesel.  The two-wheel drive HiLux SR5 Double Cab / Pick-Up is available with a 4.0-litre petrol/automatic combination only.

Four-wheel drive HiLux variants see a further 18 guises which begin with WorkMate and SR Single Cab / Cab-Chassis, both of which are fitted with the 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine and either five-speed manual or four-speed auto. Combined cycle fuel economy is 8.2L/100km with the manual and 9.3L/100km for the automatic.

Xtra Cab variants come in SR and SR5 trim level, available with Pick-Up or Cab-Chassis body style and fitted with a 3.0-litre diesel and manual transmission.

Double Cab models are again offered in all three trim levels (WorkMate, SR and SR5), with lower spec diesel models offered in Pick-Up or Cab-Chassis body styles.

Mid-spec HiLux SR is also offered with the choice of a 4.0-litre petrol engine, on which fuel economy rises to 13.1L/100km.

The range-topping HiLux SR5 pick-up is powered by either V6 petrol or 3.0-litre turbodiesel engines, with manual or automatic transmissions.

Across the range, steering duties fall to a hydraulically assisted rack and pinion system, brakes are disc/drum combination and suspension a double wishbone/leaf arrangement. Selected variants also receive a limited slip differential.

All HiLux utes have a 76 litre fuel tank.

Further, a new instrument cluster with red accent curves behind the needle sweep and tachometer now adorn all models.

Higher spec variants receive a change in upholstery fabric over form-hugging seats, dusk-sensing headlamps and, on four variants as standard, six airbags and stability control (available on selected variants optionally; WorkMate misses out).

As all-new competitors arrive with stability control and aforementioned airbags as standard, HiLux's standard safety list is left sorely lacking. 

On the plus side, ABS is finally standard across most of the range, headrests are offered in all seating positions and front seat passengers receive height adjustable three-point seatbelts. On Double Cab variants, rear centre passengers make do with a lap belt, only.

Despite the ongoing safety omissions, HiLux retains an above average four-star ANCAP safety score from when it was last tested in 2006.

Holding the lion's share of the market, Toyota was keen to make sure HiLux wasn't left behind the groundswell of new and established models when updating the current model for the Australian market. But it remains to be seen whether the changes are enough.

With no fewer than 10 direct rivals, HiLux will have to compete not only with Mitsubishi Triton, soon-to-be-updated Holden Colorado, Nissan Navara and Isuzu D-MAX,  but with Chinese newcomer Great Wall and its V200/V240 budget busters, Malaysian-built SsangYong Tradie and Indian offering, Mahindra Pik-Up.

Time will tell if the modest revisions are enough to keep HiLux on top, although with new lower prices, and capped-price servicing, it's already off to a flying start.

Equally happy on-road, HiLux performed as expected in all but automatic/turbodiesel-equipped variants, which, thanks to a lack-lustre four-speed automatic, was less-than-capable in maintaining pace through sustained climbs.

On road, grip was good enough (especially considering how capable HiLux is offroad), but sadly the steering felt fuzzy, especially when compared to the feel offered in the game-changing Amarok.

Intermittently checking the trip computer's version of events (where fitted), the HiLux turbodiesel variants held close to the mark against the claimed consumption figures, with V6 petrol utes recording a slightly higher average at 14.6L/100km. To assist traction, and hinder economy, all vehicles offered were carrying 250kg of ballast, in addition to two adult occupants.

Unfortunately, we can't report on the 4x2 drive experience with none of the variants available for test.

More photos of 2011 Toyota HiLux at motoring.com.au

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