Toyota HiLux TRD 2017 Review

What’s it all about?
Based on the strongest-selling, top-of-the-range SR5 Double Cab 4WD model, the TRD-enhanced HiLux includes several items from the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) catalogue, along with further accessory items, aimed at bolstering capability and aesthetics.

Offered in either Eclipse Black (metallic, pictured) or Glacier White (solid) paint, and with exclusive leather-accented upholstery, the HiLux TRD includes a red-painted TRD-branded skid plate, black-painted TRD grille, TRD lower front bumper cover and TRD fender flares.

The treatment continues with black-painted 18-inch six-spoke alloy wheels and sports bar, as well as black body mouldings along the sill and leading edge of the bonnet.
Also included are a 3200kg (braked) towing kit, tub liner, soft tonneau cover, tail-light covers, TRD mudflaps, TRD floor mats and a TRD gearshift knob in automatic variants.

How much will it cost?
The TRD model commands a $5000 premium over a regular HiLux SR5 Double Cab 4WD. Given that model retails from $54,390 (manual) and $56,390 (automatic), the list price of the HiLux TRD tested here is a hefty $61,390 (automatic, plus on-road costs).

Which is $1400 more than Volkswagen’s gutsy Amarok V6 (from $59,990 plus ORCs) – the 165kW/550Nm winner of our recent 4WD Dual-Cab Ute comparison test.

As is the case with all HiLux variants, the TRD model is backed by Toyota’s three-year/100,000km warranty, capped-price servicing scheme, and six-month/10,000km service intervals. It’s worth noting Toyota’s Service Advantage program does not include roadside break-down assistance (optionally available for $78 per year).

Why should/shouldn’t I buy it?
There’s no doubt the HiLux’s electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, tilt/reach adjustable steering column, well-placed pedals and excellent outward visibility make driving less taxing than some rival utes. The instrument panel is easy to read (even if it doesn’t offer a digital speedometer) and the infotainment screen is user-friendly.

Part of the package are LED headlights, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM/DAB radio, single-zone climate control air-conditioning and even dusk-sensing headlights. Convenience items include keyless entry and ignition, and a reversing camera.

However, the Toyota HiLux TRD doesn’t include heated front seats, a sunroof, sliding rear window, or acoustic parking sensors. We think those omissions are pretty stingy.
We also reckon buyers are entitled to feel a little disappointed that, unlike its predecessor and namesake, the HiLux TRD doesn’t offer any drivetrain or performance upgrades.

When is it available in Australia?
The HiLux TRD is on sale now. However, availability is limited.

Only 2000 examples are heading this way and Toyota Australia claims half have already been sold.

If you want one, we suggest heading to a dealership pronto.

Who will it appeal to?
The Toyota HiLux TRD will appeal to cashed-up tradies (who will appreciate the 925kg payload) and recreational four-wheel drivers seeking a pick-up with extra panache.
Family buyers will also be suitors. The specifications, ride and hushed interior align the latest-generation HiLux close to Toyota’s seven-seat Fortuner SUV.

If you excuse the lack of rear-seat ventilation outlets, the HiLux is nicely set up for the rigours of family use with the spacious rear seat including three-point seatbelts in all positions, child-seat anchors, and door-lock isolators.

The HiLux scores the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating and is fitted with seven airbags and the expected electronic chassis controls (ABS, TCS, ESP, etc.). However, it misses out on modern safety aids such as active cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist.

Where does it fit?
Toyota’s off-road themed HiLux TRD aims to take on the likes of similar option-pack specials, including the Ford Ranger FX4, Holden Colorado Z71 and Mitsubishi Triton GLS Sports Edition – which likewise fail to offer any drivetrain or performance upgrades.
Sticking with the new 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, the HiLux TRD makes just 130kW/450Nm which is clearly a far cry from the 225kW TRD HiLux 4000S last sold here in 2008.

Still, we think Toyota would have no trouble selling considerably more than the 2000 HiLux TRD models earmarked for Australia. The HiLux is often Australia’s best-selling car outright and last month alone (June 2017) outsold its nearest utility competitor by more than 400 units.

So, what do we think?
Considering we ran most of the week with two occupants, nothing in the tray, and nothing on the tow bar, the HiLux TRD’s fuel consumption was pretty disappointing. In mostly freeway running we managed 10.8L/100km, which is well over the claimed combined-cycle mark of 8.5.

Unladen the HiLux isn’t the calmest of vehicles. It felt firm and unsettled on pockmarked roads and, in this respect, it falls short of competitors like the Volkswagen Amarok, which seems to manage both with aplomb.

As we’ve noted previously, the HiLux’s ride does improve when loaded and when tackling off-road trails. But for the majority of buyers – especially those wanting a part-time family car – it is a factor worth sampling at test drive time.

The HiLux might have a solid reputation, and will no doubt continue to sell in droves, but with so little offered for such a high asking price, we really do have to question its value, especially in TRD form.

2017 Toyota HiLux TRD pricing and specifications:
Price: $61,390 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 130kW/450Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.5L/100km (ADR Combined) / 10.8L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 223g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Related reading:
>> 4WD Dual-Cab Ute 2017 Comparison
>> Toyota HiLux Tonka Video