Toyota Hilux One Of The Most Awaited 4-Wheelers In India is finally launched
When it comes to Toyota, there’s nothing new about the Hilux, which has been there for more than half a century in the global market. The Toyota Hilux is a wonderful example of how robust, durable, and flexible a vehicle can be, while also being a significant contributor to world modernization.
From helping rural enterprises to serving as an excellent weekend getaway car, the Toyota Hilux has proven its versatility throughout the years. Join us as we delve into the mythology around the Toyota Hilux.
Toyota had been making trucks for a long time before the Hilux was created by the firm that would go on to become Toyota. Following an interest in the American Willys Jeep, the Japanese military requested that Toyota construct their own version.
Toyota had gained a lot of knowledge in ladder-frame chassis-based small cars from working on the Land Cruiser, therefore it debuted the Toyota SB pickup truck in 1947. The Toyota Lite Stout was a number of iterations of this pickup truck by the time it was introduced in 1963.
In fact, the firm that would become Toyota had been making vehicles for a long time before the Hilux was ever created. Following an interest in the American Willys Jeep, the Japanese military requested that Toyota construct their own version.
Having learned a lot about ladder frame chassis-based small cars while working on the Land Cruiser, Toyota introduced its first pick-up truck, the Toyota SB, in 1947. The Toyota Lite Stout was born in 1963 after a series of modifications.
First Generation Toyota Hilux [1968 – 1972]
The Toyota Hilux replaced both the Hino Briska and the Toyota Lite Stout when it debuted in 1968. For the front and rear axles, the Toyota Hilux had a double wishbone/coil spring suspension and a rigid axle/leaf spring suspension, all linked to a 1.5-liter gasoline engine. With a three-seat capacity, the Hilux had a 1,850-mm-long cargo bed that could hold 1,000 pounds.
Sales of the Toyota Hilux soared, notably in North America, where it was offered with a larger wheelbase of 1969 millimetres and a 1.9-liter gasoline engine. When Toyota saw the promise of the Hilux and decided to devote all of its attention to it, the Crown and Corona were quickly phased out.
Second Generation [1972 – 1978]
In 1972, Hilux underwent a comprehensive facelift that included both inside and exterior changes. The wheelbases of the Hilux basic and high versions were lengthened by 10 mm and 45 mm, respectively, and a 1.6-liter and a 2.0-liter gasoline engine was installed in each.
The cargo bed’s length and maximum weight capacity, on the other hand, were not altered. Automatic transmission options increased the Hilux’s appeal as a weekend getaway vehicle. Toyota also introduced the sporty Toyota Hilux SR5 with a 2.2L petrol engine that produced 96 horsepower.
The North American version was renamed Toyota Truck or Toyota pickup truck in order to compete with Nissan’s ‘Datsun Truck’. This was quickly followed by a “pickup truck of the year” award for 1975, which was Hilux’s greatest market in the United States..
Third Generation [1978 – 1983]
By 1977, Toyota’s Hilux was selling more than 200,000 vehicles a year, and the company didn’t miss the opportunity to promote it. On the market in September 1978, the third-generation Toyota Hilux gained sedan-like features like radio and air conditioning, as well as an emphasis on ride comfort.
Three standard-length types and four long-bodied models were available. A double cab variant of the Super Deluxe was available, which was 90 mm longer than a conventional model. The previous generation’s 1.6-liter 12R-J gasoline engine and double-wishbone front suspension were carried over.
A 2.2L diesel engine was added to the Hilux’s inventory, allowing Toyota to sell an additional 300,000 cars each year.
In 1981, Toyota discovered a way to make Hilux a covered 2- and 4-seater SUV. A vehicle modelled like the Winnebago Trekker was created in collaboration with the automaker. As a result, Toyota developed the Hilux Surf, which went on to become the Toyota 4Runner, which is now ubiquitous.
Fourth Generation [1983 – 1988]
Fourth generation Hilux was released in 1983 with a more imposing attitude. The Comfortable and Popular series of rear-wheel-drive vehicles were further subclassified. While the first-generation model had undergone significant upgrades, the third-generation model was still being manufactured. Additionally, the Hilux borrowed the Land Cruiser’s four-wheel-drive technology to further enhance its capabilities.
A 2.5L turbo diesel engine and a new petrol V6 engine debuted in the fourth generation Hilux. The V6 was a popular choice for North American purchasers seeking a powerful pickup truck despite the diesel’s lack of power in comparison to the current engines.
Hilux’s great popularity was a double-edged sword, however, as it now sells over 400,000 units every year. The war between Chad and Libya in 1987 was dubbed the “Toyota War” because both sides relied on the Hilux’s go-anywhere, do-anything capabilities to transport their troops and equipment. There have been numerous more warzones where pickup trucks have been used, due to their durability and versatility.
Fifth Generation [1988 – 1997]
In 1988, Toyota introduced the fifth-generation Toyota Hilux, emphasising the vehicle’s strength, practicality, and luxury. A more luxurious and sedan-like interior was designed to improve the usability of a recreational vehicle. In addition, a single basic body was available in single and double cab configurations, with pressed doors with integrated window sashes, rather than shorter and longer varieties. The flared fenders on the 4WD models made them 40 millimetres broader than the RWD models.
Toyota entered into cooperative ventures with other automakers during this time period to ensure that demand for the Hilux could be met. Hilux was built in the GM Fremont plant in California in collaboration with GM. When Toyota teamed up with Volkswagen in 1989, they renamed the Hilux as the Volkswagen Taro for Europe’s markets. Volkswagen could offer a 1-ton pickup in their portfolio thanks to Toyota’s dominance of the European commercial vehicle market.
Sixth Generation [1997 – 2004]
The sixth generation was released in 1997 and had a commercial-use truck line and a personal-use sports truck line. As a result, the latter was taller, longer, and had a quieter cabin in comparison to its commercial-focused counterpart.
In order to emphasise its versatility, it was made 100 millimetres wider and had a long enough cargo bed to accommodate two more seats in the back of the cabin.
Toyota launched several models based on the Hilux chassis as a result of the truck’s success. For the Toyota Fortuner, the Hilux platform was adapted to manufacture the Sport Rider mid-size SUV in Thailand. In 2004, Toyota produced a minivan based on the Hilux and introduced it to the Kijang commercial vehicle line in Indonesia.
As a result, the Fortuner and Innova have grown hugely popular in India, despite the fact that the Hilux never made it there.
Seventh Generation [2004 – 2015]
The seventh generation Hilux was introduced by Toyota in 2004. More than 140 nations across the world now sell the all-new pickup truck. The new Toyota Hilux was designed for the 21st century while maintaining the toughness of the 6th generation and improving ride and handling. Hilux was kept as affordable as possible by Toyota in order to make a global effect.
For the 2008 Australian market, Toyota Racing Development built a 300 hp supercharged Toyota Hilux. Having fun with the car inspired the imperial Toyota Team to create their own version. Toyota’s significantly modified Hilux participated in the 2012 Dakar Rally and finished in the top four three times. As of this year, it was the winner.
Eighth Generation 2015
In May 2015, Toyota introduced the eighth version of the Hilux. Toyota’s development staff travelled across the world and conducted surveys and drove on a variety of roads in order to better understand the needs of its customers. To lessen the stress of extended travels on hard surfaces, they determined that Hilux needed to be tougher than the conventional sense of ‘tough’ and comfortable enough to reduce fatigue.
Redefining robustness while keeping the vehicle as luxurious and convenient as possible was the goal of the new Hilux’s design. As well as providing a peaceful cabin, the new Hilux was intend to enhance long and arduous journeys in the most hostile places. The Toyota Hilux boasts a longer driving range and higher fuel economy thanks to the cabin’s ability to keep passengers connected in any situation.
Toyota Hilux Launched In India on 31 March 2022
Here are the engine specifications
| Engine | 2.8 Litre, In-line 4 Cylinder Diesel Engine |
| Max Power | STD MT & High MT – 150 kW [204 PS] (MT) @ 3400 rpm High AT – 150 kW [204 PS] @ 3000-3400 rpm |
| Max Torque | STD MT & High MT – 420 Nm (MT) @ 1400 – 3400 rpm High AT – 500 Nm @ 1600 – 2800 rpm |
Transmission
| Type | 6 MT / 6 AT |
| STD MT | Transmission 6MT with iMT [Intelligent Manual Transmission] |
| High MT | Transmission 6MT with iMT [Intelligent Manual Transmission] |
| High AT | 6AT [Sequential Shift + Shiftlock] |
Dimensions & Weight
| Overall [L X W X H] | 5325mm X 1855mm X 1815mm |
| Wheel Base | 3085 mm |
| Min. Turning Radius | 6.4 Meters |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 Litres |
| Vehicle Weight | 2910 kg |
| Payload | 470Kg |
Wheels & Tyres
| STD MT | Bridgestone, 265/65R17 112S, Radial, Tubeless |
| High MT & High AT | Bridgestone, 265/60R18 110H, Radial, Tubeless |
Off-road features of Toyota Hilux
- Tough Frame with exceptional Torsional and Bending Rigidity
- 4WD with High [H4] and Low [L4] Range
- DAC [Downhill Assist Control]
- A-TRC [Active Traction Control]
- Electronic Drive [2WD/4WD] Control
- Electronic Differential Lock
- Approach/Departure Angle: 0.51 rad/0.46 rad
Interior
- Cabin wrapped in Soft Upholstery & Metallic Accents
- Heat Rejection Glass
- Cruise Control
- Large TFT Multi-Information Display
- New Optitron Metal Tone Combimeter with Chrome Accents and Illumination Control
- Audio, MID, Tel, Voice Recognition Switches on Steering Wheel
- Tilt & Telescopic Steering Column
- Electrochromic Inside Rear View Mirror
- 8.0” DA Touch Screen Audio with Capacitive Switches [BT, USB, Android Auto / Apple CarPlay]
- 6 speakers
- Power Windows: All Windows Auto Up/Down with Jam Protection
- Cooled Upper Glovebox
- Driving Modes: ECO, PWR Mode
- 2nd Row: 60:40 Split & Tip-up
- Park Assist: Back Monitor, Front and Rear Sensors with MID Indication
- Power Steering with VFC (Variable Flow Control)
| STD MT – Diesel | High MT – Diesel & High AT – Diesel |
| Fabric Seats | Leather Seats |
| Centre Console Box with Lid | Centre Console Box with Soft Armrest |
| Manual Air conditioner | Automatic Climate Control Air conditioner [Dual Zone] with second row A/C vents |
| Manual Adjust Driver Seat | Power Adjust Driver Seat |
| Chrome Plated Inside Door Handles |
2022 Toytota Hilux Price In India
| Variant | Price |
| Standard 4×4 MT | Rs 33.99 lakh (Ex-showroom,India) |
| High 4×4 MT | Rs 35.80 lakh (Ex-showroom,India) |
| High 4×4 AT | Rs 36.80 lakh (Ex-showroom,India) |
Color Options In Toyota Hilux 2022
- EMOTIONAL RED*
- WHITE PEARL Crystal Shine*
- SILVER METALLIC*
- SUPER WHITE**
- GRAY Metallic*
* Only available in High Grade
** Only available in STD grade
The Toyota Hilux appears to be on an unstoppable honorable trajectory, with 54 years of beautiful life under its belt. The Toyota Hilux has played an important role in helping underdeveloped countries become developed countries. Toyota Hilux has already demonstrated what an amazing piece of engineering it is, but many more wonders await it in the years to come.
