By Christian Pullman
The Toyota Hilux is a truck rarely seen on these shores, but it's a major player in the rest of the world. The two trucks are now quite distinct, and American customers would find the Hilux formula a little unusual. Let's start with the powerplants: The 2021 Hilux will receive a revised 2.8-liter turbodiesel inline-four, good for 201 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Toyota"A stronger on-road presence is achieved by a large trapezoidal grille that dominates the front design and incorporates more pronounced horizontal elements that deliver a wider, more planted look," Toyota says. Of course, if you're itching for a diesel Tacoma with a manual transmission and a single-cab ... don't count on it.
Except, the Toyota Hilux has never really been an option for us in the United States. Updated January 2023: We've updated this article on why the bulletproof Toyota Hilux is banned in the US, with the latest alternatives, including how you can still get a brand new Hilux. Related: How Toyota Corolla Cross And Hilux FCEV Pickup Give Us Hope For Hydrogen-Powered CarsHistory Of The Undying Toyota Hilux Pickup TruckToyota initially introduced the Hilux to the Japanese market in March 1968. Related: Here's What Made The Toyota Hilux So VersatileHow And Why Did Toyota Hilux Say Goodbye To North AmericaVia: ToyotaAs said, the Toyota Hilux started strong, and it continued even more potent. Used Toyota Hilux Trucks To Quench Your ThirstVia: Classic CarsIf you are someone who is tight on budget but still wants to get a Toyota Hilux, then there's a way!
The Nissan NP300 Navara and Toyota Hilux are two of the biggest names on the local pickup market. Since the 2021 Nissan NP300 Navara sold locally is a carryover 2020 model, will the year model difference automatically make the Hilux the better truck? We find out in this Navara and Hilux pickup truck comparison. Winner: Nissan NP300 NavaraPricing and optionsThe 2021 Nissan NP300 Navara is available in 10 different trims, with a price range of PHP929,000 to PHP1.71 million. Photos from Nissan, ToyotaAlso read:2020 Nissan NP300 Navara vs. the competition: Your other midsize pickup options2020 Nissan Terra vs. the competition: Your other local midsize SUV options
But even excepting the USA’s insatiable thirst for open-bed freedom on wheels, the Toyota Hilux is a sales phenomenon. Toyota has been poring over the spreadsheets, and in recent years they've made grim reading for the Hilux. Since 2012, pick-up truck sales in Europe have doubled, swept along in the torrent of clamour for all things 4x4 and SUV-ish. In 2021 Toyota shifted a grand total of 47,480 Hilux units in Europe, which doesn't exactly provoke the age old hot cakes analogy. Inside, the range toppers boast heated leather seats, an automatic gearbox and Toyota’s latest smartphone-literate touchscreen.
Pricing for the facelifted Toyota Hilux starts at the equivalent of $45,746Toyota will start accepting pre-orders for the facelifted Hilux in the United Kingdom on September 1, prior to the opening of the order books two months later. For now, customers will have to limit their choices to the two range-topping grades dubbed the Invincible and Invincible X, in the double cab body style, with the lesser Active and Icon set to join the lineup at a later date. The Hilux Invincible X adds a dark matte grey finish for the grille frame, skid plates, side steps, door handles and over fenders. Power is provided by the 2.8-liter diesel, with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, which are priced from £38,975 ($51,051) and £40,475 ($53,016) respectively. The new Titan Bronze metallic paint finish has been added the color palette and customers will have different official accessories available for the facelifted Hilux, such as the hard tops, roll covers, locking tailgate and 12V outlet in the bed.
There’s a lot of Reasons We Wish the 2021 Toyota Hilux Was in the U.S. There’s a lot of reasons we wish the 2021 Toyota Hilux was in the U.S. But the 2021 Toyota Hilux ‘Invincible’ trim is even cooler. Silver Toyota Hilux| Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty ImagesWhile the Toyota Tacoma is the quintessential American hipster truck, the 2021 Toyota Hilux is cool on a global scale. 2020 Mitsubishi Triton | MitsubishiThe new Toyota Hilux gets fresh features for the 2021 model year“The foreign-market truck has sleeker headlights and a more streamlined overall front fascia design.” MotorTrendToyota Hilux Invincible | ToyotaAccording to MotorTrend, the 2021 Toyota Hilux got recent updates.
