New Toyota Hilux review: A rugged, capable pickup built for adventure

The Toyota Hilux is unlike anything else on sale in India today. Yes, it is classified as a lifestyle pickup, but that description barely scratches the surface of what this vehicle represents. Around the world, the Hilux has become a phenomenon, earning a reputation that borders on legendary. It has crossed deserts, climbed mountains, survived wars, circumnavigated continents and built an almost mythical image for being virtually indestructible. But the Hilux is more than a pickup truck with an open load bed. It represents adventure, resilience and the freedom to venture where most others would not dare.

That reputation also means every update is scrutinised closely, because you don’t alter an icon without inviting strong opinions. Toyota has approached the latest Hilux with that understanding. Rather than reinventing the formula, it has refined the truck where it mattered while preserving the rugged character that has made it famous.

The biggest talking point is undoubtedly the design. Toyota has moved away from the relatively conservative front end of the previous model in favour of a much bolder interpretation inspired by what it calls its ‘Cyber Sumo’ design philosophy. Predictably, opinions have been divided. Some enthusiasts love the futuristic, angular styling, while others believe Toyota has gone a little too far. Personally, I like manufacturers taking risks, especially when they are updating a vehicle that already enjoys such an established identity.

The flatter bonnet immediately gives the Hilux a stronger visual presence, while the redesigned grille and revised LED lighting make the front look significantly more modern than before. Sharper body lines throughout the vehicle further reinforce that tougher appearance, while the black 17-inch alloy wheels complement the overall design perfectly. At The rear, Toyota has thoughtfully integrated a side step into the cargo bed, making it considerably easier to climb into the load area. It is a practical addition that owners are likely to appreciate every day.

Standing next to the Hilux, one thing becomes abundantly clear. The Hilux is massive. Its imposing length and height ensure it dominates almost every parking space it occupies, and its ladder-frame chassis immediately reminds you that this is a proper truck built with purpose. Unlike the growing number of SUVs that attempt to look rugged without necessarily being engineered for abuse, the Hilux wears its capability proudly. There is an inherent sense of toughness about it that gives you confidence long before you even turn the key.

The Toyota Hilux retains its legendary ladder-frame construction and rugged mechanical hardware, giving it the confidence to tackle terrain far beyond the reach of most SUVs
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Special Arrangement

Inside, Toyota has focused on improving the areas owners interact with every day. The cabin feels noticeably more contemporary, thanks largely to the significantly larger touchscreen infotainment system that finally supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The revised centre console looks cleaner and more premium, while the steering wheel adopts a squarer design that ties in nicely with the sharper exterior styling. Overall, the cabin feels more cohesive and considerably less utilitarian than before.

Toyota has, however, removed a few features in the process. Leather upholstery has been replaced by fabric seats, the electrically adjustable driver’s seat is gone, automatic climate control has made way for a manual air-conditioning system, and rear passengers still do not get dedicated AC vents. On paper, these omissions appear disappointing, but the reality is that most Hilux buyers prioritise capability over creature comforts. Nobody walks into a Toyota showroom to buy a Hilux because it has ventilated seats or ambient lighting. They buy it because they know it will continue moving long after the road has disappeared.

Toyota Hilux tackles challenging off-road terrain
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Special Arrangement

Under the bonnet sits the familiar 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine producing 201 PS and 500 Nm of torque. Toyota now offers the Hilux exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission, even on the 4×2 variant, making the range considerably simpler. Thankfully, there was little reason to alter what was already one of the segment’s strongest powertrains.

The diesel engine remains perfectly suited to the Hilux’s character. There is an effortless wave of torque available almost from idle, making acceleration feel surprisingly brisk despite the truck’s substantial dimensions. During our performance run, the Hilux completed the 0-100 km/h sprint in approximately 12 seconds, an impressive figure for a vehicle of this size and construction. More importantly, the engine has an eagerness that almost encourages you to push harder. Whether climbing steep inclines, overtaking slower traffic or simply accelerating out of corners, the Hilux always feels like it has plenty left in reserve.

Toyota has also improved refinement. NVH levels are noticeably lower, with the diesel engine sounding more subdued inside the cabin. Better insulation and revised packaging have made highway cruising significantly quieter, allowing conversations to continue without constantly raising your voice. It is a subtle improvement, but one that makes a meaningful difference to the overall driving experience.

The Indian-spec Hilux continues with hydraulic power steering instead of the electric system available in some overseas markets. While an electric setup may have made low-speed manoeuvres lighter, the hydraulic steering still delivers reassuring feedback once underway and suits the Hilux’s rugged personality remarkably well.

The Toyota Hilux combines impressive off-road ability with long-distance touring comfort, making it a versatile adventure machine
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Special Arrangement

Ride quality has also seen subtle improvements, although the changes are not dramatic. I have never fully agreed with those who criticise the Hilux for riding too firmly. This is, after all, a pickup engineered to carry a payload of approximately 500kg. Expecting it to deliver the ride comfort of a monocoque SUV completely misses the point entirely. Within the context of its heavy-duty suspension and ladder-frame architecture, the Hilux has always ridden remarkably well. Even without a load in the back, it remains composed over broken roads while feeling exceptionally stable at highway speeds.

Rear seat comfort has also improved marginally. The seating position remains relatively upright, as expected in a pickup truck, but revised cushioning offers better support than before. Under the rear bench, Toyota continues to provide practical storage compartments for tools, recovery gear or other equipment that owners are likely to carry on longer expeditions.

The audio system is adequate rather than exceptional, but the addition of a 360-degree camera proves genuinely useful. Given the Hilux’s considerable dimensions, having a complete view around the vehicle makes parking and negotiating tight trails significantly easier.

As impressive as the improvements are on the road, they merely set the stage for where the Hilux truly comes alive. The moment the tarmac ends, the truck reminds you exactly why it has earned such an extraordinary reputation across the globe.

With four-wheel drive, multiple terrain modes and an electronically locking rear differential, the Hilux is built to tackle challenging terrain
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Special Arrangement

Equipped with a proper four-wheel-drive system, multiple terrain modes, an electronically locking rear differential and generous ground clearance, the Hilux tackles difficult terrain with an almost casual confidence. During our off-road drive, several obstacles were comfortably completed in two-wheel drive alone, relying purely on the immense torque produced by the diesel engine. The sheer amount of mechanical grip available inspires tremendous confidence, while the robust chassis simply encourages you to keep pushing further.

Rocky paths, steep inclines, deeply rutted trails and uneven terrain barely seem to unsettle it. Water crossings are approached with equal confidence, thanks to Hilux’s excellent wading ability, and throughout the course it repeatedly demonstrated that it possesses considerably more capability than most owners are ever likely to exploit. This is one of those rare vehicles that actually makes you want to seek out more challenging terrain simply because you know it can handle it.

Toyota’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine produces 201 PS and 500 Nm, giving the Hilux strong performance both on and off the road
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Special Arrangement

Ironically, despite its immense off-road ability, one of the Hilux’s greatest strengths remains long-distance touring. Settle into a steady highway cruise and the truck transforms into an effortless mile eater. The improved refinement, quieter cabin and reassuring straight-line stability make covering hundreds of kilometres surprisingly relaxing.

Toyota also offers Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor throttle response according to driving conditions. Sport mode sharpens responses noticeably, while Eco mode rewards a gentler driving style. Initial impressions also suggest fuel efficiency has improved slightly, although a longer test will be required before drawing any firm conclusions. For now, expect real-world economy to remain around the 10 km/l mark.

Of course, the Hilux is not without compromise. Its sheer size demands respect in crowded cities, parking requires careful planning and navigating narrow urban streets is never going to be as effortless as it would be in a midsize SUV. Buyers whose driving is restricted almost entirely to congested metropolitan environments may struggle to justify living with something this large.

On the other hand, if you live in a smaller town, own a farm, regularly venture into remote areas or simply crave the freedom to disappear down the road less travelled, there are very few vehicles that feel as perfectly suited to the task as the Hilux. More importantly, it remains an emotional purchase. This is not a vehicle you buy because you need transport from A to B. It is one you buy because of what it represents.

Its closest rival remains the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, another immensely capable pickup, but Toyota has managed to build something that extends far beyond the product itself. The Hilux has become a global icon, supported by decades of extraordinary real-world stories that continue to reinforce its legendary status. That emotional connection is something very few manufacturers can replicate.

The updated Hilux cabin features a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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Special Arrangement

Priced between INR 31.99 lakh and INR 36.69 lakh (ex-showroom), the new Toyota Hilux is undoubtedly a niche product. It won’t appeal to everyone, nor is it meant to. It demands compromises in everyday city life, but rewards its owner with an unmatched sense of confidence, capability and adventure.

At the end of the day, you don’t buy a Hilux because you need another vehicle. You buy a Hilux because you need a Hilux.

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