Toyota Hilux 2.4 Invincible Double Cab Auto
What is it?
The Toyota Hilux 2.4 Invincible Double Cab – an all new Hilux, the first since 2004! However on top of the new look, the latest Hilux boasts improved refinement, plus more luxury and technology kit.
The Hilux is also available in three different versions and four-different specifications.
We took the Double Cab in Invincible trim for a drive to see how it compares with modern rivals.
What’s hot?
- The Hilux’s new 2.4-litre diesel engine has 148bhp and 400Nm of torque. Okay, so it’s smaller than the previous 3.0-litre of the old model, but the upsides are the 41.5mpg figure for the manual and 204g/km CO2 emission figure. On the road, it’s the solid low-down torque that you notice first, with the Hilux feeling very sprightly from low-down the rev-range. The new six-speed auto transmission feels well matched too, offering smooth changes and 36.2mpg.
- Outside, although the Hilux is all-new, the iconic DNA is still there in the bulging arches, wide grille and large headlights. Overall the new Toyota pick-up is best described as looking neat and more modern.
- Inside, the driving position is comfortable and feels more SUV than pick-up-like. All-round visibility is good, with thin roof pillars and large wing mirrors. The dashboard is angular, modern and dominated by the seven-inch Toyota Touch 2 infotainment screen.
- Our Invincible test pick-up is almost at the top of the range, with equipment including 18-inch alloys, keyless entry and start, LED headlamps, cruise control and automatic air conditioning
- Hilux safety kit includes Toyota Safety Sense – a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, plus Lane Departure and Road Sign Assist.
- We still reckon the Nissan Navara NP300 is more car-like to drive, but the latest Hilux is a big improvement over the outgoing model. The steering in particular is sharp and well-weighted.
- Off-road, the Hilux has to be up there with the best in class. Technical highlights include the hill-descent control, the electronically controlled four-wheel drive system with different modes and front and rear limited-slip differentials.
- The new Hilux’s 1525mm loadbed is larger, stronger and more practical. Plus, if you want to tow, the capacity is an impressive 3.2 tonnes.
- This Hilux feels built to last, with the confidence of a five-year, 100,000 mile warranty, but we wish it felt more special.
What’s not:
- The Hilux’s interior design might be modern, but the interior plastics are a mish-mash with some feeling very cheap and shiny.
- The touch screen sat-nav system works well enough, but it’s fiddly to operate on the move.
- The leaf spring rear suspension on the Hilux might be tough, but it makes for a very unsettled, tiring ride on our test pick-up’s 18-inch alloys.
The Verdict
With newer rivals that were better to drive, it’s no wonder that the last Hilux had lost its top-seller spot to the Ford Ranger.
With the new Hilux, I reckon it’s going to be tougher to pick the Ford over this new Toyota pick-up, so it could steal its title back – although despite all the Toyota’s upgrades, we still think the latest Nissan Navara is best to drive
Toyota Hilux 2.4 Invincible Double Cab Auto
On the road price (ex VAT): | £32,645 |
Load length: | 1,525mm |
Load width (max): | 1,645mm |
Load height: | 480mm |
Load capacity: | n/a cu m |
Payload: | n/a kg |
GVW: | 3,210kg |
Towing capacity braked/unbraked: | 3,200kg/750kg |
Engine: | 2.4-litre four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel |
Power/torque: | 148bhp/400Nm |
Economy (combined): | 36.2mpg |
CO2 emissions: | 204g/km |
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