BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A TOYOTA HILUX FROM OSV: https://bit.ly/3ep1ZKn

Toyota's Hilux pick-up has always been unbreakable, capable and sensible. But aspirational? Possibly not. This improved version of the eighth generation model might be though. It looks more purposeful, there's more power if you want it and the cabin has been upgraded. But throughout, all the old toughness still remains.

Market and Model

Prices across the range of Single, Extra and Double Cab body styles haven't changed too much, so think in terms of paying from around £25,000 for more affordable versions. The plusher 'Invincible'-spec Double Cab variants start from around £29,000 ex-VAT, while the top 'Invincible X' Double Cab models start from around £32,500. Toyota's 'Safety Sense' package features across the range, providing a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist.

On plusher models, you'll find luxury features like smart entry and push-button start, satellite navigation, automatic air conditioning, front and rear parking sensors and a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system with an 800W eight-channel amplifier and CLARI-Fi technology for improving the reproduction quality of digital music files. The range-topping Hilux Invincible X Double Cab is distinguished by exclusive exterior styling details, including bespoke grille and front bumper, skid plate, over-fender, door handle and tailgate designs. The Invincible also comes with its own instrument combimeter design, interior black metallic and dark chrome trim accents and even a model-specific key. There is also "clear blue" illumination on the door trims and two-tone perforated leather seat upholstery.

Customers can choose from a wide range of accessories to personalise their Hilux and equip it to suit their specific work or leisure requirements. Items include a range of hard tops and roll covers, a locking tailgate and a 12V power supply mounted on the deck.

Practicalities & Costs

There's plenty of space in the load bay, one cubic metre in the Double Cab model, a figure that rises to 1.2m3 in the Extra Cab version. In the Double Cab, there's 1545mm of load space length and 1515mm of load space width, narrowing to 1100mm between the wheel arches. There's 450mm of loading height and a total payload capacity of up to 1,060kg, depending upon the version you choose. There's a 3.5-tonne towing capacity.

And WLTP running costs? Well, the 2.4 GD unit struggles a little with the weight of this pick-up, which explains the combined mpg figure (a best of 30.4mpg) and the CO2 reading (up to 244g/km). There's a Selective Catalytic Reduction system that uses an Ad Blue additive (something you have to top up beneath the bonnet) to remove up to 99% of all NOx emissions. Auto models also get a clever 'Deceleration Downshift Control' system that optimises downshifts when decelerating to gain better fuel efficiency. Across the range, service intervals are at 24 months or 20,000 miles and there's a 5 year/100,000 mile warranty.

Summary

The Toyota Hilux has always scored well with those who need a tough pick-up that drives better than the class norm. Rival manufacturers though, have copied this formula and added a more refined feel to their wares and as a result, the Hilux felt as if it was falling off the pace a little. So the round of revisions made to this eighth generation version are welcome, giving this pick-up a classier feel.

Our only real issue here is that the frugality of this model's volume 2.4-litre diesel engine is rather masked by this Hilux's prodigious weight. Ultimately though, this remains one of our preferred options in the pick-up segment - and we're not alone. From Alaska to the Sahara to the Australian Outback, this is the vehicle of choice for people who need to get the job done. Drive one and you'll see why.

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