Toyota Hilux Pickup Review

Vanaways
Vanaways
28th Apr 2023
Toyota Hilux Pickup Review

The Toyota Hilux Pickup at a glance

When you imagine a pickup truck, you’re probably imagining the Toyota Hilux Pickup.

Beginning production in 1968 and undergoing eight generations of evolving toughness, the vehicle has earnt a reputation for being powerful and durable, inspiring generations of workers and tradespeople to part with their cash.

The most recent the Hilux has  a new engine and a facelift. This comes in the form of a robust-looking trim is ideal for those who’ll be doing a lot of off-road driving, with the black fender flares the perfect protection for those hwo might be expecting bumps and grazes to the bodywork such as landscapers, groundworkers, fencers or roofers who may be manoeurering large and heavy pieces of equipment and materials in and out of the van.

Engines and Spec

The Toyota Hilux’s engine comes in a range of options. Starting with a 2.4-litre diesel manual model that produces around 150bh with options right up to the 2.8-litre automatic diesel, which has a brake horsepower that reaches the 200 mark. If you require power for your job, then the  2.8-litre engine could be right up your street, as this version is a third more powerful than the 2.4-litre version.

Compared to rival pickups, it is now dominating the market in terms of big engine power, as rivals such as the Volkswagen Amarok and Mercedes X-Class have been wiped from the market in the UK. Eco technology balances the Hilux’s power: WLTP tests show that the 2.4-litre engine can achieve around 31.7mpg with a manual gearbox, and 30.7mpg in automatic. Even better is the 2.8-litre engine, which reaches 33.2mpg with a manual, and 30 with an automatic gearbox.

Payload is on the lower end to some vehicles at 470kgs. However, for jobs like landscaping and gardening this should be ample capacity.

Interior

Comfortable and spacious, the Hilux comes in Single and Double Cab versions. The Double Cab versions of the Hilux are spacious and can fit up to three people relatively comfortably in the back with ample storage areas in and around the front seats too,  demonstrating that it works well for a day out on the job, both in terms of passenger transportation and storage.

Sound-proofing of the engine that make you sometimes forget you’re in a pick-up, and the quietness of the Hilux’s cruising speed makes it feel more like a SUV than a commercial vehicle. There is ample space at the front, so you don’t feel boxed in at all, unlike other pick-up models.

The display features a modern, stylish touchscreen infotainment display with AUX and USB ports, as well as Bluetooth connectivity and a DAB radio. Even more helpfully, the Hilux features a reversing camera, which helps immeasurably when parking the 5.3m pick-up on narrow or crowded streets.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Choice of powerful engine
  • Comfortable cab for long journeys
  • Spacious interior

Cons

  • Low payload capacity
  • Lacks fuel efficiency
  • Limited acceleration

The Verdict

With a durable body and an all powerful engine, the Toyota Hilux Pickup is great on and off road. The interiors are perfectly practical for use as a day to day commercial vehicle and the ride is comfortable and smooth over uneven, outdoor surfaces due to the developed shock-absorbers.

Although fuel efficiency (around 30mpg) does leave a lot to be desired, the Hilux is a great choice for those who need to travel over various different terrains such as landscapers, groundworkers, or fencers.

The Toyota Hilux is available at Vanaways for £299 + VAT with a range of financial options available. So if you’re interested, Vanaways have a lot of exciting options for you. Get in touch with us at 0117 428 7721 or email at enquiries@vanaways.co.uk.

Vanaways Reviews

   
Mark Carter

Mark Carter

01 April 2025

"First class service, I must mention Adrian & Ash on an excellent deal & swift turn around under the short notice I had to buying a new van. Slight delay in the delivery of the van from manufacturers end but Adrian agreed to cover the cost of a hire van until my new van was delivered which allowed me to continue working. its the first time i've purchased a van without physically entering a dealership and i wouldn't hesitate to do it again."

Jackie Lee

Jackie Lee

28 March 2025

"Excellent service from start to finish. Jake Wheelock was professional, efficient and really genuinely helpful. Had my truck in less than 2 weeks. Great communication and reliable. Would highly recommend!"

Paul

Paul

29 April 2025

"Overall dealings were good. Broadly speaking, response to emails could've been more timely. Joe, Snr Cust Service advisor in particular, was very good indeed. Sorted out the paperwork issues promptly. Overall, would recommend."

Steve Cole

Steve Cole

14 May 2025

"Great service, great price, great communication. As it should be done, They made it so easy to buy two vans. 10/10"

Jessica Allard

Jessica Allard

11 March 2025

"From start to finish Morgan and the team have been fantastic in sorting 2 new defenders out for us from the quote 3 weeks ago to them being delivered they have been brilliant the deal they got us was unbeatable thank you Lewis @ steve Allard and son stonemasons"

4.9 out of 5 from 450 reviews
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