Category: Pick-ups 
Price Range: No data available
Indestructible mechanicals, huge space, tough image, a leading power figure with the 169bhp three-litre.
Too big for some, not that clever inside, low max towing weight, cheap plastics.
For some a pick-up is a Hilux and, for them, the new model won't disappoint. But Nissan and Mitsubishi have a better trucks and a smarter approach to selling them.
The interior is revelation to anyone who came out of the old Hilux. Space has mushroomed in every direction, but it's in the back seat that you'll feel it the most. It now reclines at a proper car-like angle, and offers more than enough leg and headroom. The base also tips up to give a huge cube of storage space, but it doesn't split 60/40 as in the Nissan.
Now the engines have been upgraded, refinement is much better. Engine noise is suppressed at speed, except in the automatic, and the ride is calm enough to take it on long journeys without fear.
Equipment levels are fine, if not lavish as they are in top models of the L200 and Navara. Entry-level HL2 versions get electric windows, air con, remote locking, CD player, an alarm and body-coloured bumpers and front grille.
Jump to the HL3 models and there are (somewhat dwarfed) 15" alloys, chrome exterior trim, electric/heated door mirrors, alloy side steps and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm.
The Invincible brings a new combined sat nav and CD player, scuff plates, chrome side bars, front fog lamps and 16" alloys. There's cruise control on the automatic (£1,300 extra) and a range of hard-tops, tonneau covers and bike racks from the option list.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Toyota Hilux
wrote on 04 03 2007