Toyota Hilux: high profiler gets a facelift

Toyota Hilux. Photo / Supplied

Utes have hit the mainstream. Hilux is New Zealand's top-selling model, making up a quarter of Toyota NZ sales, and it's been New Zealand's favourite light truck for 29 years straight, selling 85,000 since it first arrived here in 1976. But with Ford and Mazda both launching new pick-ups in coming weeks, a facelift was timely.

What's new
Just about everything under the skin and from the A-pillar back has remained the same. But there's a more assertive face and new tail-lights, plus a new dash. Higher specification includes new audio units with Bluetooth, air-conditioning and steering wheel-mounted audio controls as standard, and six airbags for all 4WD versions. Several variants get new seat fabrics and the range includes price drops of up to $2600 for some models.

The double-cab 4WD autos get slightly higher diff ratios to improve on-road feel with bigger 17-inch wheels for standard-spec 4WD double-cabs as well as the high-spec SR5s, bigger brakes and stability control.

There are now 13 Hilux variants to cover everything from workday to lifestyle duties. Good news for diesel owners too, with service intervals now matching petrols at 15,000km or 12 months across the board.

The company line
Utes are increasingly used as crossover vehicles, largely staying on-road and often in urban environments. But chief designer Kaoru Hosokawa says Toyota will not alter Hilux to better suit its passenger car duties as that would compromise its workhorse abilities. Sales and operations general manager Steve Prangnell says its role as an everyday vehicle prompted local installation of an upgraded audio, and the decision to roll out stability control across the range as soon as it's available - at present it is fitted only to the 4WD double-cab Hilux. Consumer demand also led to a wider range of accessories, including a reversing camera at $450 plus fitting.

What we say
Hilux may have to look to its laurels when Ford's Ranger arrives next week, followed by Mazda's BT-50 in November, particularly given that this is just a minor facelift. But a formidable range of skills, increased specification and lower prices combined with a rock-solid rep after nearly 30 years as market leader means Hilux remains competitive.

On the road
Hilux still feels like a rugged truck on-road especially in 4WD guise, despite a wind deflector beneath the floor designed to improve stability and steering feel. The 2WD sits 31mm closer to the tarmac and has a more refined demeanour for those seeking an on-road load carrier. The 4WD fights back as soon as the going gets dirty, proving almost idiot-proof during our traverse of Queenstown's rugged high country.

Why you'll buy one?
There's a Hilux for every player; specifications are up and the price is down; you value Toyota's reputation.

Why you won't?
A roomy SUV will carry almost as much with greater security, and most deliver better on-road handling than the still truck-like Hilux.

- Herald on Sunday