By Salaphezulu Masindane

The much-loved Toyota Hilux has been around since 1968 and, like its Corolla sibling, has dominated rivals from then till now. To ensure that the Hilux stays ahead of the pack, Toyota has expanded the model range, refreshed its looks, offered a new ‘Legend’ badge and upgraded the power trains. Just as the previous generations, the Hilux will still be offered with a single-cab, xtra-cab, and double-cab body.

What’s new?

The GR-Sport and Legend 50 models will no longer form part of the extensive line-up. These will be replaced by the new Legend and Legend RS range. The current base S and SR models will retain their design with the Raider and new Legend getting a fresh design all round.

Exterior

The most visible change is in the front, with new slim-line headlamps flanking an all-new front-grille and bumper design.

Raider models feature a large, trapezoidal front grille with broad chrome border and horizontally-separated 3D grille elements, new boomerang-shaped fog lamp bezels and an integrated bumper guard. The 2.4 GD-6 models get four-bulb Halogen headlamps, while the 2.8 GD-6 Raider now boasts a Bi-LED headlamps and LED turn-signals.

In the Legend, the trapezoidal grille (outlined in black) integrates with the front bumper, bonnet protector and skidplate, creating an imposing front façade with dark-plated headlamp inserts and a centred chrome inlay with Toyota insignia. 

Raider models maintain their specification level and in the case of 2.4 GD-6 variants (previously SRX), now get side and curtain airbags. LED fog lamps, enlarged Multi-Information Display(MID) and Park Distance Control (PDC) is fitted across the board, with Bi-LED main beam headlamps and chrome front treatment also part of the 2.8 GD-6 Raider.

There are nine exterior colours on offer while the refreshed range also gets three new colours – a first for the Hilux Pearl White and Oxide Bronze metallic. With the Legend 2.8 GD-6 4×4 getting an exclusive Attitude Black.

Interior

The Raider and Legend interior features a new driver’s combi meter design, and a new, 8″ centre console-mounted infotainment screen which adopts mechanical buttons and dials for ease of use under all driving conditions. The enhanced multimedia system features faster software and screen response, satellite navigation and incorporates both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration.

Legend double-cab models will even feature a 9-speaker JBL Premium Sound System with dash mounted speakers incorporating an 800W 8-channel amplifier and CLARi-Fi technology. The Legend will also receive bespoke interior treatment that include leather upholstery and black roof lining to mention a few.

Accessories

For those who look into personalizing their Hilux, Toyota will offer optional accessories that will include a motorised roller shutter, graphite-coloured sports and assisted tailgate with central locking. These will be exclusive to the Legend RS on launch and will be available for some of the range at a later stage.

Safety

The Hilux Legend 4×4 models will keep up with its competitors in terms of standard safety and security with the addition of the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS, a Pre-collision system, Land Departure Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control).       

Engine

The range will see the addition of a new, more powerful 2,8 turbo-diesel engine with 150 kW and 500 Nm (increased by 20kW and 50Nm). This is only on automatic transmissions. This new engine will accelerate the Hilux from 0-100 km/h in just 10.0 seconds (2.8 seconds faster than the existing 2.4 litre unit), whilst returning a claimed average fuel consumption of 7.8 l/100 km. The 2.4 litre engine retains the 110kW and 400Nm outputs. While the V6 will still be powered by the naturally aspirated 2.7 litre petrol engine that pushed out 175kW/375Nm of torque.

On-road and off-road driving manners have also been improved. The comfort and driveability of the new Hilux has been enhanced through improvements to the suspension and power steering systems. The suspension benefits from front and rear shock absorber tuning, improved leaf spring design and new bushing to combine a smoother ride with reduced impact on steps and holes.

The updated Toyota Hilux will be available mid October 2020.

Single Cab

• Single Cab 2,0 VVTi S: R291,100
• Single Cab 2,0 VVTi S AC: R299,800
• Single Cab 2,7 VVTi RB S: R386,700
• Single Cab 2,4 GD S: R328,400
• Single Cab 2,4 GD S AC: R337,200
• Single Cab 2,4 GD-6 RB SR: R414,500
• Single Cab 2,4 GD-6 RB Raider: R447,800
• Single Cab 2,4 GD-6 RB Raider AT: R466,100
• Single Cab 2,4 GD-6 4×4 SR: R482,000
• Single Cab 2,4 GD-6 4×4 Raider: R520,700
• Single Cab 2,8 GD-6 RB Raider AT: R532,300
• Single Cab 2,4 GD-6 4×4 Raider AT: R540,900
• Single Cab 2,8 GD-6 4×4 Raider AT: R602,400

Xtra Cab

• Xtra Cab 2,4 GD-6 RB Raider: R460,000
• Xtra Cab 2,4 GD-6 RB Raider AT: R478,200
• Xtra Cab 2,8 GD-6 RB Legend: R550,000
• Xtra Cab 2,8 GD-6 RB Legend AT: R574,900
• Xtra Cab 2,8 GD-6 4×4 Legend: R622,000
• Xtra Cab 2,8 GD-6 4×4 Legend AT: R647,300

Double Cab

• 2,7 VVTi RB S: R440,000
• 2,4 GD-6 RB SR: R476,900
• 2,4 GD-6 RB Raider: R505,200
• 2,4 GD-6 RB Raider AT: R521,200
• 2,4 GD-6 4×4 SR: R549,200
• 2,4 GD-6 4×4 Raider: R583,700
• 2,4 GD-6 4×4 Raider AT: R609,500
• 2,8 GD-6 RB Legend: R620,500
• 2,8 GD-6 RB Raider AT: R631,900
• 2,8 GD-6 RB Legend AT: R696,200
• 2,8 GD-6 4×4 Raider AT: R706,400
• 2,8 GD-6 4×4 Legend: R733,500
• 4,0 V6 4×4 Legend AT: R765,200
• 2,8 GD-6 4×4 Legend AT: R765,600
• 2,8 GD-6 4×4 Legend RS: R819,000
• Double Cab 2,8 GD-6 4×4 Legend RS AT: R851,100

All Hilux models have a 3-year/100,000 km warranty and a 9-services/90,000 km service plan.