REVIEW | Toyota Hilux gets a much-needed polish

In a turbulent vehicle market with intense competition, Toyota’s Hilux has stood like a tree planted by the water; it will not be moved. The locally built bakkie range has enjoyed a very long spell as South Africa’s best-selling vehicle, and by a wide margin.

However, most of that success is in the single-cab workhorse segment, and Toyota has introduced a heavily revised Hilux double-cab and extended-cab range to better compete with newer and flashier rivals in the lifestyle league, most notably the segment-dominating Ford Ranger.

It’s not an all-new Hilux but an extensive revamp of the eighth-generation model introduced in 2016, including a modernised exterior, a more premium cabin, improved refinement and updated tech. Toyota calls the revamped Hilux tougher, smarter, safer and more connected than ever before, saying it has preserved its famed durability while introducing refinements to compete in a new era.

The new Hilux gets a distinctly more modern face with slim headlights and a honeycomb mesh grille. Redesigned tailgate detailing and modern LED lights complete the fresh new look.

New integrated access steps to the load bay improve convenience when loading cargo, while the double cab’s payload capacity is a useful 795kg and it can tow braked trailers weighing up to 3.5 tonnes.

A renaissance has taken place inside too, with a smarter new cabin that takes cues from the new Land Cruiser Prado , including a chunky multifunction steering wheel and gearshifter.

Cabin ambience is a step up from the previous Hilux. Soft-touch surfaces provide a richer feel and better comfort than before, including padded armrests, but some hard plastic remains. The fit and finish could also be improved, most noticeably around the top cubbyhole, where the panel is slightly misaligned.

Toyota’s double cab is brought technologically up to date with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection (at last), four USB charging ports and a wireless charger. A digital instrument display and larger touchscreen infotainment system further bring the Hilux into the modern era. Ergonomically, there aren’t any complaints. Physical controls remain for hassle-free operation, and front cupholders mounted at the air vents to keep drinks cool are a handy feature.

The new Hilux double cab is available in SRX, Raider and range-topping Legend executions, with the latter priced at R945,500 for the 4x2 and R999,900 for the 4x4. The Legend models are differentiated by 18-inch alloy wheels compared to 17s, and premium features such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, a high-end JBL sound system with nine speakers, leather upholstery, a multiterrain monitor and an electrically adjusted driver’s seat.

For the first time on Hilux, safety features in the Legend include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and safe-exit assist, but all models have seven airbags, ABS brakes and stability control.

Toyota has introduced Ultra Wide Band technology on smart entry-equipped models to help prevent relay attacks, and a redesigned gear-lock system provides added protection.