The Tough Hilux Pickup Breaks Cover In India, On Sale From March 2022

• A butch design with highlights such as LED headlamps, chunky bumpers, 18-inch alloy wheels, sharp creases, and LED taillamps.

• Cabin highlights include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, and a powered driver’s seat.

• Powered by a 204PS diesel engine paired with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions with an all-wheel drivetrain.

• Off-road credentials include active traction control, 700mm water wading capacity automatic hill assist control, electronic differential lock, and an automatic limited slip differential.

• Bookings are open at a token amount of Rs 50,000 online and Rs 1 lakh at authorised Toyota dealerships.

• Likely to be priced above Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.

After a long teaser campaign, Toyota has finally unveiled the Hilux pickup to India. It is known globally as a ‘tough cookie’ that will go on sale in March 2022 with deliveries commencing in April. Bookings have commenced for a token amount of Rs 50,000 online and Rs 1 lakh at authorised Toyota dealerships. It will be 30 percent locally assembled in Karnataka. 

Looking at the outside, the Hilux certainly seems to look the part of being a so-called invincible pickup truck. While it has a Innova Crysta-inspired front grille, the Hilux boasts a butch stance with oddles of cladding, chnuky bumpers, sharp creases, and a sleek pair of LED headlights. LED taillamps and 18-inch alloy wheels round off the design. It will be offered in White, Grey, Silver and Red body shades.

Inside, the pickup truck isn't too flashy or extravagant, but civilized enough to keep occupants comfy. It borrows the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and steering wheel from the Fortuner and features all-black upholstery. 

Key equipment includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, cruise control, a coloured multi-info display, dual-zone automatic climate control, and powered driver’s seat. 

Multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, front parking sensors, electronic stability control, and hill descent control will be some of the safety features on offer which is enough to give the Hilux a sive star ASEN NCAP safety rating.

A tough cookie requires a brute engine. And the Hilux does just that with a 2.8-litre diesel engine making 204PS and 500Nm (400Nm for 6-speed manual) which is also on offer in the Fortuner SUV. It is paired with a 6-speed manual ‘gearbox with the option of a 6-speed torque converter AT. Both transmission options drive power to all four wheels.

 It also comes with plenty of off-road cred such as a 700mm water wading capacity, active traction control, a tyre angle monitor, automatic hill assist control, downhill assist control, electronic differential lock, and an automatic limited slip differential.

Expect prices for the Toyota Hilux to start above Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom). The tough pickup will take on the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross in the already niche pickup truck space.