The Standard Toyota Hilux Isn't A Bare-bones Pickup Truck

The Toyota Hilux is a tough pickup truck that offers a rare combination of utility, go-anywhere capability and creature comforts. It will go on sale in March priced over Rs 30 lakh. But for the money, it’s set to offer a host of features even in its base Standard Variant. 

Exterior Features 

On the outside, the standard variant bears only subtle differences from the fully-loaded ‘High’ trim level. It is equipped with front and rear fog lamps, keyless entry and chrome door handles. In addition, the base Hilux also gets: 

• Automatic headlights

• Machine-finished 17-inch alloy wheels

• Electrically adjustable outer rearview mirrors with turn indicators 

What it misses: 

• LED headlights, DRLs and LED taillights 

• Chrome steel step in rear bumper

• ‘Super chrome’ 18-inch alloy wheels 

• Electrically retractable ORVMs

• Other chrome exterior trim 

Interior Features 

The interior of the base-spec Hilux is upholstered in fabric, and the rear seats have a 60:40 split and a ‘tip-up’ folding function. You also get the 8-inch Android Auto and Apple CarPlay-enabled touchscreen as standard, alongside 6 speakers. Premium features such as heat insulating glass and cruise control are also present, and the equipment list includes: 

• Cooled upper glovebox 

• Centre console box with lid 

• Manual air conditioning controls 

• Push button engine start/stop

What it misses 

• Front centre armrest 

• Leather seats 

• Electrically adjustable driver’s seat

• Dual-zone automatic climate control 

Safety Features

Other than the government-mandated inclusions of ABS and rear parking sensors, the Hilux offers a host of important standard safety features. A total of seven airbags are part of the base variant’s kit, as are stability control and hill start assist. 

• Front parking sensors 

• Reversing camera 

• Hill descent control 

• ISOFIX child seat mounts 

• Seven airbags 

• Emergency brake signal 

Also read: 

• Toyota Hilux Accessories Detailed Ahead Of March 2022 Launch

• Next-gen Toyota Urban Cruiser, Facelifted Glanza In The Works

Off-roading Hardware 

All Toyota Hilux variants are capable of handling off-road terrain. The four-wheel-drive system with four-high and low range modes is a standard fitment. In addition, you also get electronically locking differentials, an electronic limited slip differential and a standard 6-speed manual transmission. 

Power comes from a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine that makes 204PS and 420Nm. The engine is tuned a bit differently and produces 500Nm on the automatic transmission variant, but you can only have the auto ‘box in the top-spec High trim level. 

Colours: 

You can only get the base variant in solid Super White or ‘Gray Metallic’ paint shades. 

The base-spec ‘Standard’ Toyota Hilux does miss out on some features you’d expect for the price, but it gets the safety kit and off-roading hardware as standard. It remains to be seen how wide the price gap is between the base-spec and top trim levels. But if utility and off-road ability is a priority for you, the Hilux Std could be the right truck for you. To know more, stay tuned to Zigwheels for our full review.