Your First Glimpse At The India-spec Toyota Hilux Ahead Of Launch

• Toyota Hilux could be offered in multiple trims.
• Prices could range between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh.
• Gets plenty of chrome and tough styling to make heads turn.
• Likely to be offered with 150PS 2.4-litre and 208PS diesel, paired with manual and automatics.

The Toyota Hilux has been spied undisguised at an ad shoot, hinting at an imminent launch in the country. It will be locally assembled in India, and we are keeping our fingers crossed that Toyota manages to price the pickup truck competitively to put it in contention with the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross. 

The Hilux was earlier expected to be launched on Diwali, but  better late than never, right? It will be based on the same body-on-frame platform as the Innova Crysta and Fortuner. Internationally, it can be had with either the Innova’s 150PS 2.4-litre or Fortuner’s 208PS 2.8-litre diesel engine. In India, the pickup truck will likely get both the mills, paired with a 6-speed manual and an automatic transmission, as well as rear- and four-wheel drivetrains.  

The pickup’s rugged styling should make heads turn, especially in this bright red shade. The large front grille (with an overdose of chrome) and LED headlights makes the front end quite striking. Then there are the large alloys (probably 18-inchers) that fill the wheel arches nicely. Vertically stacked tail lamps and a chrome-laden bumper top the design. 

Inside, the Hilux gets a slightly redesigned central console to set itself apart from the Fortuner and Crysta. That said, it could share elements like the touchscreen infotainment system, steering wheel, and instrument cluster with the Fortuner. 

Other creature comforts on board should include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, a wireless charging pad, a powered driver’s seat, and a coloured multi-info display. Passenger safety should be taken care of by multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and electronic stability control.  

The Hilux could be offered in multiple trims – Hilux and Hilux Revo – for better appeal. This approach, if it happens, is similar to the D-Max pickup, which can be had in either Hi-Lander or V-Cross trims. We expect prices to start from Rs 20 lakh and go up to Rs 25 lakh for the top-spec trim.