Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Toyota Hilux pickup - Engines, drive & performance

As long as you’re not expecting too much of a car-like experience, the Toyota Hilux is easy and enjoyable to drive

Carbuyer Rating

3.7 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.0 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Engines, drive & performance Rating

3.4 out of 5

If you’re not familiar with today’s pickups and are expecting something a little agricultural, then you might be surprised to learn that just as modern 4x4s are no longer the wallowy, unrefined vehicles they once were, pickups are now much more car-like – without losing the qualities that allow them to operate reliably in tough working conditions. The Toyota Hilux is no exception. You sit upright and high up, so the view out over most other traffic is excellent, while the accurate steering instils confidence, which is welcome given the Hilux’s size. It’s also impressively comfortable over bumps and drain covers. A proper SUV would be smoother but the Hilux is a reasonably appealing prospect for long journeys and does a great job of insulating you from potholes and other road imperfections.

Advertisement - Article continues below

You won’t be seeking out a winding B-road, though – there’s too much body lean and not enough grip when cornering for the Toyota to be genuinely enjoyable – but, overall, it’s competent and reassuring to drive. We did find the back end jiggled about a little when the load bay was empty, though. This is a result of the suspension being set up to support a serious amount of weight and is a common characteristic of most pickup trucks.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

More reviews

The Hilux should be capable when off-roading too. Toyota lists an approach angle of 29 degrees, a departure angle of up to 26 degrees, the ability to climb a 42-degree slope, and a wading depth of up to 700mm. While those stats don’t quite match a serious off-roader like the Land Rover Defender, they should more than handle the obstacles of a muddy work site or farm track.

Toyota Hilux diesel engine

The entry-level 2.4-litre diesel engine has 148bhp. That may not sound like much, but it actually has plenty of pulling power – enough to haul a 3,500kg load using the tow bar or carry up to 1,030kg in the load bed. The equivalent Nissan Navara has more power and is a little faster, but the Hilux will be swift enough for most. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 13.2 seconds with the manual gearbox and 12.7 seconds with the automatic. As mentioned earlier, we’d recommend saving around £1,500 by choosing the manual – it’s smooth and makes the Hilux more economical, too. The top speed for both is 105mph.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As part of the late 2020 facelift, the 2.8-litre diesel engine was introduced to the Hilux lineup for the first time. It produces 201bhp, and provides a decent performance boost over the smaller engine, taking 10.1 seconds from 0-62mph with a manual gearbox and 10.7 seconds when equipped with an automatic. Top speed rises only a touch, to 108mph.

On the road, the extra power of the larger 2.8-litre diesel engine is noticeable, with the added pulling power making for more relaxed acceleration. It still emits a decent amount of diesel clatter under acceleration if you rev it hard, but the extra power makes it far easier to get up to speed. This makes the plusher versions of the Hilux more refined and comfortable at motorway speeds, with only a small amount of tyre roar and wind noise in the background.

While the facelifted Hilux is impressive on road, its off-road ability is equally good. It’s well prepared for off-road use, with hill descent control, a tweaked stability control system, improved throttle response, a lower engine speed and an easy-to-use low-range 4WD mode. Our test car was running on standard road tyres, which were sufficient to show the Hilux has more than enough mud-plugging ability for most owners. The car’s capable assistance systems help it traverse the rough stuff with relative ease.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Top 6 best pickup trucks 2024
Best pickup trucks
Best cars
8 Jan 2024

Top 6 best pickup trucks 2024

Most Popular

It’s official – the Dacia Duster is the Carbuyer Car of the Year 2025!
Carbuyer Car of the Year – Dacia Duster
News
23 Oct 2024

It’s official – the Dacia Duster is the Carbuyer Car of the Year 2025!

The best cheap fun cars from under £5k to over £10k
Best cheap fun cars
Best cars
25 Oct 2024

The best cheap fun cars from under £5k to over £10k

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
25 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024