Review | 2019+ Toyota HiLux

Review | 2019+ Toyota HiLux

After two years, Toyota has decided to give the latest iteration of it's best-selling ute a facelift. Nothing too dramatic - the Hilux is still a Hilux - fresher, with amore modern and sleek touch. The updated SR and SR5 models now have a new front end, styled by an Australian design team based in Port Melbourne. This bold new face mirrors that found on the top-end Rogue model that was launched last year. Most importantly, is the fact that all Hilux models now come standard with Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance, giving it a five-star 2019 ANCAP safety rating.

Initial Impression

The overall shape of the new Hilux released in 2016 hasn’t changed, although it does appear sleeker than its predecessor thanks to a revised grille. The redesigned front end features a stronger, more vertical profile, while the outboard fog lamps give the facelifted Hilux a broader stance.

Sitting inside a Hilux has that same old reliable comfort. Everything is still where you would want it to be, but now with the addition of some buttons to activate and control the various safety features.

Driveability

In addition to the new front-end styling, improvements to efficiency have resulted in a slightly reduced fuel consumption. Combined fuel consumption has been cut by 0.2l/100km to 7.9l/100km, while all diesel models now also feature a Diesel Particulate Filter switch to manually initiate a "burn" to cleanse the system and reduce harmful emissions.

Overall, the Hilux improves in many ways what the last model got right: a tough work ute that can also double as the family truck, only now it's fitted with increased safety technology offered with the addition of Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance features.

All models have gained pre-collision safety system with day and night pedestrian detection and day cyclist detection (PCS), high-speed active cruise control (ACC), lane departure alert (LDA) with steering assistance, and road sign assist (RSA).

Safety

Using camera and radar sensors, the pre-collision safety system is designed to detect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists and assists the driver with visual and audible warnings, braking assistance or autonomous emergency braking if the driver fails to heed the warning​. This gives anybody riding in the facelifted Hilux a safer and more comfortable feeling.

The lane departure alert function will warn the driver if the system detects that the car has deviated from its lane with visual and audible alerts and steering wheel vibration. If necessary, it will also provide steering assistance via the braking system.

A high-speed active cruise control has also been made standard across the HiLux range that uses various sensors to maintain a suitable following distance to the vehicle in front, providing both added safety and convenience. The ACC system operates at speeds above 40km/h and will automatically be disabled if the vehicle speed falls below 40km/h. 

All HiLux variants also feature a road sign assist system that is able to recognise speed limit signs and display them on the multi information display (MID) in the instrument cluster.

Seven airbags are still standard across the Hilux range, including dual front and side; side curtain and drivers knee airbags. And because more and more utes are finding their way into driveways where little kids play, a reversing camera and parking sensors are standard across the range – which is a lifesaver not only when backing out in the mornings, but also around town in those ever shrinking car parks.

Cost

The substantial upgrade in safety features comes at a price increase of between $800 and $875 depending on the model variant. This comes on top of the minor $80 increase for most models since the facelift, putting the upgraded Hilux in the showroom from $21,865 for the 2.7-litre petrol 4x2 WorkMate manual single cab chassis to $64,4901 for the top-of-the-range 2.8-litre turbodiesel 4x4 Rugged X automatic. This is great value for money for the added features. Plus every Hilux comes with Toyota's five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and capped price servicing.

Conclusion

When the last Hilux was a new model, car buyers didn’t expect anything out of commercial vehicles than to be durable, practical and cheap to own and run. As long as it came through at the moment you needed it, it got the thumbs up.

The new Hilux has sharpened all the points of the last model, and has further improved on recent models from all manufacturers, which find that commercial vehicles need not be rough and ready as they once were. The Hilux, specifically, has been a vehicle that has recognised the dual purpose of utes for a while now and the latest model only improves on that. Now fitted with the latest safety features you can rest assured that it will stay on top of the best-selling list for many years to come.