Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota Hilux (2004-2016)

Is pick-up legend a match for more modern competitors?

Few vehicles are universally recognised by their model name alone, but the Hilux is a true motoring legend. Europe’s best-selling pick-up is famous the world over for its unmatchable dependability, and Toyota has now given it a facelift to keep it at the sharp end of the pick-up market.

The Hilux has never been a stylish choice and the latest model isn’t about to change that. It looks distinctly dated compared to the Ford and VW, but top-of-the-range Invincible trim includes chrome sidesteps and 17-inch alloys. Plus, the revised styling has cleaner, less frumpy lines than before.

Advertisement - Article continues below

What the Toyota does provide is value for money: the £25,735 flagship model tested here has the biggest and most powerful engine of the three, as well as an auto box, yet it still costs £660 less than the manual Ford Ranger Limited.

Opting for the manual version of the Hilux will save you a further £1,000, but it comes with a five-speed box, rather than the six gears you get in the Volkswagen and Ford.

Climb aboard after driving the Amarok or Ranger, and the Toyota feels incredibly old-fashioned. Even the addition of the latest Toyota Touch control system for the stereo and Bluetooth phone connection fails to lift the pretty low-rent cabin.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

A-Class Saloon

2021 Mercedes

A-Class Saloon

56,063 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £16,091
View A-Class Saloon
AMG A35

2023 Mercedes

AMG A35

10,338 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £31,938
View AMG A35
A-Class

2022 Mercedes

A-Class

9,586 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £22,577
View A-Class
Santa Fe

2023 Hyundai

Santa Fe

27,604 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £27,900
View Santa Fe

The driving position isn’t perfect, either: you sit too high up and the steering wheel doesn’t adjust for reach, so it’s harder to get comfortable in the Hilux than it is in the other trucks.

The automatic transmission does the Toyota few favours when it comes to emissions (its CO2 output of 227g/km compares to 203g/km for the manual version), yet performance is still strong. Thanks to its more potent 3.0-litre diesel engine, the Toyota accelerated from 0-60mph more than a second faster than its rivals, in a time of 11.5 seconds.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The engine isn’t the most refined diesel around, but it’s reasonably hushed at 70mph on the motorway. However, there is more wind noise from around the big door mirrors and A-pillars than we noticed in the Ford and Volkswagen.

On twistier roads there’s more body roll than in the Ranger, but the trade-off is softer suspension and a more comfortable ride. Big bumps and ruts still unsettle the Toyota when it’s unladen, but it has perfectly acceptable dynamics for a hard-working pick-up.

We do have two major criticisms of the driving experience, though. Firstly, the brake pedal was very soft from the first stop in our tests. The brakes performed strongly enough, but didn’t inspire as much confidence as the Ford or Volkswagen set-ups. Our other complaint concerns the steering, which is accurate but has an unnatural weighting that increases heavily when cornering.

These shortcomings only serve to highlight the Toyota’s dated underpinnings. But with its competitive prices, healthy list of standard equipment and legendary reputation, the Hilux sets a tough standard for its rivals to beat.

Details

Chart position: 3
WHY: Few vehicles cast such a lengthy shadow over their rivals as the Toyota Hilux. It’s a true legend in the pick-up class.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,297 off RRP*
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,780 off RRP*Used from £14,350
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,575Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £7,850
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,825 off RRP*Used from £13,300
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details
Range Rover Velar EV - front (watermarked)

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details

JLR is getting ready to unveil a mid-size electric Range Rover to end its four-year new model drought, and our exclusive images preview how it could l…
News
10 Sep 2025
Avoid the MG3, says Euro NCAP after critical safety failure in crash test
MG3 - front cornering

Avoid the MG3, says Euro NCAP after critical safety failure in crash test

The MG3 has caused the automotive safety body to review the way it scores crash tests
News
10 Sep 2025
New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

The Honda Civic was already a great car, but updates for 2025 have elevated it even higher
Road tests
11 Sep 2025