What comes as standard?
ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes, ABS, Toyota Safety Sense, DAC, EBD, HAS, TRC, VSC, TSC
Safety: Fivestar ANCAP
Wheels and tyres: Alloy wheels,
265/60 R18 tyres
Fuel and economy: Diesel 7.9L/100km,
tank capacity 80 litres
Emissions: 207g CO2/km on combined
cycle
Dimensions: Length 5325mm,
width 1900mm, height 1815mm
tweaks inside and out, enhanced ICT, safety suites, suspension changes and a substantial mechanical upgrade for diesel models, too. This extends to a new cylinder block and pistons, a larger turbo, new exhaust manifold and increased fuel injection pressure and cooling improvements, making the Hilux’s trusty 2.8litre powerplant, in many respects, a new engine.
The mechanical changes deliver a 20kW power boost to 150kW and — for automatic models — a 50Nm torque increase to 500Nm. This, in turn, brings the Hilux up to the mark for outputs against its key rivals, while at the same time providing a 10% improvement in fuel economy and an 11% reduction in emissions.
I took to the wheel of the $59,990 SR5 Cruiser 4WD Double Cab for this appraisal. Specialedition Mako aside, it’s the flagship of the new range.
Trimmed in artificial leather with perforated squabs, the front seats (both heated and poweroperated for the driver) are broad and supportive, providing a commandstyle seating position that was comfortable for extended driving periods. Rear room is adequate, and the 60:40 split back seat squabs can be easily tilted up for luggage stowage.
The SR5 Cruiser is well equipped. Additional to the features covered off above, it takes satellite navigation, keyless entry and pushbutton start, singlezone climate control and an autodimming interior mirror.
The core safety package, which is standard on all Hilux models, includes a precollision system with autonomous emergency braking (including pedestrian and cyclist detection), lane departure alert, radar cruise control and road sign recognition. Other key safety items include seven airbags, a reversing camera and trailer sway control.