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Toyota Hilux Pick-up 2.5 Double Cab HL2 4X4

For:
It's decent to drive, the cabin is solid and flexible and the loadbay is a good size

Against:
It's heavy to park, short on seat adjustment, and the 101bhp diesel struggles even if the loadbay is empty.



Performance

Hilux buyers can choose between 101bhp or 118bhp 2.5-litre turbodiesels and a 168bhp 3.0-litre diesel. The entry-level model is best avoided, because it struggles to keep up with the ebb and flow of traffic, even when the loadbed is empty. The higher-powered 2.5 is a much stronger option. In fact, it makes the flagship 3.0-litre engine feel redundant.

Ride & handling

Firm suspension gives the Hilux decent body control when tackling corners or undulating roads and the steering is reassuringly weighty. Unfortunately, the trade-off for its composure is ride comfort. Around town in particular, the Toyota tends to thump over potholes, shaking occupants in their seats. There's a shortage of rear-end grip when the loadbay is empty, too.

Refinement

All three Hilux engines are noisy, whether you're trundling around town or cruising on the motorway, but the smallest engine is worst because it needs to be worked hard to make up for the dearth of power. Big door mirrors cause plenty of wind noise at the national limit, but occupants are well isolated from road noise.

Buying & owning

Company drivers who use a commercial vehicle like the Hilux for relevant businesses pay tax at a flat rate rather than on a portion of the list price, and this makes them much cheaper to run than an equivalent-priced car. Alternatively, if you're a VAT-registered trader, you can claim back the VAT. Maintenance and fuel bills are competitive.

Quality & reliability

Over the years, the Hilux earned a reputation for unbreakable mechanicals and build quality, and this version should prove similarly durable. Its cabin is a little dull, being dominated by dreary grey plastics, but everything feels reassuringly solid and hardwearing.

Safety & security

Every Hilux comes with two airbags, but side and curtain bags aren't even an option, and there's no stability control. On the security front, etched windows and plenty of marked mechanical parts make the car easier to trace should it be stolen. HL3 models and above also have an alarm, but Toyota doesn't fit deadlocks to the Hilux.

Behind the wheel

The Hilux has chunky controls for the heater and stereo, and they're placed high on the dashboard to be within easy reach. On the downside, some drivers will find it difficult to make themselves comfortable, because the steering wheel only moves up and down and there's no seat height adjustment.

Space & practicality

Toyota offers the Hilux in two-seater Twin Cab and five-seater Double Cab forms, with the latter sacrificing some load space for its extra seats. There's also a Extra Cab model which has two occasional rear seats. The rear bench in the Double Cab flips up to reveal some useful cubbies, but a centre rear occupant only gets a lap-belt rather than a full three-point seatbelt.

Equipment

Even entry-level HL2 models have air-conditioning, powered windows, remote central locking and a CD player with MP3 compatibility. Moving up to HL3 brings you electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, velour rather than cloth upholstery and alloy wheels, and the top Invincible trim brings a six-disc CD multichanger, satellite-navigation and rear privacy glass.

Running Costs

Town mpg

28

Out of Town mpg

39.2

Average mpg

34

Tank Capacity (gallons)

17.5

CO2 Rating (g/km)

219

Insurance Group

8

Typical Insurance Quote

£410

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

N/A

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£0

Pence Per Mile

0

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£0

Servicing Intervals

N/A

Manufacturers Warranty

Performance & Measurements

Body type

Pick-up

Number of Doors

4

Number of Seats

4

Engine (cc/type)

2494/4

Fuel Type

Diesel

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

118/3600

Engine Position

N/A

Driven Wheels

Four

Length (mm)

5130

Width (mm)

1760

Height (mm)

1810

Boot Space (min ltr)

N/A

Boot Space (max ltr)

N/A

Turning Circle (m)

12.2

Towing Weight(kg)

2250

Kerb Weight (kg)

1880

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