Toyota hilux: An in-depth Guide to Price, Features, And Performance in India
The Toyota Hilux has earned a legendary reputation worldwide as one of the toughest pickup trucks ever built. After decades of global success, this beast finally arrived in the Indian market in January 2022, and it’s been turning heads ever since. If you’re considering a lifestyle pickup truck that can handle everything from daily commutes to extreme off-road adventures, the Hilux deserves your attention. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Toyota Hilux, from pricing and variants to features and real-world performance. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or comparing options, we’ll break down what makes this truck special. What Makes the Toyota Hilux Special? The Hilux isn’t just another pickup truck. It’s built on Toyota’s IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) platform, the same foundation used for the Fortuner. This means you get SUV-like comfort with genuine truck capability. The Hilux comes to India as a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) unit, assembled at Toyota’s Bidadi plant in Karnataka. This approach helps keep costs somewhat reasonable compared to a full import, though it still sits in the premium segment. What sets the Hilux apart is its body-on-frame construction with a ladder frame chassis. This old-school design philosophy means the truck can take serious punishment without falling apart. The vehicle rides on double-wishbone suspension up front and leaf springs at the rear, a setup that balances on-road comfort with off-road durability. Toyota Hilux Price in India The Hilux is positioned as a premium lifestyle pickup truck, and the pricing reflects this positioning. As of 2025, the Toyota Hilux is available in two main variants: The Standard 4×4 MT variant starts at approximately Rs. 30.40 lakh, while the top-spec High 4×4 AT variant is priced around Rs. 36.80 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). These prices can vary slightly depending on your city and any ongoing offers. Yes, it’s expensive for a pickup truck. But consider what you’re getting: a globally proven workhorse with legendary reliability, strong resale value, and capabilities that few vehicles in India can match. For accurate, up-to-date pricing in your area, it’s worth visiting Castle Toyota to discuss current offers and financing options. Dealerships often have information about seasonal promotions that aren’t advertised online. Toyota Hilux Features: What’s Inside? The Toyota Hilux features list is surprisingly comprehensive for a vehicle designed primarily as a working truck. Let’s look at what you get across the two variants. Exterior Design and Build The Hilux has a commanding road presence. It measures 5,325 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and stands 1,815 mm tall. The wheelbase stretches 3,085 mm, providing stability and a decent turning radius despite the truck’s size. The front end features Toyota’s signature hexagonal grille with chrome detailing. LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs come standard, giving the truck a modern look. The muscular fenders and high ground clearance of 279 mm make it clear this truck means business. The cargo bed measures 1,520 mm in length and 1,645 mm in width, with a payload capacity of up to 500 kg. That’s enough space for most recreational gear, building materials, or camping equipment. The tailgate opens flat and can support considerable weight. Deciding between the Toyota Vellfire and the Mercedes-Benz V-Class? Read this blog to discover which luxury MPV is better for you! Interior Comfort and Technology Step inside, and you’ll find a cabin that’s more Fortuner than bare-bones work truck. The dashboard layout is clean and functional, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage. This system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with voice recognition and a six-speaker sound system. The automatic variant gets push-button start, automatic climate control, and cruise control. The seats are upholstered in fabric (standard variant) or a mix of fabric and leather-like material (high variant), and they’re surprisingly comfortable for long drives. Rear passengers get decent legroom, though the upright seating position and firm cushioning remind you this is still a truck at heart. Storage spaces are abundant, with multiple cupholders, door pockets, and a useful center console. One feature worth highlighting: the instrument cluster includes a multi-information display that shows real-time data like pitch and roll angles, inclinometer readings, and four-wheel-drive status. This comes in handy when you’re navigating tricky terrain. Safety Equipment Toyota hasn’t skimped on safety. The Hilux comes with seven airbags as standard, including driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, and a driver knee airbag. Other safety features include ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, hill start assist, and trailer sway control. The automatic variant adds downhill assist control, which helps maintain controlled speeds when descending steep slopes. There’s also a reverse camera with parking sensors, making it easier to maneuver this large truck in tight spaces. Performance: How Does the Toyota Hilux Drive? Here’s where things get interesting. The Toyota Hilux runs on a 2.8-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. This is the same 1GD-FTV engine found in the Fortuner, and it produces 204 PS of power and 500 Nm of torque. You get two transmission options: a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Both are paired with a four-wheel-drive system that includes a low-range transfer case for serious off-roading. On-Road Behavior On the highway, the Hilux feels planted and stable. The steering is light enough for city driving but weighs up nicely at speed. The ride quality is surprisingly good for a truck, though you’ll definitely notice the leaf-spring rear suspension when the bed is empty. Load some weight back there, and the ride smooths out considerably. The diesel engine provides strong mid-range pull, making overtaking confident and stress-free. Fuel efficiency hovers around 10-12 km/l in mixed driving conditions, which is reasonable given the vehicle’s size and weight. One thing to note: the Hilux is long and wide. Parking in crowded city areas takes practice, and narrow lanes can be challenging. This isn’t a vehicle for everyone’s daily commute. Off-Road Capability This is where the Hilux truly shines. Switch into four-wheel-drive mode, engage the rear differential lock, and this truck will go