2012 Toyota HiLux Reviews

The news that the Toyota HiLux had become Australia's top-selling vehicle confirmed that Australians were looking beyond traditional sedans and hatches.

These utes were rough as guts a decade ago and few families could put up with them, but they have advanced to the point of being a realistic family car option.With the ability to work hard but also lug boats, caravans and trailers of up to 3500kg as well as cross rivers, conquer mountains and pick up the shopping, it's easy to see the appeal.A wave of new family friendly trucks has arrived in the last two years, lead by the Volkswagen Amarok, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50 and now the new Holden Colorado. CarsGuide assembled the challengers and the reigning sales champion, the Toyota Hilux, at the Melbourne 4x4 Training and Proving Ground in order to pick one winner.A recent facelift upped content and lowered prices Customers can choose from a thirsty 4.0-litre petrol V6 (175kW/376Nm) or a 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel (126kW/343Nm), which lags behind its rivals when it comes to low down lugging (torque).While six gears are common these days, the Hilux makes do with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. Low range is selected with a lever, unlike the other models fitted with a simple dial.The tow rating is the lowest in the class, 1000kg below the maximum tow rating of the Colorado, which could be an issue for some.VERDICTThe interior is spacious and there are some smart storage areas, but the dashboard is old and plain despite a new colour centre screen.It managed the tough terrain with ease, but the Hilux goes to the back of the class due to its ordinary on-road dynamics and jumbled ride, which all points to an old body and chassis. Its engines and transmissions are also getting on.This might have been the benchmark seven years ago, but times have changed and the Hilux drives like an old-school ute.Toyota Hilux SR5Type: 4x4 crew cabPrice: $50,990Engine: 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodieselPower: 126kW at 3600rpmTorque: 343Nm at 1400rpmTransmission: Five-speed manual, optional four-speed automatic ($2500)Towing: 2500kgPayload: 835kgFuel Economy: 13L/100kmSafety Gear: Electronic Stability Control, anti-skid brakes, driver and passenger front and side airbags, side curtain airbagsThe Amarok was new last year and bucked the trend with a small 2.0-litre diesel which it fits with one or two turbos depending on the model.Our test ute has the 120kW and 400Nm version which is especially economical (7.9L/100km). Right now a six-speed manual is the only option, but an automatic is coming this month along with more power and torque. The tow rating is a little low at 2800kg, but should increase too.It has all the safety gear but there is no airbag coverage for the rear seats.VERDICTThe Amarok is one of the best in class, with a spacious interior, good cargo area and relatively good handling. The engine is underwhelming in this category. It needs to be pressed hard and, as a result, can get intrusively loud.The Amarok is also too easy to stall at low speed. Its manual gearbox is crisp and shifts easily. An auto version of this should be good, but we'll have to wait and see.The interior is quite plain and drab compared to the Ranger, but it is all very practical. There is no Bluetooth, which is a glaring omission (we're told it is coming soon).Volkswagen Amarok Highline TDI 400Type: 4x4 crew cabPrice: $52,990Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin turbodieselPower: 120kW at 4000rpmTorque: 400Nm at 1500-2500rpmTransmission: Six-speed manual, no automatic optionTowing: 2800kg (braked trailer)Payload: 992kgFuel Economy: 7.9L/100kmSafety Gear: Electronic Stability Control, anti-skid brakes, driver and passenger front and side airbags (not curtain airbags).This is the newest truck on the block and has the highest towing rating of 3500kg. It's built off the same base as the Isuzu D-Max but is significantly different. The base Colorado gets a 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel with 110kW and 350Nm.A strong 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel is standard on the higher spec models and provides 132kW and 440Nm. This jumps to 470Nm when customers order the optional six-speed automatic, though power remains the same.VERDICTIt isn't the sharpest tool in this shed, but the Colorado still has a lot going for it. The big Holden is comfortable around town, but its soft suspension means it moves around at higher speeds on bumpy roads. It doesn't like corners you need to turn the wheel a lot to get around tight ones.The 2.8-litre engine is the loudest, but the pitch is not irritating. It pulls as hard as the BT-50 and Ranger five-cylinder. We like the very roomy interior, but the dashboard of the high-end LT-Z looks cheap with ordinary plastics and a retro digital display.Holden Colorado LT-ZType: 4x4 crew cabPrice: $49,990 (plus $3230 hard tonneau and snorkel)Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodieselPower: 132kW at 3800rpmTorque: 440Nm at 2000rpm (auto 470Nm)Transmission: Five-speed manual, six-speed automaticTowing: 3500kgPayload: 1000kgFuel Economy: 9.1L/100kmSafety Gear: Electronic stability control, front driver and passenger airbags, side curtain airbagsLike its Mazda twin, the Ranger is new except for its revised engines. Entry level Rangers are sold with a four-cylinder petrol engine. Then is a choice of a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel (110kW and 375Nm) and a 3.2-litre five-cylinder (147kW and 470Nm).Shared with Mazda, these are the strongest in the class. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The maximum towing capacity is a considerable 3350kg.VERDICTThe Ranger XLT comes with the most gear, but is also the most expensive. Its interior is spacious and practical and the dashboard and instrument cluster is stylish (in a masculine way) with a high quality colour information display and quality surfaces.The 3.2-litre engine sits at the top of the class in terms of performance, but (as is the case with the BT-50) makes a slightly annoying and inconsistent rattle (injectors apparently).The ride is better than the Mazda's but firmer than the others. The upside is brilliant handling and excellent suppression of big bumps, especially on country roads. We also like the sharp and direct steering and quiet cabin.Ford Ranger XLTType: 4x4 crew cabPrice: $53,390Engine: 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbodieselPower: 147kW at 3000rpmTorque: 470Nm at 1500-2750rpmTransmission: Six-speed manual, optional six-speed automatic ($2000 extra)Towing: 3350kgPayload: 1041kgFuel Economy: 9.2L/100kmSafety Gear: Electronic Stability Control, anti-skid brakes, driver and passenger front and side airbags, side curtain airbagsThe BT-50 is the same as the Ranger under the skin, but Mazda and Ford came up with their own interior and exterior designs. It is available with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel (110kw and 375Nm) or a 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel which pumps out a handy 147kW and 470Nm.You can have a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The maximum tow rating for the big Mazda is a respectable 3350kg. Mazda fitted the test BT with a bull bar and alloy wheels which cost $6540.VERDICTThe BT-50 has much the same strengths as its Ranger twin, including strong engines, but there are some differences. Firmer suspension tuned for sportiness, means a fidgety ride on imperfect roads. The interior is plain, but the quality is excellent.BT-50s are cheaper than rival Rangers (about $4000 in some cases) but usually have a little less gear. Then there is the appearance. It is ugly and looks like a Ssangyong. The bull bar covers up the worst elements, but costs more.Our BT-50 suffered a mechanical problem in the middle of a water crossing, which the other vehicles managed repeatedly without incident. It has been trucked back to Mazda for a diagnosis.Mazda BT-50 XT-RType: 4x4 crew cabPrice: $48,810 (plus $6540 bull-bar and wheels)Engine: 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo dieselPower: 147kW at 3000rpmTorque: 470Nm at 1750-2500rpmTransmission: Six-speed manual, optional six-speed automatic ($2000 extra)Towing: 3350kgPayload: 1097kgFuel Economy: 9.2L/100kmSafety Gear: Electronic Stability Control, anti-skid brakes, driver and passenger front and side airbags, side curtain airbagsCONCLUSIONThe Hilux might top the sales charts, but the ageing warrior finishes a clear last in this company. We'd be happy to recommend the Volkswagen, Ford, Holden and Mazda, which all demonstrate how far crew cab utes have come.An underdone engine and lack of automatic transmission knocks the Amarok out of contention in this test, along with a plain interior and some missing gear, but upcoming changes could put it back in the hunt.The buff Colorado is a comfortable cruiser and its engine is a bit rough but it lugs along without fuss. Ordinary handling and a cheap interior prove the difference here but it is surprisingly easy to live with.That leaves the twins. The engines can be intrusive and automatic transmissions can hunt but they are clearly the best trucks here. The BT-50 is the best value for money, but has an uncompromising ride and plain cabin. Sadly, the awful styling will put off many buyers.The pricier Ranger does everything the Mazda does, but rides better, has a bit more equipment and looks great. Its superior interior seals the deal.Others:Nissan's Navara is old, but good. New pricing makes it worth looking at. The new D-Max is Isuzu's take on the Colorado and is a contender. Mitsubishi's Triton is in the same class as Hilux: its best days are behind it.

A tough-as-nails reputation perpetuated by the brand's marketing and stunts pulled by Top Gear in the UK have given the Toyota HiLux an enviable image.Not the prettiest light-commercial dual-cab on the lot, or the one packing the most punch or towing capacity, the Toyota HiLux still manages (with a fair bit of help from the mining companies and fleets) to top the nation's sales sheets in some months.The updated model dropped its price in the face of renewed competition from Mazda and Ford and remains a top-seller for the Toyota brand.VALUEWe've spent some time behind the wheel of the top-spec Toyota SR5 V6 petrol automatic, which did carry a $53,690 price tag but has been whittled back to $53,490.The model update brought a touch-screen 3D satnav and CD/USB/Bluetooth linked six-speaker  infotainment system, which has SUNA real-time traffic info for route choice and also gives audible speed warnings (which surprise a little the first time they occur when you're driving solo).The rear tray is also festooned with a new-look alloy sports bar. There's also a 17in alloy wheels (including a full-size spare), side steps, cloth trim, climate control, power windows, wheel controls for sound system and phone.TECHNOLOGYThis is not the segment where the latest and greatest in automotive technology appears - there are features in this segment that date back to the horse and cart (leaf springs), it sits on a ladder-frame chassis and the rear wheels are still retarded by drum brakes.That said, the four-litre petrol V6 does have variable valve timing and produces 175kW and 376Nm, channelling it to the rear (or all four) wheels via a five-speed auto.There are some high-tech touches to the infotainment system - satnav that has real-time traffic info and route information that estimates fuel use and CO2 emissions for your journey. The system also has a USB input as well as Bluetooth phone and audio link, but the phone set-up suffers for having the microphone in the dash and not somewhere up near the driver's head.DESIGNForm over function is not part of the LCV DNA - big, square, tall and with a tray, a bit of ground clearance (227mm) to get over the rough stuff and seating for five workers or the family on the weekends. The driver's seat doesn't offer masses of adjustment range and is also hampered by tilt-only steering adjustment, but a half-decent driving position is still achievable.The rear has a centre lap seatbelt which is not ideal, but the rear backrest and bench is not as near to a 90-degree angle as it used to be.There is some underfloor storage beneath the rear bench too, but if you have any desire to put a child seat in, allocate a little more time than average.SAFETYThe updated HiLux scores four stars from the ANCAP crash testers, which is an acceptable (says ANCAP) level for a light-commercial, although the new Ranger/BT-50 duo score five.The HiLux has anti-lock braking on the front disc/rear drum set-up, with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, stability and traction control, dual front, front-side and curtain airbags. The front height-adjustable seatbelts have pre-tensioners and load limiters but the rear pew has a lap-only belt.DRIVINGThere are plenty of tradies that use these trucks to cart and tow work machinery during the week, then team up with the missus to throw the rugrats in the back and hook up toys to the towbar on the weekend. The HiLux has the CV to complete both duties without any issues. Granted, the four-litre petrol V6 has the thirst of a parched lush compared to some of the other engines on offer from TMC and its opposition, but if you're hooked on PULP then it's a decent donk, but the turbodiesel is a better all-round option for this workhorse.The driver gets tilt-only steering adjustment and not a great range of change in the seat position - the A-pillars are on the portly side and the rear view isn't fantastic, enough to warrant some sensors and a rear camera. The daily grind isn't intolerable, but don't expect pin-sharp steering or a tight turning circle.A secure rear canopy and a large lockbox full of heavy tools might help settle the rear end down, as the leaf springs The standard rubber wrapped around the 17in alloys (Bridgestone Duelers) are jack-of-all-trade tyres but not great on any surface and giving the limited slip diff the flick in light of electronic stability aids is a retrograde step.Despite the average tyre grip and the absence of an LSD and rear diff lock, the HiLux clambers over obstacles and loose surfaces without feeling in danger of failing to proceed. The rear seat base cushion flips up to expose some underfloor storage and if you have young `uns that's where you'll need to fiddle about with child seat anchor points, but it's difficult to fit and access them.Yes, that's not the primary duty of such a machine but more are being used as dual-purpose vehicles - the HiLux can certainly complete all the necessary tricks to qualify as a solid all-rounder but its now under siege from key competitors who can do some things better - for example the Ranger/BT-50 has a higher braked towing capacity and more torque.But many still see the Unbreakable tag and find it tough to go past. It's not hard to see why but the dominance is dwindling.

Former Prime Minister John Howard knew what it was like at the summit.Like any peak in geography or commerce, the top is lonely, cold and the footing is treacherous. Add to that the hundreds of voracious rivals biting at your ankles to prove that winning does have its price.Like John Howard, Toyota's Hilux has stood at the top of an Australia mountain for decades. The ute mountain. Almost 700,000 have been sold here since 1968 and more than half were 4WDs.Unlike John Howard, Toyota has regularly visited the make-over artist for a new look and it's this refreshment that has kept the Hilux the market winner.New for 2011 is a sheet metal exercise for the nose and extras for the cabin. Not much, really. But maybe it won't take much to stay ahead.VALUEIf there's one complaint about the Hilux it's the constant whinging by buyers about the price. Most say it's too expensive. Perhaps the rivals are too cheap. Regardless, at $53,490 the SR5 dual-cab 4WD turbo-diesel automatic doesn't look cheap but for 2011 comes with a heap of extras and a $2200 price reduction on the 2010 model.The upgraded features includes a beaut touch-screen audio and sat-nav unit; Bluetooth; auto climate aircon; six airbags; and electronic stability control. It's not cheap - though what is? - but resale is strong.DESIGNForgetting the Holden and Ford car-based utes for a moment, the Japanese-bred workhorse versions are becoming so stylish even your wife will drive one. Maybe. All look good in the driveway and the Hilux doesn't disappoint with a family grille - resembling the Kluger - prominent enough to mark it as a new model.The rest of the ute is as before though the cabin has a more  upmarket feel, the touch-screen audio looks almost luxurious; and the practicality remains. But the tail gate is still to heavy compared with many rivals and the manual operation of the low-range transfer case is old hat.TECHNOLOGYThe drivetrain is a carry over from 2010 which is actually date-stamped 2005. It will be another four years before a really new Hilux appears. But though it all sounds oldfashioned, the SR5 will easily hold its head high among the newcomers. The 126kW/343Nm 3-litre  diesel looks down on power compared with others but that doesn't transfer to on and off-road feel.The auto is a five-speed unit and together with the diesel, Toyota claims 9.3 L/100km for the 4WD. Suspension is simple wishbones at the front and leaf springs out back, with front disc brakes and rear drums.SAFETYYes, the SR5 gets ESC, traction control, brake assist and brakeforce distribution plus six airbags. But it is the only Hilux model to get these safety features as standard. They are o ptional on some other versions. The Hilux has a four-star crash rating which compares, for example, with the five-star result for the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50.DRIVINGLike most 4WD utes, the Hilux diesel works as an automatic. The box picks up the best shift points and that extends to working perfectly in sand. I trundled the Hilux down a distant beach and, with the tyres down to 12psi, confidently but slowly paddled around the bay's foreshore. It's still a very good engine - despite the co mpetition - and gearbox, but an electric transfer case would make life easier.The manual shift is stiff to the point of rigid, awkward and imprecise. Cabin comfort is good - but the engine isn't quiet, notably when accelerating - while room is on par with most but down on rear seat legroom on the Ranger/Mazda pair. Typical of the genre, the turning circle is wide and the steering wheel feel is vague while braking power is just adequate. Simple suspension works prfectly with excellent rear wheel  travel to maximise traction.VERDICTYes, it's just a makeover and there's a long way to go before an all-new model but the Hilux remains extremely competent and competitive.

Toyota is polishing up the HiLux team, readying for a fierce season as new and improved players take to the ute field. The HiLux, as a two and four-wheel drive, remains the country's favourite ute but faces renewed attack with the imminent arrival of all-new Ford Rangers, Mazda BT-50s and Holden Colorado. Then there's