The much-anticipated Toyota Hilux is finally ready to come to our shores. As per the latest media reports, the brand is all set to launch the pickup truck in the country in January 2022. Toyota Hilux is known worldwide for its bullet-proof credibility and robust underpinnings. It is based on the IMV-2 platform, which already propels the Fortuner premium SUV and Inova Crysta MPV.
Basically, the Hilux truck is the pickup edition of the Fortuner, with a flat deck instead of the third row of seats. In addition, the Hilux shares most of the front and side profile of the Fortuner SUV. The truck is 5.3 metres long owing to the stretched deck and, hence, becomes bigger in dimensions than the Fortuner. The brand will introduce it as a premium pickup truck in the Indian market.
Speaking of the design and styling, the forthcoming Hilux gets all-LED headlamps with LED DRLs, tough body cladding, engraved taillamps, chrome-finished door handles, side steps, a masculine hexagonal grille, machined alloy wheels, and much more. It is also worth noting that the company has a plan to bring only the double-cab version to India rather than the single-cab version. This is all done to offer it in a five-seater configuration.
Along with sharing exterior elements with the Fortuner and Innova Crysta, the 2022 Toyota Hilux will share the interior as well. Starting from the dashboard layout to an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a TFT MID unit in the instrument panel, automatic climate control, a powered driver’s seat and more. In terms of powertrain, the Hilux will be powered by the 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, 150 bhp diesel engine of the Innova Crysta or the 2.8-litre, four-cylinder, 204 bhp diesel engine of the Toyota Fortuner.
Moreover, the India-spec model’s transmission options are not confirmed yet, but we can anticipate it to come with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. As far as pricing is concerned, the Hilux will most likely be available at a price of Rs 25–32 lakh (ex-showroom).
