The new 2016 Toyota Hilux, unveiled at the 2016 Geneva motor show, is the latest link in the chain of exceptional Hilux models dating back to 1968.
It offers an even tougher chassis, enhanced 4×4 capability, practicality and functionality, better safety features and an even more appealing cost of ownership – not to mention the new styling and improved comfort.
Here’s our rundown of exactly what’s changed for the new Hilux compared with the outgoing model.
Engine and powertrain
The new 2016 Toyota Hilux will be available with a new 2.4-litre D-4D diesel engine, in two- or four-wheel drive variants and with either an uprated 6-speed manual transmission or a new 6-speed automatic.
The new engine has vastly improved torque delivery in the low and medium speed ranges, as well as class-leading fuel economy. As well as having a lower environmental impact, the engine is also far more responsive than before.
One change for the 2016 Hilux is the removal of the low-range four-wheel drive gear lever, which has been replaced by a switch. This is easier to operate and improves the system’s durability and reliability – and only makes it possible to engage low-range gears when it is safe to do so.
See the key engine specs at the bottom of the page.
Chassis and suspension
Compared with the current Hilux, the torsional rigidity of the new model’s chassis has increased by 20 per cent – making it even more stable and strong. New suspension has furthered off-road capability as well as producing improved SUV-like ride comfort.
Dimensions and weights
The new 2016 Toyota Hilux is longer and wider than the outgoing model, with a lower overall height. The wheelbase remains the same.
Due to the new reinforced ladder chassis, increased equipment and additional safety features, the new model weighs 2,100kg* – a 180kg increase on the outgoing model. *subject to homologation
| New Hilux | Current Hilux | |
| Length (mm) | 5,335 (+75) | 5,260 |
| Width (mm) | 1,855 (+20) | 1,835 |
| Height (mm) | 1,815 (-45) | 1,860 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3,085 (+0) | 3,085 |
| Curb weight (kg) | TBC (subject to homologation) | 1,920 |
Towing capacity
The maximum towing capacity of the new Hilux is 3.5 tons*.
*subject to UK homologation, may be listed as 3.2 tons in other markets.
In the back
The rear deck has a class-leading maximum width of 1,645mm (124mm more than before), and it’s stronger – with redesigned floor ribs and a reinforced header panel. The tailgate now features stronger link-type tailgate hinges and heavy duty steel plate brackets, to keep your kit super-secure.
Measurements and specifications may vary, depending on cab type.
Looks and exterior design
Hilux now has Toyota’s ‘Keen Look’ styling on the headlamps and upper grille. The bumper has a more expressive shape and a larger lower grille, while the placement of the fog lights and wrap-around headlamps emphasise its width.
At the side, the wheel arches are more pronounced, yet seamlessly integrated into the body shell. A new styling line links the front and rear wheels before curving upwards to anchor the wrap-around rear lamp clusters. The B-pillar is also blacked out within the smooth, rear-slanted silhouette of the cabin, while a new chrome belt-line links the cab and rear deck. There will also be a choice of new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Viewed from the rear, the Hilux shows off new lamp clusters, a bumper set lower to the ground and with a lower step for improved access. The rear view handle is now integrated into the handle assembly.
The roof aerial has been repositioned from the rear to the front, and the roof itself now has V-shape contours to channel air to the sides of the vehicle, rather than toward the deck or tailgate, where it can create drag.
The interior
Inside, new Hilux has more equipment and better quality materials.
The new features available on Hilux (depending on model trim level and specification) include a new tablet-like 7-inch touch screen multimedia system (see below); a new driver’s instrument binnacle with a full 4.2-inch TFT information display; a new steering wheel with integrated switchgear; a shortened gear lever; a six-speaker audio system; and a new air-conditioning system with new air vents.
Soft-touch materials are now in place on elements like the armrests, while the metallic-coated styling elements create a more cohesive look. All of the interior lighting is now blue, adding to the harmonious feel.
Leather upholstery is only available on top-spec models, while mid grade versions get high-quality fabric. Entry grade models are available with a tough, hard-wearing material ideal for business users.
Interior storage
The Hilux can carry plenty on its flat-bed, but there’s lots of storage spaces inside the cabin too. It has a split-level glove box – the lower section is lockable, while the upper part is connected to the air-con and can act as a cool box for two 500ml bottles.
Other storage includes: a centre console box equipped with a 220V power socket; an overhead sunglass holder; dashboard-mounted cup holders; a large cup holder and storage tray between the drivers and front passenger, which has two 12 V sockets and AUX and USB ports; a rear armrest with twin cupholders; pockets and convenience to the front seat backs; rear ceiling hooks; and under-seat storage compartments in the rear.
Multimedia and navigation
The new Hilux is equipped with Toyota Touch 2 audio, or Touch 2 with Go navigation, depending on grade.
The touch screen is now measures 7 inches corner-to-corner, up from 6.1 inches in the outgoing model. All controls have been integrated into the capacitive touchscreen, which is now a completely flat panel. The screen is easier to use than before, as well as more readable.
Where is the Toyota Hilux made?
The 2016 Hilux models that arrive in the UK and western Europe will be produced in South Africa at Toyota South Africa Motors. The 2.4 D-4D engines are made in Japan and the gearboxes are made in Thailand, Philliphines and India (manuals) or Japan (automatics).
Globally, Hilux will be made in six locations: Thailand, Argentina, Malaysia, Venezuela, Pakistan and South Africa.
The car was designed in Japan and its chief engineer is Hiroki Nakajima.
Engine specifications
| New 2.4 D-4D 4WD manual | Current 2.5 D-4D 4WD manual | |
| Displacement (cm3) | 2,393 | 2,494 |
| Max power (DIN hp) | 150 | 144 |
| Max torque (Nm/rpm) | 400 / 1,600-2,000 | 343 / 1,600-2,800 |
| 0-62mph (secs) | TBC | 13.3 |
| Max speed (mph / kph) | TBC | 105 / 170 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 39 mpg | 39 mpg |
| CO2 emissions (g/km) | TBC | 194 |
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Having read the last comment with regards the emission being reduced, there are plenty of cars in the Toyota range for this offset, especially as Toyota have lead the way with the Prius over the years, so stop giving customers rubbish talk, and supply what they are after, if Toyota gb had listened from the start they would of sold loads of 2.8’s to pay the tax for the bigger engine, or let’s look at it this way, why not bring the hilux in, in KDF (knocked down form) like a lot of other manufacturers do, to avoid the tax !. Let’s stand up and make the ex-eu country called Britain great again, and have what the public want, not what Europe say
Hi Nathan,
Thanks for getting in touch and thanks for all your feedback!
Hi Ella,
I have been reading these comments for the last 45 mins,
It seems like you are simply ignoring the comments calling for the bigger engine???
Yes, I have test driven your new model and although the vehicle looks nice, rides nice and has an improved interior, the engine is a massive let down!! I cant stress it enough. It has a tiny range of torque, and in use as a work vehicle its almost pointless.
Please put this comment and the hundreds of others to someone who will listen? I am another hilux owner who after my test drive will be buying something else.
Ian
Hi Ian,
Thanks for getting in touch. These comments are monitored by a number of members of Toyota UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to control what engines are released for UK sale. Like others, this comment will be passed on to our teams and taken into consideration for future generations of the Hilux.
Has it not come across to you that maybe that is not good enough Ella? I don’t mean to sound rude, but every single comment here is slating the 2.4, I think we need a proper response TGB! I hate hate hate to say this but I’ve just purchased a Ranger because of the small engine in the Hilux. Everything about the Hilux was better except that engine, I even test drove the vehicle 3x times to try and persuade myself away from the Ranger. If Toyota were to bring that 2.8 engine to the UK I would sell my ranger tomorrow and buy the hilux. What I’m trying to say is that the only thing I could not live with in the new Hilux is that pathetic engine, it’s a crying shame because I’m the biggest die hard Hilux fan and have been for the las 20 years, it genuinely invokes anger in me that Toyota UK has decided to not listen to the people buying their vehicles in the UK. I’m about to replace three other vehicles in my fleet in the next 6 months as well, at this rate they will not be Hilux’s, which genuinely makes me sad. Well done Toyota GB!
Hi Alistair,
We’d like to thank you for all your feedback. As we’ve said before, we are feeding these comments to the relevant departments within Toyota GB and Toyota Motor Europe. Any developments regarding the Hilux or any other Toyota models will be announced here.
I thought I was the only one! I’ve just had two separate test drives of two separate invincible hiluxes and both of them were amazing cars, except for that pathetic little engine! I’m so happy to see so many other previous generation hilux owners on this feed are as angry and annoyed as I am about TGB bringing in only the tiny engine, due to some nonsense about emissions. Ella can you explain why the 2.8 engine is in the land cruiser which is on sale here, but not the hilux? How is it ok in the cruiser but not the hilux?! A simple google of your commercial sales figures shows you’re down 2000 units year on year with the new hilux, I bet you any money that is because of the pathetic engine, people aren’t stupid. This whole thing makes me angry because I’ve been a hilux die hard fan/owner for the last 20 years, but I’m not a fool, I used to buy the hilux because it was the best. Sadly, with this engine it no longer is, I am now being forced by TGB to purchase a Ranger. You have no idea how this upsets me, I would sell the ranger tomorrow if the 2.8 came out the in the uk. Get the message through to HQ, your customers aren’t happy with your bad decisions!
Hi Peter,
We’d like to thank you for your feedback and assure you that this will be fed back to relevant departments within Toyota GB and Toyota Motor Europe. Many thanks.
Hi
I have had Toyota all my life going back to bj40 and I really wanted the new hilux ,but it won’t pull I know you say it will but in the real world we wanted over 200 bhp and big torque ,i don’t care if I had to put adblue in !
Please sort this …..ford is calling !
I did plan to purchase a Hilux in the 3rd quarter of this year but it’s the 2.4 engine that’s pushing me towards the v6 amarok. I configured a Hilux invincible and it came to £36,785.00. V6 amarok Trendline is coming out at £36,507. Sorry Toyota but unless you give us the 2.8, you be seein my cash. Listen to your customers and give them what they want. You snooze, you loose.
typo *won’t be seeing my cash.
Collected new Hilux Invincible X on 30th March, from local Toyota dealer. Traded in year old Navara NP300 which I had owned from new. The new Hilux is head and shoulders above the Navara, it’s quieter, quicker and has an overall better quality finish and far better interior.
The engine is quieter than the Navara and pulls just as well if not better.
The media system is great and really user friendly.
Having owned 2x Hilux in 1987 and 1995, glad I made the decision to purchase the Mark 8.. it’s a quality piece of Kit.
Looked at a Ranger 3.2. Good truck.. bit dated the Hilux ticks all the boxes!
I owned one of the first VW Amaroks in 2011, not for long though, poor aftermarket alarm and parking sensors, sluggish engine.
The new Hilux is a good choice for anybody looking for a quality product.
So I decided to take the Hilux 2.4 Auto out for a test drive, I thought it deserves a chance before I go for the Amarok. 1st, this was the Invincible X version and the interior is high end, very. IMHO the ranger and others do not come close. The seats were ultra comfortable and very supportive. 2nd after a quick check around the bodywork I noticed the reverse parking sensors, yes they had been fitted and yes the chrome bumper was rusting (this was a brand new demo vehicle) more concerning was the paintwork, many errors, like dust has settled during the pain process, the black bumpers looked like they had been sprayed from a can!!!. 3rd The test drive. bounce was well controlled and the sound insulation was excellent. This particular vehicle was sitting on 18’s and body roll/control was OK, just ok. What was disappointing though was the power or lack of. this thing is slow and the Auto gearbox hangs on waaaaaay to long, so you just get noise and not power, I can imagine the manual would be better though. Will I be buying? I wished I could but I cant get over the lack of power, it really is a deal breaker for me. Sorry Toyota GB but its a NO from me, I really wished it wasn’t.
chris
there are all the same, mine was rusting after 5 weeks, the sales man said it was the worse one he had seen, the rusting is the least of their worries as the sensors don’t work anyway, everybody I talk too say the same things,
I have waited 8 month now for a answer, they don’t seem to care, now that they have your cash ,
Hi John,
We’re very sorry to hear about this. We would recommend contacting our customer relations team. After initial contact with the customer relations team, please expect contact within 72 hours. Many thanks.
Hi, is there any more information on the petrol Hilux for the U.K. Market ??
Thanks…
Hi Finners,
Unfortunately, we have no information regarding the future of the Hilux. If there are any more developments they will be announced here!
Are we ever going to get 2.8 hilux over here. Getting bored of waiting and not hearing any news on what I going to happen. Everybody wants it, so come on. My 3L hilux is coming up for replacement, although I will probably keep it until you bring out the 2.8 as it is a great vehicle and I certainly won’t be downgrading to the 2.4 especially as the rest of the world seems to have the 2.8. Maybe I will fly to South Africa and buy a 2.8 and drive it back and put it to the test.
Happy birthday , my new Hilux is a year old
All good, reliability , still a poor choice of accessories, and limited options compared with what other Toyota importers offer
Maybe TGB will get their act together in 2018 with some changes ?? 2.8 option, DAB radio and a accurate fuel gauge??
bought mine back in November, and a decent enough pickup, had 2x3lts before hand and to be honest the 2.4 doesn’t really upset me too much, it drives very well and is as other say very comfortable, the problem is the parking sensors don’t work, Toyota are aware of this and are working on a fix, why don’t they notify us and make us aware of the issue, I have been at the dealer ship 4 times now, and get the same sob story, we have opened a case but haven’t heard anything back from Toyota yet, why and how are they still able to sell the top end pick-up when they know there is a problem, I wonder how many would be put off if the saleman turned round and said great pick-up but we are having a problem with the sensors, just give us your dosh and we will keep fobbing you off with cheap excuses
come on Toyota, you need to do better than that
I have exactly the same problem and Toyota say that the fix date is ‘open ended’. Not good enough. It has also recently been back to have the forward camera system repaired as condensation gathers between the lens and the screen. Two safety features that have failed. Both are problems recognised by Toyota. As you say, these would be difficult to sell if the sales teams were telling the customers about the faults. Toyota need to sort this issue soon as my campaign on their Facebook page will continue to be ‘open ended’. I also hear that some are experiencing gear box problems.
Having had a test drive, the improvements in the new Hilux are noticeable in terms of comfort and driveability. However that small engine is still a big concern when the VW puts out nearly 70bhp more (90 more on overboost), that’s nearly 50% more power as well as 40% more torque. When will Toyota stop playing ‘safe’ and actually give us the power that we want. VW and now Mercedes (V6 255bhp) all realise there is a market share to be grabbed, why not Toyota? The 2.8 1GD-FTV engine is available for the Land Cruiser with 177bhp, why not the Hilux? I realise that Toyota GB has very little say in the matter as a subsidiary of Toyota Europe, but the European market is very nearly as big as the Australian market where they get a choice of 2 diesels and a petrol V6! Why can’t we get the same choice here?