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One change for the 2016 Hilux is the removal of the low-range four-wheel drive gear lever, which has been replaced by a switch.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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I am so glad to have found this thread.
I have been a Toyota customer for over 25 years, I am fortunate enough to have the awesome 2009 Hilux Invincible 200 edition. With it’s 3 Litre 200bhp engine, rear wheel drive and lsd.
I was really looking forward to the launch of the new Hilux only to discover the huge disappointment that was the 2.4 litre engine with a puny 150bhp output.
Looking at the UK market, an article I once read prior to the release of the latest Hilux indicated that 3.0L Invincible sales formed 80% of the Hilux sales. Therefore offering an engine that is 50bhp and 600cc down on the outgoing model (against the 200 edition) is a huge case of under delivering. When VW, Nissan and Mercedes are all talking 250bhp V6’s a puny 150bhp is a huge backward step and Toyota have totally misjudged the UK market.
My truck should have been replaced at 3 years, instead it is now 8 years old with 130,000 miles on it, it will need replacing at some point and I am hoping Toyota come back with something astounding or I will likely be looking to Mercedes or one of the other alternatives to fill the void.
For the record the 2009 model Invincible 200 has been superb. In particular the highlights are;
200bhp 3.0L engine
Well judged gearbox ratios (Auto)
Full Rear wheel drive (with engageable 4wd as opposed to a permanent full time 4wd which I do not want)
No traction control (Can this be deactivated on the new model or does it cut back in over a certain speed?)
Rear Limited Slip Diff
The cons have been;
No reverse camera (imperative on such a long vehicle with blacked out rear windows, disappointing tyo see that only sensors are offered on the new model, for safety reasons a camera should be standard fare)
No Ipod connectivity (addressed with later models)
And finally, Toyota Europe’s shift to not offering genuine oe brake pads. Instead the useless Toyota Alfit pads are the only ones available and they are useless for such a heavy vehicle. I now have to run Brembo pads for safety reasons.
So please Toyota, listen to your customers and offer us a proper engine, over 200bhp would be nice as it could be deemed a step forward rather than the backward step of less power, more electronic intervention, more weight and gears designed for fuel economy and maximising an underwhelming engine at the expense of driveability and driver enjoyment. This blog sufficiently shows that there are a lot of die hard Hilux fans who need to replace their vehicles and are not being catered for. I am responsible for a small fleet of pickups the majority of which are currently Nissan. I am hanging on for my own truck because I don’t want to move away from Toyota and my fantastic local dealership but time is running out.
Hi Nito,
Thanks for sharing your feedback with us. We have passed your comments to the product department for consideration on future models.
I’ve just done something unthinkable, something I never wanted to do but I have had no choice.
I have just taken delivery of a new Ford Ranger Wildtrak, after 21 years of owning hiluxes.
I hate this new ranger of mine, but I needed the power it offered, I really want the new hilux and I will chop this ranger in for a hilux the second Toyota bring out a better engine for the U.K. Market.
Please please please Toyota, listen to your customers, we need a better and more powerful engine!!
3.0 V6 petrol would do the job!
With you on that comment joshua, I also have many years using hiluxs , on my 17 th in fact , 20015 invincible 3L… the new one is shocking!!!!! Looking at the ranger and absolutely gutted I am going down this road. TOYOTA NEED TO LISTEN AND MAN UP TO THE DEMAND OF THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMERS!!!!! Have they bothered to get back to me NO !!!!!! They are going to loose hundreds of customers!!!!
I bought the 2017 invincible X with the 2.4. I love it, my wife loves it and my kids drive it everywhere. The best car I have ever owned. We tow horses every weekend and the Hi Lux out preforms and is better at towing than my old RR. Pleae provide a future hilux with a v6 or v8 petrol, not that it needs the extra power but I would prefer it. Anyway thank you for a great product.
Hi Herman,
Thank you for your lovely comments and we’ll pass them on to our product team.
Yes I agree mine is great and no problems after one year of work use , the engine issues !!!I think they will have to offer a petrol engine option short term and it then be a hybrid system
going forward , hopefully TGB will lead not follow as usual!!
Hi Finners,
Thanks for your feedback. We are working on a number of alternative fuel solutions, not just for passenger cars but for commercial vehicles as well. Please take a look at Project Portal which is a fully-functioning hydrogen-fueled heavy-duty truck with the power and torque capacity to transport cargo over short distances while emitting nothing but water vapour.
The first generation Prius went on sale in 1997 and since then Toyota’s cumulative worldwide hybrid vehicle sales passed the 10 million mark on 31 January 2017. More than just a numerical milestone, this achievement demonstrates Toyota leading with a technology that is only now emerging as a mainstream choice for helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.
Toyota was also the first manufacturer to mass produce a hydrogen powered saloon car which went on sale last year. For more information on that click here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/new-cars/new-mirai/meet-mirai#1.
Dear Toyota. With so much social pressure on Diesel at the moment why not be ahead of the game for once and send the UK the 3.0 V6 Petrol.
4.0 V6 even!
Hi Chris,
Thank you for getting in touch and for your suggestion. We have no news on alternative powertrains for Hilux at this time. However, we are working on a number of alternative fuel solutions, not just for passenger cars but for commercial vehicles as well. Please take a look at Project Portal which is a fully-functioning hydrogen-fueled heavy-duty truck with the power and torque capacity to transport cargo over short distances while emitting nothing but water vapour.
Hi, I really hope this message gets to someone with common sense? Someone who can make a firm decision on the new hilux and it’s poor engine performance!! I have had 17 hilux and the reliability has been second to none… however I had a test drive in one to see how it compared to my current 2015 3L invincible automatic. Towing it struggled massively and was constantly reving and not changing gear, the dealer then said we will chip it so it has more power, they gave it me back and it didn’t make a difference.. my current 3L run rings around it… I have had a sticker on the back window that says” hilux nothing more to prove” but will be taking that off as they certainly do have something to prove… what has happened with your build quality… why aren’t you listening to your customers??? Now I am having to go with buying a ford ranger or the vw… massive disappointment TOYOTA… I voiced this with TGB. But they still have not got back to me.. good job I don’t run my business like you do!! It’s DISRESPECTFUL TO TREAT LOYAL CUSTOMERS LIKE THIS.. you really need to step up!!!
Hi Nigel,
Thanks for your comment. We’re sorry you have experienced this, if you wish to discuss this further contact our CR team.
All comments on the blog go through an approval process and this is carried out during the week, hence the reasons why your comments weren’t showing. We have read them and passed your comments our product team.
Many thanks.
Hi Glen,
We’re sorry to hear this. We have made our product team aware of your concerns. We’ve informed our Customer Relations team. Many thanks.
I’ve. Got the latest hilux
Good on fuel ,10 years ago it would have been class leader on power sadly for TGB the other makes have come on leaps and bounds the 2.8 would have been mid pack and more acceptable to anyone coming from a 3l Round here people I know who had toyotas are now buying 3.2 fords however they only do mid twenties mpg where my hilux is averaging 32 mpg !!!
Hi, we are not in the past anymore.. the new hilux is noisy slow and can’t tow like my 2015 invincible.. when I had the older hilux that could only pull 2.5 Ton I used my toyota Amazon , but they got better , but now they have gone backwards!!! At the end of the day it’s a small engine working it’s balls off!!
I totally agree that the 2.8 would have been a better engine. Sadly it doesn’t comply with emissions in the Hilux (although it does in the Land Cruiser……..). Now that combustion engines seem to be on the way out, I wonder if we will ever get it. I liked the new Hilux I had on demo but decided to stick with my 3.0 and have it remapped. Now it’s getting 216hp and 465Nm of torque. I don’t think a 2.4 would manage that!