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One change for the 2016 Hilux is the removal of the low-range four-wheel drive gear lever, which has been replaced by a switch.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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hi i have the 30ltr as my own truck and i was going to trade it in for the new 2.4
but after my works landrover broke down i was given a new 2.4 hilux icon to use for work and i had it for four 16 weeks and covered 8000 mile
the first 2 weeks i thought it was very good but as time went on it turned out to be not that good
the dashbord with all its swoops and curves is just a mess and the add on afterthought scrren
when the sun is on the front screen you get all the dashbord is reflected on the screen
and in some sunlight it wouyld be very hard to see cyclist
it would be much better if toyota put the dash in out of the toyota kluger
the cloth on the door handles just gets dirty and wont wipe clean
and hill star assist who needs this have you tried pulling away on a hill with a loaded tralier on
the so called power button just over strokes the throttle and does not give you any more power
it is really pointless and could be very dangerous if the person driving it did not know it was on
if you pulled out on to the road and lets say you gave the truck half throttle to pull away
it would give it full thorttle with the button on
and if your driving up hill with your foot down and push the power button to give you more power
nothing happens
it really is pointless
i drive my 30ltr at 2000 revs on the motorway and and get 70mph i get 31mpg
i drove the 2.4 at 2000 revs and and get 85 mph got 30mpg
so the high gearing it a big plus as i drive to spain and italy twice a year
but when it comes to the big hills out of spain and france some are two miles long
and the 2.4 just would not have the power it would be down the chinese gear box
i just leave the 30ltr in top gear and foot down
and as we know its the torque the counts but you have get it from the engine
and we all they is no substituite for cc s when it comes down to it
the good points are
good brakes
quite in the cab
and a high top gear
so if i was to trade my 30ltr in i am not gaining much at all toyota uk
2;8ltr engine and a truck dash and you have my money
my first new hilux was in 1987
Hi Dan,
Thanks for sharing your feedback with us. We have passed your comments to the product department for consideration on future models.
We have just taken delivery of the new Hilux as part of our estate vehicle fleet, it replaces an older model. The one thing I am totally disappointed with is its towing ability, I would like to say it struggles only when nearing its towing capacity, however, even with an empty 1/2 tonne trailer, it really struggles, unless on tarmac, especially in reverse. Switching to low gear ration seems to make little difference as the clutch is so high. I have absolutely no faith in taking this truck off-road with or without a trailer. I’m anticipating having to replace the clutch before our lease is at an end, fortunately, being a lease vehicle, this will not be a cost our organisation will have to bare.
Stop making trucks for posers and start making work vehicles, and don’t get me started on the flared wheel arches which obscure the view of the trailer
Hi Tom,
Thanks for getting in touch. We have passed your comments on to our product team for consideration on future models. Thanks.
Hi, Any news on the new facelift model released in the U.K. with the 2.8 engine. . . . ?
Hi there,
Thank you for getting in touch. We have no new information on this at the moment, but keep an eye on our blog and social media spaces for more information. Thanks.
Hopefully the marketing people at TGB
Will have read the farmers weekly road test
And finally got the message !!! They really need to accept a good number of hilux buyers want the bigger engine and they aren’t buying just on price ,Sales are being lost and reputation is suffering Ford seem to be getting a big share of both the recreational and the business pick up market
And VW are becoming the premium pick up market leader , come on get your act together for a change ,people will pay for the best , get some better engine options
Before you lose even more market share ..
Hi Finners,
Thanks for your feedback and we appreciate you getting in touch.
The all new Hilux features an improved engine which has a vastly improved torque delivery in the low and medium speed ranges. Being more responsive than its predecessor. Currently, Morecambe Bay Search and Rescue (BSAR) have placed their trust in Hilux, using it to aid in rescue and recovery from quicksand, floods, snow and inaccessible areas during extreme weather.
I tested the new hi-lux, seemed ok pulling its own weight, then pulled 3.5ton, what a joke, gutless… my 2015 3L ran rings around it!!! All Toyota say is we will pass on your comments!! The customer should have the option……
Hi Glenn,
Thanks for your comment. We are committed to our 2050 Environmental Challenge and to do this we are making our conventionally powered models more fuel-efficient and in some cases this means reducing the engine size.
Hi Toyota UK, Regarding your environment/environmental-challenge-2050, It will a big challenge as not even a full electric vehicle will ever be zero CO2 unless all electricity is generated by wind or wave/tidal power, then you have got to make all the infrastructure carbon free. Please Toyota UK elaborate. Today my Truck went into the local dealership for a service and was greatful to be offered a Yaris Hybred 2017, it was not for me, but could not understand after checking out the trip computer to find an average mpg of 45.4. My ex Honda 1.6 Diesel achieved 52 mpg and 93 g/kg on a short local trip of 5 miles most days. Please can you explain in a bit more detail, as I am stratching my big bald head. Me do not understand? Me thinks all the car manufacturers are having their arms twisted behind their backs by the dreaming bully boys in the EU. It is all going to end in tears. . . . . . . .Are you 100% sure your going down the right road, as many many loyal Toyota fans are not convinced. Thank you in advance.
Hi Martin,
Thanks for getting in touch. We understand that our Environmental Challenge 2050 will be tough and wont be easy to complete, but with the evolution of technology we are optimistic with what the future will hold.
There are a number of different factors that could influence fuel consumption. The first and most important factor is the driving conditions. If the vehicle was being used mainly for short journeys, the engine will not have enough time to fully warm up and will operate most of the time in “warm up” condition. This will have a huge impact on fuel consumption.
Also other things like the driving style, use of A/C and other electrical equipment (e.g. heated seats , heated rear window etc), may also have an impact on fuel consumption. Finally, tyre inflation pressure will also affect fuel consumption.
Hope this helps.
Maybe you are sorting out engine size for 2050 !!! But explain to me why is it that the new Landcruiser on sale in the uk has the same 2.8 L engine than that of hilux trucks abroad?? I feel we here in the uk are being fobbed off and we should have a engine choice of either the 2.4 or the 2.8….. after over 17 hiluxs I am really disappointed, and where does that leave loyal customers who need the power for towing 3.5 Ton??? It seems that Toyota are not listening again and not bothered about customers going for either the ford wildtrack or the VW Amarok!! So it’s going to leave me importing a 2.8L from abroad. But all you seem to answer is you will pass on my comments!!!! That’s not dealing with it and know that Toyota will never get back to me!!!!
Hi Glen,
The 2.4 Hilux has a 3.5 tonne towing capacity and 400nm of torque between 1200-1600rpm.
Morecambe Bay Search and Rescue (BSAR) have two new Hilux models on its team, where they will aid in rescue and recovery from quicksand, floods, snow and inaccessible areas during extreme weather. If it’s good enough for them…
Thank you for your honest reply Toyota UK, March 12. 09:36. My point exactly. Hybrids do not warm up as they are running on electric at slow speeds, and the petrol motor seems to be cutting in and out all the time never getting hot on start up and seems to be running at full revs for short periods of time on acceleration with a cold engine, not good for fuel economy and just proved it with a poor MPG of 45 while running all the auxiliary’s as per the normal customer would do in the winter in the Yaris Hybrid compared to a small Diesel passenger car. As per your European decision to only offer the smaller engine in the new Hilux in the U.K., I can see your reasoning as all Diesel engines like to run at full load and normal running temperatures do not like idles, as they can become varnished up inside the cylinders and also you have got the afterthought problem with the bolt on EGR, CAT, DPF, problems when the engine are used for short trips and thus clogging up the systems. As moden Diesels are so efficient theses days they struggle to get warm in the winter in normal conditions and sometimes a separate auxiliary heaters are used to heat the cabs as the engine just struggles to get hot, as per the power heat button in the mk 7. As the Hilux is a commercial vehicle and mostly used by working people like us towing very heavy loads, fully loaded in the truck bed and driven in exceptional condition all day, day in day out. Some of us need a multipurpose vehicle that can cope with adnormal conditions from time to time and need the power without needing to purchase a bigger larger more expensive to run commercial truck as in the past the mk 7 2.5 Hilux was lacking in grunt and the 3.0 litre seemed to just do tick all the boxes and was very popular. The 2.4 new Hilux is a good improvement engine but some of us need a replacement to the long stroke bomb proof three litre unit in the Hilux. I bet Toyota would not only offer the new 2.4 in the Landcruiser?
I am very disappointed with Toyota.
There are much better alternatives to the new under powered 2.4 Hilux.
My current 2015 3ltr invincible is due to be changed but sadly Toyota will not be getting my money.
This is from a die hard Toyota fan.
What are they playing at?
Hi Nicholas,
Thanks for getting in touch. We’ve passed your comments on to our product team. Thanks.
It seems a lot of people on here are not happy with the new hilux and it’s small engine and towing ability. I must have a different version because although sceptical when we bought it I have found it has no issues with what we have asked it to do. We are often towing on the 3.5 tonne limit and I actually had to wait before we bought one until they were 3.5 tonne as the original spec was no good to me. I think the engine copies admirably with our towing, it is nice low geared unlike some other ones I tried out. Yeah it’s a 2.4 but that is how things are going, a lot of engines are not as big as they used to be and getting more power from them. I would advise any one looking at buying one to try first. If they do release the 2.8 engine, I can honestly say I won’t be rushing to change mine just for a bigger engine as it copes with what I want.
Hi Charlie,
Thank you for your kind words. We are glad to hear you are loving your new Hilux and we wish you many more happy miles ahead. 🙂
Do we have anymore info on this 2.8 engine, surely with all of the negative comments about the 2.4 Toyota must be considering it for the UK? If not can we have some information about the reasons why?
Hi Chris,
Thanks for getting in touch. We are committed to our 2050 Environmental Challenge and to do this we are making our conventionally powered models more fuel-efficient and in some cases this means reducing the engine from 2.8 to 2.4.
Sorry to be stupid but toyota are not introducing the 2.8 into the uk to meet their 2050 challenge? So Toyotas 2050 challenge only applies to the uk? Don’t really think that is going to make much of a difference to the world. Does that mean that toyota is going to stop supplying the 2.8 engine in other parts of the world?
Or are have you just thought up a excuse for not supplying the 2.8 to the uk and are hoping your customers are stupid enough to believe you
My 2.4 Hilux has just turned 1 year today and I cannot wait to get rid of the underpowered useless thing for towing it can nearly pull itself up a hill never mind a trailer 5 Hiluxs in a row all bought outright my next pickup will either be a Nissan ( tows and really comfortable ) or Mitsubishi ( tows and I would expect tougher than Nissanbut turning circle may not be the best) toyota look at your sales drop look on the road it’s full of rangers now not Hilux.
Lower emissions will be achieved throug Car lower sales but for your owners a big concern now is damaging your second hand values give us what we are crying out for a good engine!
Hi Tom,
Thanks for getting in touch. The Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 is a global campaign, you can find more information on the Toyota Global website here: http://www.toyota-global.com/sustainability/environment/challenge2050/. We cannot comment on the engine sizes of vehicles in other countries as we are Toyota GB. We are sorry you feel this way and if you wish to discuss this further you can contact our Customer Relations team.
Thanks.
2.4 2.5 (old) 2.8 (from LC) 3.0
Displacement (cm3) 2,393 2,494 2,775 2,982
Max power (DIN hp) 150 144 174 169
Max torque (Nm/rpm) 400 /1,600-2k 343/1,6k-2,8k 450 /1.6k-2,4k 343/ 1,400-3,600
0-62mph (secs) TBC 13.3 12.7 12.1
Max speed (mph) TBC 105 TBC 109
Fuel consumption (combined) 39 mpg 39 mpg 39.2 mpg 36.7
CO2 emissions (g/km) TBC 194 194 203
to compare torque across the curve – the torque spread is the important factor: 2.4 has a peak torque of 400nm for 400 rpm only the 3.0 d4d manages 343nm from 1400 rpm to 3600rpm, almost the entire rev range has significant torque.
Finally Toyota give a viable reason for ditching the 2.8 in the UK.
Makes massive sense for domestic car market, but just opens the door for VW V6 3 litre Amarok, 350 Merc X class and likely Ford Ranger Raptor (albeit that is a 2 litre twin turbo but over 200 BHP).
Still keeping on with my Hilux MY2014 3.0 D4D until the summer. Must change it this year though.
Well I’ve done it and ordered the Amarok 258 HP V6 Diesel with 20 HP overboost to 278 HP.
I waited and waited thinking Toyota GB would see what the German manufacturers are doing, Merc and VW both going big V6 diesel [while FORD like Toyota downsize engines].
I’ve had many Hi Lux and hope to have another at some point but I’m not having a Truck that is almost 100 HP lower than other comparable models.
I do understand why downsizing car engines makes sense CO2 wise but trucks and vans is a different ball game.
I hope Toyota are able to offer something with the next model.
Best. Rob
Just get a 3.0l Hilux and have it remapped. Mine does 216hp and 465Nm now. I don’t think we will ever see the 2.8 here….:-(
Any news on when we will be able to order the Petrol 2.7 engine that is available in Europe for the Hilux?? Thanks
Hi Finners,
Thanks for getting in touch. We have no information on this at the moment but keep an eye on our blog and social media channels for the latest updates. Thanks.