Since its launch in 1968, the famously unstoppable Toyota Hilux has proved its toughness time and again, from conquering volcanoes and both poles to winning the gruelling Dakar Rally.
Now the revised eighth-generation model presents a stronger proposition than ever thanks to a striking new design for the 2021 model year, the option of a powerful 2.8-litre powertrain, and equipment upgrades that will increase its appeal for business and leisure users.
New Toyota Hilux: design
The frontal design has been completely reworked to incorporate a powerful, three-dimensional treatment across the grille and bumper. It is a change that increases the vehicle’s road presence and reinforces its robust, go-anywhere credentials.
Depending on model grade, new front and rear LED light units are available, plus 18-inch black alloy wheels with a contrasting machined silver face. A striking new Titan Bronze metallic body colour (seen in these images) has also been added to the Hilux palette.
The upgraded cabin features a redesigned combination meter in the instrument cluster and a centrally mounted eight-inch multimedia screen. The latter now uses buttons and dial controls for improved functionality in all driving conditions, while the software is faster to improve responsiveness. Smartphone connectivity is provided through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Top quality features include smart entry and push-button start, satellite navigation, automatic air conditioning, front and rear parking sensors, and a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system with an 800W eight-channel amplifier and Clari-Fi technology for improving the reproduction quality of digital music files.
New Toyota Hilux: powertrains
The existing 148bhp 2.4-litre powertrain has now been joined by a more powerful 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine, which will ensure the pick-up stays on the performance pace within its segment. This powertrain will be available with a choice of either six-speed manual or automatic transmission, and all UK versions will have all-wheel drive.
Provisional figures for this engine reveal a 201bhp output and 500Nm of torque, enough to despatch the dash to 62mph in ten seconds – approximately 3.2 seconds faster than the current 2.4-litre unit. Combined cycle fuel economy is predicted to be around 36.3mpg with CO2 emissions of 204g/km. All figures are subject to change, pending final homologation.
New Toyota Hilux: driving dynamics
Engineers focused on improving the model’s on-road prowess, without sacrificing any of its legendary off-road capabilities.
Regarding the former, comfort and driveability have been enhanced through improvements to the suspension and power steering. The front and rear shock absorbers have been retuned, and there is an improved leaf spring design with new bushing. These contribute to a smoother ride with less shock when driving over joints and holes in the road surface.
Off-road enthusiasts will be pleased to note that Hilux has retained its sturdy body-on-frame construction, a design that is hard-wearing and better able to withstand the torsional forces encountered in extreme driving conditions. Accelerator response has been tuned for greater driver control, and the vehicle stability control has been updated to include a new tyre angle monitor.
Where practicality is concerned, the one-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity are delivered across all three body types: Single Cab, Extra Cab and Double Cab.
New Toyota Hilux Invincible X
The range-topping Hilux Invincible X Double Cab (seen in these images) is distinguished by exclusive exterior styling details, including bespoke grille and front bumper, skid plate, arch extensions, door handle and tailgate designs.
The Invincible X also comes with its own combination meter design, black metallic and dark chrome trim accents within the interior, and even a model-specific key. Blue illumination is integrated into the door trims and the perforated leather seat upholstery features a two-tone treatment.
New Toyota Hilux: Active and Icon grades
Active: Active grade models now feature Toyota Safety Sense 2 as standard, while the fuel efficiency of Extra Cab and Double Cab models is boosted with the addition of stop/start technology. Further standard features on all Active models include air conditioning, radio and CD player, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, auto headlights and a rear differential lock.
Icon: Icon grade models are only available in Double Cab form, and include power folding door mirrors, reversing camera, privacy glass, LED front fog lamps and side steps. Further practical features include new 17-inch alloy wheels and an automatic limited-slip differential to improve low-grip driving in two-wheel drive mode. New interior features include smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, coupled with the new eight-inch multimedia touchscreen.
Toyota Hilux 2021: accessories
Customers can choose from a wide range of accessories to personalise their Hilux and equip it to suit their specific work or leisure requirements. Items include a range of bed liners, hard tops, roll covers and sport bars.
Hi I absolutely love my 3.0 2012 Hilux Invincible and have been holding out for the new 2.8 for a couple of years, glad it’s here in the UK at last. I also have a 2015 Land Cruiser Icon. Both are fully Jemca Toyota maintained. Unfortunately the air con on the Land Cruiser broke down and due to a huge fiasco where I called into Assurant the Toyota Warranty Provider (post workshop diagnostic) and asked questions about how the warranty works they somehow logged the fault on my vehicle before Jemca submitted it and they’ve rejected my claim. I hope someone from Toyota GB cares enough to contact me to sort this out and not pass me in a loop back to Assurant again. I’m planning on contacting Mr Van Der Burgh about the forth coming legal action and considering moving to a Ford Ranger or two before going to the news papers about how I’ve been utterly let down by a manufacturer I loved so much I bought two models from at the same time…
Hi Mark,
Thanks for getting in touch. We’re really sorry to hear that you’re unhappy with your experience at one of our centres.
We can see that you have a case open with our Customer Relations team, and we’ve passed on your latest messages to them.
We hope that this issue gets resolved as soon as possible.
Thanks.
Hi looking for the official mpg figures, when are they going to published
Hi Carl,
Thanks for getting in touch. It’s great to hear that you’re interested in the new Hilux!
Fuel economy is from 27.9 to 33.2 depending on engine and specification.
Take a look at our website where you can see the fuel economy rating for each grade: https://www.toyota.co.uk/new-cars/hilux/
Thanks.
hi carl dont be fooled buy the mpg i have the 2,4 and only getting an actual of 22mpg running with nothing in the back the the average mileage stated on the computer is 30 mpg
it uses going down hill and getting 99 mpg to get to the average figure
i have had many a new hilux since 1987 and this is the worst one on fuel my 4.0 jeep petorl jeep gets the same mpg
the truck its self is very good just bad mpg for a modern truck
When we actually can order the new Model of Hilux ? In 2021 ?? Pls advise?
Hi Victoria,
Thanks for getting in touch. We’re thrilled to hear that you’re considering the 2021 Hilux!
The Invincible and Invincible X models have been available to pre-order since 1st September, whilst Active and Icon grades are available to order from 5th October through Toyota retailers.
Thanks.
I’m very disappointed that the extra cab will only be 2.4, I want the 2.8 as I will be fitting a camper in the back & driving overland from the UK to Australia, & need the extra power for difficult situations – Please make auto an option too, you make them for Australia, so why can’t we have them in the UK? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FsXmDWznWY – I would like to pre order one now if you could
Hi Fordson,
Thanks for your comment. Sounds like a great trip!
The 2.8 is only available on Invincible and Invincible X models. The Double Cab Active and Icon grades do not get the 2.8 either.
The 2.4 is more than capable of dealing with terrain, as it has plenty of torque and high towing capacity.
The Australian market is very different to the UK market, and we’re sorry the specification doesn’t suit you. We have no information about a change in specification.
Thanks, and good luck with the trip.
Hi I’m interested in a UK 2.8l auto Invincible, can I fit 16″ rims as available in other markets, maybe slightly stronger springs, adjustable dampers? What happens to the warranty if I do?
Hi Jason,
Thanks for your comment.
There is no 16” wheel option on the Hilux Invincible in the UK, nor are there any options for the suspension.
Our warranty covers any mechanical fault arising as the result of a manufacturing defect.
We do not recommend modifying the vehicle away from the manufacturer’s specification.
Ultimately, all warranty claims are assessed on a case-by-case basis, but if a fault is caused as a result of an aftermarket modification, then it is unlikely to be covered by warranty.
Thanks.
Thank you for the reply.
Could you tell me if 16″ wheels will fit on a new 2.8 auto?
Will the active eventual have the 2.8lt engine or will it remain at the 150bhp 2.4?
Hi Henry,
Thanks for getting in touch with us.
The new 2.8-litre engine will be standard on Invincible X grade and an option on Invincible. The remaining Hilux models will continue to use the 2.4-litre powertrain.
Thanks.
Hi Jason,
Thanks for your reply.
As per our previous comment, 16” wheels are not an option on the Hilux Invincible in the UK. The smallest wheel size we offer is 17″.
We can’t advise on modification and we can’t guarantee that the a 16” wheel will fit.
We recommend contacting an aftermarket specialist.
Thanks.
I would love to know when the 2021 facelift hilux model will launch in pakistan.
Hi Adnan,
Thanks for your comment.
We would recommend contacting Toyota Pakistan for further help with your query.
Thanks.
Face lift looks good , will the sat nav have a new voice or will it still use Theresa may’s ???
Hi Finners,
There have been no changes to the satellite navigations guidance voice. However, Hilux will be available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you have the choice to use other map apps, some of which allow to download a voice of your choice!
Thanks.