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.
What colours will the invincible come in apart from that horrible green ……?????
Hi There does the inv x come with scuff plates
Hi Robert,
Thanks for your comment.
The 2021 Hilux Invincible X does come with scuff plates.
Thanks.
Changing to land cruiser I wanted to buy a new 2021 short wheel base commercial advertising is for its on & extremely good off road capability but have found uk spec has no SPARE WHEEL what I here you all say how crazy is that for a off road commercial vehicle!! Other countries get a spare. Why not uk we are not being looked after in uk by Toyota with 4×4 vehicle’s come
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your feedback. We’re sorry that the Land Cruiser Commercial offerings don’t suit your ideal requirements.
Whilst it is true that the 3dr (SWB) Commercial version comes with a tyre repair kit as standard, the 5dr (LWB) version comes with a full size spare wheel.
If this is a necessity for you, we would recommend considering some of our other options, such as the LWB Commercial Land Cruiser.
As always, we will pass your comments on to our wider product team.
Thanks.
Hi Terry,
Thanks for getting in touch. We’re sorry to hear that you’re not a fan of the Titan Bronze colour, although this is only available on the Invincible X model.
The Invincible grade Hilux comes in Pure White, White Pearl, Silver Blade, Decuma Grey, Galaxy Black, Crimson Spark Red, Scorched Orange and Nebula Blue colour options.
You can explore these on our car configurator: https://fal.cn/3bwWC
We hope you’ll find one you like!
Thanks.
29.000 pound ,for a extra cab and you do not even get cloth seats you wont be seeing my cash
Hi Darren,
Thanks for your comment. We’re sorry that you’re not a fan of the Hilux Active Extra Cab model.
The seats in the Active Extra Cab are PVC are fitted to make it easier to wipe down and clean when getting in and out of the car on a farm or construction site, for example. There are fabric seats in the Double Cab variant of the Active grade.
Thanks.
i think you have missed the point here
i have had many a new hilux since 1987 [ which had cloth seats ]
i am a big fan of the extra cab i changed my 3.0 invincible for it and i bought a new on in 2017 at £23000 inc vat from a uk toyota dealer
and now due to change it
but the have jumped up £6000 pounds in 3 years and a lower spec and still have the 2.4 bmw
engine in and not the 2.8 cummins engine in
as for the seats they may be easy clean
but far from being healthy and hygienic i have done over a million miles in land rovers for some of the big construction companies with pvc seats and all they do is sweat you the big companies may want pvc seats to stop the dust going in to the fabric but not joe public
it should be a no cost option
you must try a 100 plus mile trip on pvc seats
it seams toyota uk is selling us the most basic truck for a hi price
toyota france spain germany ect you can but the extra cab with the same spec as the icon has in the uk
so like my first comment after 33 years of buying many a new hilux i will not be sitting pvc seats in a new hilux
[all the comments from the public to toyota uk but nothing changes / we just meaning less reply]
Hi Darren,
Thanks for your reply.
The 2.4 diesel engine in the new Hilux is not a BMW engine – this is a Toyota engine.
We’re sorry that the Active grade Extra Cab specification doesn’t suit your ideal needs.
As previously mentioned, if cloth seats are a necessity, these are available on other models in the range.
Thanks.
I’ve got the pvc seats and the only time it’s a problem is wearing shorts !!they have tiny perforations which allows them to breathe I wasn’t sure but to be honest they are fine and very practical if you have a dirty job to do , you could get covers or get some invincible seats from a breaker ..
It is a shame they don’t import the higher spec extra cab I’m surprised they don’t do an sat nav and dab radio option very strange …
Hi Finners,
Thanks for your reply.
As previously mentioned, navigation is available on the Invincible X model if this is a necessity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fitted from Icon grade upwards, meaning that maps can be used from your phone.
DAB is available on all but the Active model.
We’re sorry that the Active grade specification does not meet your ideal requirements.
Thanks.
When will the 2.8 be available on the road
Hi Alan,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Invincible and Invincible X models have been available to pre-order since 1 September, while Active and Icon derivatives available to order from 5 October through Toyota retailers.
Thanks.
In New Zealand and maybe Aussie you can buy a Hi lux cab and chassie then put your own back on that suits your job or needs.
Is this not a option in the UK, and if not why.
Hi Gavin,
Thanks for getting in touch with us.
Yes, we do a range of standard and bespoke conversions, including tippers and pickers. What sort of conversion are you looking for?
Thanks.
What will the price of a new double cab active be and will it be able to come in the new Titan bronze colour. If not what other colour options will be available that there isn’t a waiting list for
Hi Craig,
Thanks both for getting in touch and for your interest in the new Hilux!
For the Active grade Double Cab, the retail price is £29,145. For commercial use, the price is £24,341.
Titan Bronze is a colour exclusive to the Invincible X model, so this is not available on the Active grade.
The Active grade is available in Pure White, Nebula Blue, Silver Blade, Galaxy Black, Decuma Grey, Crimson Spark, Scorched Orange and White Pearl colours. Your Toyota centre will be able to advise you on lead times.
These can be explored on our car configurator: https://fal.cn/3ccOB
Thanks.
I would like to purchase an Invincible X with a large deposit and higher purchase finance but it looks like Toyota only offer PCP finance options on this vehicle. Does Toyota offer higher purchase options for the Invincible X and if so where can I find the information on your website? I will not purchase the vehicle with A PCP deal.
Hi Jason,
Thanks for your interest. A range of finance options are available for all of our models. Your nearest Toyota centre will be able to take you through these. You can find them here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/forms-v2/forms?tab=pane-dealer
Thanks
I like my Mk6 too much!
Hi Jon,
Glad to hear your Hilux is still going well!
Have you taken it on any amazing adventures?
You can check out the History of the Hilux here: https://fal.cn/36phN
Thanks.
WHY IS THERE NOT A CD PLAYER IN THE NEW TOYOTA HAVE 100 OF CDS ALSO I THOUGHT THE INVINCIBLE X SHOULD BE IN 4WD ALL THE TIME THE FRONT LOOKS UGLY JUST BOUGHT ONE
Hi Hugh,
Sorry to hear you are disappointed with your new vehicle. The Hilux can be driven on the road in rear wheel drive or four wheel drive mode, depending on driver preference. Many modern cars don’t have CD players. Our research shows most people don’t use them. Clearly that’s not the case with you, and we apologise for that. However, we’d always recommend checking the vehicle’s specification before buying one, to make sure it has all the things you need/want.
Thanks
Is it possible to get a customized one
Am really looking forward a double cab v6 3.0 diesel 185kilowatt
4×4 with 8 speed box automatic
I really love toyota
Soo excited may i know when to arrive here in the phil
Hi Felicito,
Thanks for contacting us, and we can’t blame you for being excited! The new Hilux is certainly a vehicle to be reckoned with.
As we are Toyota UK, we can only advise on the UK market, so we would recommend contacting Toyota in the Philippines for further information on this.
Thanks.
Hi, I ordered an Invincible X (Titan Bro) on the 07/01/21, delivery time was 31/05/21 then it went mid. July and the latest now is mid. Sept.
Just like to know what is going on?
Hi Bob,
Thanks for your comment. We’re sorry about this.
Your Toyota Centre will be best placed to advise on changes to delivery times, so we would recommend contacting them for further information.
We hope you’ll love your new Hilux when it arrives!
Thanks.
Hi Ordered a Invincible X (Scorched Orange) on 11 January 2021 delivery date quoted by my dealer was end of April 1st week in May. Just been informed that new date is 30th July 2021
I do realise that things have been difficult due to the pandemic, but pressing my dealer on the build time in South Africa it transpires that this vehicle already has a chassis number allocated. So it must be built.
Is it sitting on the dock side in South Africa awaiting shipping ?
Sitting on the docks in Zeebrugge awaiting EU clearance to ship to non EU countries ? or has it made it to the docks in Bristol , or transported to an overspill field in Toyota’s plant in Derby ?? Please just keep us informed.
As an aside, any one placing an order for Hilux 2021 model now my dealer is quoting delivery date in
January 2022 !!!!
As I have said it’s been very difficult for all , but it’s been a very long delivery time us customers.
Hi Keith,
Thanks for getting in touch, and congratulations on your Hilux order! We’re really sorry to hear about this delay.
The Toyota Centre through which you placed your order will be best placed to advise on any changes to the delivery time, so we would recommend recontacting them for further information.
Thanks.