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,
Does the 2021 Hilux Invincible X have a CD player or is that considered old fashioned now?
Thanks
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your comment.
Only the Hilux Active grade comes with a CD Player. Invincible X does not.
Thanks.
I currently have a 2017 model invincible double cab with an avenger canopy. I have a new 2.8 invincible double cab due in next week. Is the rear tub the same dimensions and shape as the old model? Or has this been changed? I would like to put the old canopy on the new vehicle. Thanks
Hi Hamish,
Thanks for your order!
Unfortunately your old canopy will not fit the new Hilux Invincible. Sorry about that.
Thanks
Thanks, why is that? Have the dimensions or shape changed?
Hi Hamish,
Thanks for your reply.
We would recommend contacting your Toyota Centre for further information regarding accessory applicability.
Thanks.
If you are an NFU member are you in titled to 20% off like with the L200?
Hi Aul,
Thanks for getting in touch.
We would recommend contacting your nearest Toyota Centre to discuss this further as they will be best placed to assist you with this.
You can find your closest dealer here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/forms-v2/forms?tab=pane-dealer.
Thanks.
HI
i would like to know if you guys ship to Vanuatu. interested with the Hilux Invincible X MT, Diesel LHD.
whats the shipping Cost added to the Price of Vehicle.
Best
Hi Clement,
Thanks for your comment.
We do not produce left hand drive vehicles.
Thanks.
Hi
can you tell me if you have a Toyota hilux 4wd single cab New , in stock, please
Thanks
Essex area
Hi Lee,
Due to the popularity of the new Hilux, we currently have no stock available. Please contact your nearest Toyota centre, who will be able to provide more information on the lead time for the specific derivative you require.
Thanks
Hi Toyota,
I have recently bought a single cab Hilux and very happy with it although would refer a automatic transmission. Do Toyota make a single cab automatic Hilux?
Thanks
Minesh
Hi Minesh,
Congratulations on your new Hilux, we are glad to hear it’s serving you well.
We do not currently make a single cab automatic transmission Hilux.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Thanks.
Does having a canopy on increase mpg
Hi Alan,
Thanks for your comment.
Adding a genuine leisure hardtop to your new Hilux will result in a minor reduction in mpg performance.
Thanks.
Hi, I am wondering what the payload of this vehicle is (Invincible X double cab) for BIK purposes. I know it states 1015kg within brochure but HMRC states gross weight minus unladen kerb weight = payload. Does this meet the payload to be classed as a van?
Hi Jack,
Yes, the Hilux is classed as commercial vehicle.
The figure you are quoting (1015kg) is the Gross Vehicle Mass minus Mass In Running Order figure.
As you say, HMRC use Gross Vehicle Mass minus Kerb Weight. For the Hilux Invincible X manual that figure is 1090kg and for the automatic it is 1085kg.
So, even when fitted with accessories like hardtops, your vehicle will still be classed as a commercial vehicle, for taxation purposes.
Thanks
What is the current wait time for a factory order hilux invincible x. Thanks
Hi Adam,
Your nearest Toyota Centre would be best placed to advise on this.
Thanks.
He, is the active available in metallic blue?
Hi Dyfrig, thanks for your interest in the Hilux.
Yes, the Active grade is available with the metallic Nebula Blue colouring.
You can take a closer look at the options here: https://fal.cn/3juyg
Thanks.
I have ordered an Invincible X 2.8 auto with Toyota leisure top and delivery was due to be May , now pushed out to December 2022. I have a couple of questions 1. regarding the payload – Is it still 1 tonne of more with the Toyota leisure top as factory fit? 2. On the V5C registration document for its European classification will it be registered as an N1 or N2 defining it as a van/commercial vehicle?
Hi Stephen,
1. Yes, still 1 tonne.
2. All Hilux models are N1.
We hope this helps.
Thanks.
Thank you for your response and excuse my typing error – it is not December 2022 for delivery but actually September! I hope good things come to those prepared to wait.