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.
Looking for hilux invincible x with every extra and truckman top with ball and pin tow bar in arden blue with chrome grill etc
Hi Simon,
Thank you for your interest in the Hilux Invincible X.
We would recommend visiting to your nearest Toyota Centre.
Our trained sales people will be able to assist you in configuring your vehicle.
You can find your nearest Centre here – https://www.toyota.co.uk/forms-v2/forms?tab=pane-dealer
Please let us know if there is anyway that we can assist you further.
Thanks.
What is the payload for road tax purposes, of the hilux invincible x complete with tow bar, canopy and bed liner, I.e. would the pay load go below the 1tonne HMRC requirement?
Hi Ian, thanks for your comment.
All Hilux have a taxation payload of over 1000kgs, even when fitted with accessories like hardtops, so they are classed as commercial vehicles. For taxation purposes, 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. HMRC assign an arbitrary weight of 45kgs to hardtops meaning that the Hilux still has a payload over 1000kgs. To confirm, all Hilux derivatives retain a payload of over 1000kgs for taxation purposes, regardless of what accessories are fitted.
Thanks.
The new Hilux looks great especially with the 2.8 engine and might sway me from the new Ranger.
Is there an option to have fully selectable 4×4 iso AWD?
Cheers
Hi Tommy,
Thanks for your interest in the Hilux.
Please could you clarify what you mean by this?
Thanks.
Hi
I’m looking for Brand new pick up with Petrol engine. Right hand drive.
Please advise where we can get this.
Regards
Hi Nicholas,
Can you confirm where you are based please?
Thanks.
Hi , i note the above comment regarding the payload for taxation purposes but I have contacted the dealership where I have purchased a new Hilux and they tell me it actually 1015kg ?
Please confirm
Hi Ross,
Thanks for your comment.
Can you confirm which grade of Hilux you are referring to please?
Thanks.
Hi
I can’t find any side steps for the 2 single cab Hilux’s I just bought (2021).
I need them to go full length (not just under the doors) to make reaching tools in the bed easier.
I assume chassis is the same as a double cab so is it possible to fit double cab steps to a single cab?
If not why not?
Cheers
Paul
Hi Paul,
Please could you provide your vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Hi What is the HP on the Hilux double cab invincible x 2.8
Hi Shaun,
The Hilux Invincible X 4 Door Double Cab has 204hp.
Thanks.
Hi when does the hilux gr sport get released in the uk.
Hi Johnny,
The new Hilux GR Sport will be arriving at Toyota retailers from summer 2022.
We hope this helps.
Thanks.
Currently in the middle of a VAT compliance check and HMRC are telling me the figures with regards to my 2020 hilux with a hard top come short of the magic 1000kg meaning I can’t reclaim the VAT.
I’d love to speak to a human being from toyota in relation to this. Or is toyota just happy to have my cash and I kiss goodbye to the 6k VAT?
Hi Paul
Thanks for your comment.
We’re really sorry to hear this and completely understand your frustration.
Our Customer Relations Team would be best placed to investigate this for you.
You can contact them here – https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre/.
Alternatively, you can call 0344 701 6202.
We hope this helps and this issue is resolved soon.
Thanks.
Hi
I have 2021 single cab while my truck is off the road waiting for new injectors (2000 miles) I asked if the dealer could check the noticeable difference in the hight of the vehicle from the right side to the left. Their reply was that it was because of the fuel tank I find this hard to belive your thoughts please.
Hi Dean,
Unfortunately, we are unable to comment on your vehicle as we cannot see it physically.
Please be assured that your Toyota Centre are best placed to provide the most suitable recommendations and assistance.
If there is anything else we can do to assist you, please let us know.
Thanks.
Hi
While I understand you can’t see the vehicle from your office it should not be too difficult for them to measure and photograph the dimensions and send them to you, ( I can if they can’t). I was also told by the dealer that my vehicle could be off the road until July because of a parts shortage, in you opinion is this too lo long a wait to get a vehicle back on the road . Toyota dealer has lent me a Aygo as a stop gap but as you can appreciate it in no way is a replacement, Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Dean
Hi Dean,
We apologise about the delay caused by the shortage of parts and we totally understand your frustration.
As mentioned, please be assured that your Toyota Centre are best placed to help you with this.
If you would like to raise your case further, please contact our Customer Relations team.
You can contact them here – https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre/.
Alternatively, you can call 0344 701 6202.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Thanks.
I have just received my 22reg invincible x and it is missing the premium jbl sound system and also the tailgate damper which should have been included!!
What is going on toyota??
Hi Andrew,
We are sorry to hear about this.
Please contact your Toyota Centre for further assistance, they are best placed to assist you as they have your order details.
Thanks.
Hi,
I placed a order for a invincible x model in October 2021. I still don’t have any definite answer / date from the dealer. Before you say that my local Toyota dealer is the best place to ask – they simply are not as they keep telling me “ they can’t be certain”. How long should orders take from ordering to delivery. I understand that there are certain supply chain issues but it’s 9 months now. The dealership are not very helpful. They are also telling me now that the specification has changed and that some sort of incident in South Africa may have a impact.
Hi,
We are sorry for the delay. The Hilux is an extremely popular vehicle for us and there is limited supply. Even before the global shortage of semi-conductors, lead times were already around 12 months. Adding to that, the Hilux production facility in Durban was badly damaged by flooding, and production was stopped. The situation is still being assessed, but we are hoping that production will start again in early July. All this means that we really cannot give accurate ETAs at this time. Given the long lead times, by the time an order actually gets built, production has moved on to the next model year. This generally means that the vehicle gets additional equipment. Whilst you order will be protected against general price increases, additional equipment does incur a cost. We understand that this is annoying. Honestly, it’s not ideal for us either. We wish we could deliver these vehicles quicker and not have to deal with the absolute logistical nightmare the supply chain issues are causing. Apologies again for the wait. We know your Hilux will be worth it.
Thanks