The Toyota Hilux 2018 has wrapped up the title of best-selling vehicle in Australia for the second year running, and the good news for buyers is that the Toyota Hilux 2018 range has seen some tweaks and changes to keep us all interested.
The model range still consists of 4×2 and 4×4 models, and you can still get a single cab, extra cab, and double cab variants as well. But the makeup of the range has changed, with 10 existing variants having been axed in favor of 10 new versions.
Is there anything interesting about its design?
Nothing has changed cosmetically for the 2018 Toyota Hilux, but there are heaps of standard items that spunk up the style on top-spec models, while there are also plenty of optional accessories. Toyota offers a hard-top tray cover, for example, and you can get a soft-top tonneau cover – but not one of the HiLux models has either fitted as standard. You’ll find side steps on models from SR up, and you’ll have to get either a 4×2 Hi-Rider or 4×4 if you want underbody protection. Every pickup version of the HiLux comes with a rear step bumper, so clambering into the tub will be easy if you need to.
How practical is the space inside?
A dual cab, with five seats (including back seat air vents in the SR5 and SR5+ variants), is the most person-friendly option, but you’ll have to make do with the smallest of the trays available. In terms of ute-ness, you might as well cover it with a hard tonneau cover and drive it like a huge, high-riding sedan with plenty of trunk room. You could even acquire a ute cover and disguise it as an SUV… Why not add some roof racks or rails, as well as a baggage pod, while you’re at it? The HiLux is one of the few utes on the market with steering wheel reach and rake adjustment, which is a plus, and the seat comfort and support is excellent. A touchscreen multimedia entertainment system is included on every HiLux.
Models
Toyota Hilux 2.8TD PreRunner SR Double Cab auto
Engine
2.8-litre turbo-diesel
Price
$46,390
ANCAP safety rating
5
Power and Torque
130kW at 3400rpm, 450Nm at 1600-2400rpm
Transmission
Six-speed auto (a manual is available)
Fuel economy
8.1l/100km
Towing capacity
3500kg
2WD/4WD/AWD
2WD
Seating capacity
5
Luggage capacity/payload
970kg
Safety systems
7 airbags
Trailer sway control
2 Isofix, 2 child seat anchors
Reversing camera
Steering wheel controls for ausio/phone/info display
