TOYOTA HILUX PICK-UP REVIEW

For It's decent to drive, the cabin is solid and flexible, and the loadbay is a good size, but the biggest advantages are for company users

Against It's heavy to park, short on seat adjustment and the 101bhp diesel struggles even if the loadbay is empty

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

Unless you really need the financial advantages of owning a pick-up, it's hard to overlook the Hilix's shortcomings, such as the poor ride and refinement. Most people will be better off with a conventional 4x4

Reader review rating

4.5

The Toyota Hilux Pick-up full review Read in full

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Go for the high-powered 2.5
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Fine body control; unsettled ride
Refinement
1 out of 5 stars
Lots of engine and wind noise
Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
Not cheap, but some tax advantages
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Should go on forever
Safety & Security
2 out of 5 stars
Only two airbags; no deadlocks
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Simple dash; steering adjusts for height
Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
Bodystyles to suit all needs
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Even the basic model gets plenty of kit

Or view…

There are 5 Toyota Hilux versions available

Toyota Hilux Pick-up 2.5 Single Cab HL2 4X4 2dr	£18,553	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Toyota Hilux Pick-up 2.5 Extra Cab HL2 4X4 2dr	£19,513	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Toyota Hilux Pick-up 2.5 Double Cab HL2 4X4 4dr	£20,593	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Toyota Hilux Pick-up 2.5 Double Cab HL3 4X4 4dr	£21,913	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Toyota Hilux Pick-up 3.0 Double Cab Invincible 4X4 4dr	£23,953	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5

Toyota Hilux Pick-up 2.5 Double Cab HL2 4X4 4dr

This is a decent package, with a reasonable amount of practicality. However, the relative lack of equipment does mean that we would recommend going for something rather more luxurious.

What Car? says:3 stars out of 5

Read review

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

As with any pick-up, the appeal of the L200 is most obvious if you’re a business user. Not only might you be able to claim back the VAT when you buy one, you may also incur a lower tax liability.

Which of the various models you choose will depend on how you intend to use it, as the range includes everything from a basic Single Cab workhorse to an Extra Cab and the most car-like, the Double Cab.

The first two come in lower trims, but if you want the kind of luxuries you'd expect in a car - and smarter looks - you'll need the Double Cab, which comes in higher trim levels.

Top-spec Invincible includes sat-nav, for example, and comes with a more powerful 3.0-litre diesel engine.

For all that, though, if you don't need a workhorse, you may be better off with a conventional 4x4, so only buy a Hilux once you've done an extensive test drive.