Over the decades, pickup trucks have served as lifelines for the supply chain. But recently, they have also been doubling up as luxury vehicles suited for off-road trips and commutes within the city. Toyota is known for its sturdy, stylish pickup trucks that perfectly integrate aesthetics with utility. The Toyota Hilux is one such pickup truck that has now become quite popular for its performance, technology, and other desirable features.

Features of the Toyota Hilux

• Performance
  The Toyota Hilux has a 2.8-litre engine with four cylinders and 204 hp. The 4×4 versions are equipped with A-TRC, which allows the vehicle to navigate smoothly on slippery terrain. The rear differential lock ensures an even distribution of torque so that the rear wheels run at a uniform speed.
• Exterior
  With several desirable exterior features like LED daytime running lights, fog lights, bi-LED headlights, and 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, the Toyota Hilux’s exterior features give it a modern appeal while retaining the old-school, rugged look and feel of pickup trucks. It is also available in various colours: metallic red, black mica, pearl white, super white, dark grey metallic, and metallic silver.
• Interior
  The Toyota Hilux has plush, luxurious interiors with natural, eco-leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, air conditioning, and dual-zone digital automatic climate control. It also boasts power steering with variable flow control (VFC) and a four-spoke steering wheel.
• Technology
  All Hilux versions sport a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system that integrates with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and is compatible with Bluetooth and USB. A JBL premium audio system with eight speakers, a subwoofer, smart entry, a push-start button, and a 360-degree vision system on the audio screen are some of its other spectacular tech features.
• Safety
  The Toyota Hilux versions are incredibly safe owing to their sturdy builds and several advanced safety features. These include side, front, and knee airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, a pre-collision system, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The car also has hill-start assistance control, vehicle stability control, and an emergency brake signal, ensuring that drivers and passengers are safe in the car regardless of the terrain.
• Warranty
  Toyota supports its customers with a three-year pre-warranty that covers them for three years or 1,00,000 km, whichever comes first. It also covers them with a transferable warranty for three years, or 1,00,000 km.

Toyota Hilux cost
The estimated cost of a Toyota Hilux SRV 4×2 AT is ARS 47,942,000. The SRV 4×4 MT’s base price is approximately ARS 51,591,000 in Argentina. The most advanced version, the SRX 4×4 AT, is ARS 60,718,000.

Buying tips

Understand personal requirements and budget range
There are different versions and models of the Toyota Hilux, with the SRV 4×2 AT being the most basic and the SRX 4×4 AT being the most advanced. Those looking for a basic pickup truck with all the essential performance and luxury features and excellent towing capacity should go for the SRV 4×2 AT. One should also check out the features, sizes, and costs of the other versions, up to the SRX 4×4 AT, and buy the one most suited to their requirements and budget range.

Read the owner’s manual carefully
The manual provides essential, valuable information on the particular model one has bought, along with other details such as maintenance tips, warranty information, and dashboard symbols. Reading the owner manual carefully is important to ensure one utilises their Toyota Hilux optimally, making it a good long-term investment.

Determine whether to buy a brand-new or used Toyota Hilux
Buying a second-hand Toyota Hilux has several advantages, provided the vehicle is in good condition. It is an affordable option, especially if one wants an advanced vehicle model with a limited budget range. That said, when going for a used Toyota Hilux, one should inspect the vehicle thoroughly and check for details like its VIN and ownership records. Careful inspection isn’t necessary when buying a brand new one, but the prices are higher.

Take a test drive
A test drive cannot be overlooked, even if one is buying a Toyota Hilux from a reputed dealer, regardless of whether they are going for a used or brand-new car. One should take a test drive to understand the comfort and safety aspects and, most importantly, whether the car suits them. It also helps determine the space in the car and its towing capabilities.

Check the dealer’s reputation
Several Toyota dealers nearby may offer Hilux trucks in good condition, but one should always check these dealers’ reliability and reputation. It helps to check out online reviews of these dealers and consult one’s family members, friends, neighbours, etc., about whether they are genuine. It’s also important to visit the dealer personally and inquire about their experience, licenses, etc.

Buying a Toyota Hilux is a great idea if one has high towing requirements or is simply looking for a big, luxurious pickup truck for local or off-road travel. Thorough research on the vehicle is essential to understanding its features and cost and making an informed decision.