Toyota Hilux: Top 3 alternatives

Toyota Hilux is now in its second generation and so is the Toyota Fortuner SUV. They are based on all-new Toyota New Global Architecture or TNGA and were launched in the market in 2016. While they haven’t been as appreciated as the first generation models, the Hilux, in particular, has gone the sophisticated way rather than just plain rugged.

This is the case with almost all of the Hilux’s competition and there are quite a few of them around. Of prime importance then is the Ford Ranger which spawns the Everest, the Isuzu D-Max that also underpins the MU-X, and the Nissan Navara NP300 that underpins the Navara SUV. Here is a look how the competition stacks up against this Toyota.

Nissan Navara

This burly pick-up has a bumper which looks higher placed than the Toyota’s. We also like the fact that the Nissan has thought of pedestrian protection with this energy absorbing bumper. The 18-inch alloys are befitting of a pick-up of this stature. The cabin of the Nissan Navara pick-up is contemporary too. A 360-degree camera, anyone? Parking and getting this vehicle out of the lot couldn’t have been made easier. A touchscreen music system with relevant controls on the steering wheel, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, automatic single-zone climate control, rear AC vents, eight cup holders in the cabin, and push-button start. The upholstery is made of breathable material that doesn’t cause fatigue. A commanding presence from this high perch is but given.

The all-LED set up of the Fortuner isn’t available on the Hilux. But, Nissan offers cool LED headlights and that too with the cornering function on the Navara NP300. They light up the dark roads very well. A 190 PS/463 Nm turbodiesel engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. This is a very silent and refined engine and makes cruising a breeze. A 4x4 makes things easier when the going gets tough. The fuel efficiency one can expect is 13 kmpl and the Navara is priced at RM 84,783.

Ford Ranger

The original brute of the lot, the Ford Ranger is as American as things can get. We believe it is one of the best looking pick-ups in the segment and if muscling your way around in the parking lot or on the road is your style, then the Ranger makes sense. The cabin of the Ford Ranger too is amply decked up and if one wants all their vehicle menu systems on the steering wheel, then the Ford makes sense. One can nearly access all the menu from the steering. The seats are decently comfortable but again the NP300 is better in this aspect. There are few cubby holes to stock your knit knacks. There are two engine options. One is a 2.2-litre producing 160 PS while the bigger 3.2-litre motor makes 200 PS. The 6-speed automatic along with 4x4 in the 3.2-litre engine makes sense here as it is not only fast but also efficient. Out of all the pick-ups listed here, the Ford feels properly fast and is stocked with safety features. The prices start from RM 117,282.

Isuzu D-Max

This offering from Japan is for those who want the cheapest option amongst all the pick-ups. These folks usually don’t have a second car and will likely use the D-Max as a personal vehicle as well as for carrying around loads. It has loads of plastic all around and looks decently butch. The projector headlights though look flashy and so does the DRL. There is a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine that can be mated to a two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive transmission. The engine makes 136 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque. An outdated 5-speed manual and automatic transmissions are on offer with this product. The Isuzu D-Max is also offered with a bigger 3.2-litre motor that makes 177 PS and 380 Nm. The engine is a relaxed unit and can reach a top speed of 160 kmph. However, it is the most efficient of the lot at nearly 13.5 kmpl fuel efficiency. Bigger 18-inch alloys are exclusive to the more powerful motor while the smaller one gets 16-inch wheels. Prices start from RM 83,299.