Toyota Hilux: Variants explained

The Toyota Hilux is a vehicle that requires almost no introduction. Touted as one of the most capable and reliable pickup trucks to ever go on sale, the Hilux has a near legendary status. Toyota has been manufacturing the Hilux in Malaysia since the mid-2000s and is available in multiple variants. Prices for this pickup truck starts from RM 90,000 for the base Single Cab variant with the manual transmission, going all the way up to RM 138,000 for the top-of-the-range Double Cab L-Edition with an automatic gearbox. While an oil-burner powers all variants and get four-wheel drive (4WD), only the top trim gets the powerful 2.8-litre unit.

The Toyota Hilux is not designed to look pretty, as its primary mission is to carry stuff in its bed and not breakdown while doing so. That being said, all variants of the new Hilux come with automatic headlamps, rear fog lamps, a 4WD selector with rear-diff lock, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and three airbags as standard. The only notable exterior design changes made to the new Hilux include a taut bonnet, large hexagonal front grille, sweptback headlamps, sculpted bumper with a centrally-located air dam, and restyled housing for the fog lamps. Toyota has also not fiddled with the interior of the 2019 Hilux, so it remains identical to the current model. With all that covered, let’s now move on to the bit which enlightens you with info on each of the variants.

Hilux Single Cab 2.4 (MT)

If all you need is maximum utility with minimum outlay, the base variant of the Hilux should do the deed. Costing just RM 90,000, this is the only model that’s available as a Single Cab - meaning you only get seating for two. However, it does come with longest and widest bed/deck, which is great if you’re going to use it to haul cargo. The Single Cab’s bed measures 2,315 mm X 1,575 mm X 480 mm in length, width and height, respectively. It also meets basic necessities by providing power steering, halogen headlamps, manual AC, and a single-din audio system with two speakers, a CD player, MP3, USB and AUX support. Power comes from a 2.4-litre CRDi four-cylinder engine that produces 148 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and can drive all four wheels. The Hilux 2.4 manual needs well over 14 seconds to pass the 100 kmph barrier, while top speed is around 165 kmph.

Hilux Double Cab 2.4 STD (MT)

This Hilux price tag reads RM 100,000, this variant of the pickup adds 17-inch steel wheels with hub caps, wing mirrors with integrated turn signals, tilt & telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, fabric upholstery, and ISOFIX anchor points for the rear seats.

Hilux Double Cab 2.4G (MT)

The G is the top trim for the Hilux manual and is dearer by RM 10,000 over the STD model. It offers 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, chrome grille, bumpers, door handles, power-operated chrome wing mirrors, multi-information driver’s display, 6-speaker stereo with Bluetooth, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry & go, split-folding rear seats, power windows and door locks, and drive mode selector. There’s also stability control, hill assist, trailer sway control, traction control, parking sensors, and speed-sensing door locks.

Hilux Double Cab 2.4G (AT)

The RM 118,100 Hilux 2.4G (AT) is mechanically similar to the 2.4G (MT) in almost every way, except for its 6-speed automatic transmission. As for extra equipment, you now get a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and seven airbags.

Hilux Double Cab 2.4 L-Edition (AT)

Wearing a sticker price of RM 123,600, the 2.4 L-Edition represents the fully-loaded variant of the Double Cab Hilux with the 2.4-litre diesel engine. To differentiate it from lower trims, Toyota has given it fancier 18-inch alloy wheels that are now shod with on-road focussed tyres. Inside, there’s piano black trim on the steering wheel, perforated leather upholstery, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s chair.

Hilux Double Cab 2.8 L-Edition (AT)

Sporting a RM 138,000 price tag, the 2.8 L-Edition sits on top of the whole Toyota Hilux range. Under the bonnet is now a 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel motor that makes 174 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque - all of which go through a 6-speed automatic slushbox. The higher output of this engine means that the Hilux can now get past 100 kmph in around 13 seconds, while top speed climbs to 182 kmph.

Standard equipment on this fully-loaded Hilux specs sheet includes automatic LED headlights with LED DRL, LED front fog lights, 4.2-inch color multi-information display, 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SD card support and DVD playback, automatic climate control, cruise control, digital video recorder, hill-descent control, and a reversing camera. If you want the ultimate Hilux with all the bells & whistles (plus more power), then this is it.