2020 Toyota Hilux gets more power, retuned suspension, new equipment

MANILA: Toyota has already launched the 2020 Hilux in several countries in the Asia Pacific region and as per the Facebook page of Toyota Motor Philippines, we will be getting it on Saturday, September 12 at 6pm.

To make the wait a little easier (and to give you a glimpse and what to expect), I’ve gathered pertinent information about the 2020 Hilux that’s already on the roads of New Zealand, Australia, and even Thailand.

The exterior largely remains the same except for bigger rendition of the hexagonal-shaped front grille, which is highlighting by thicker cladding around it. It also has newly designed Bi-Beam LED Headlights with Daytime Running Light as well as the LED Light Guiding Taillights.

Inside is a retouched instrument panel with a 4.2-inch multi-information display and redesigned 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

What should make new customers happy is the enhanced and improved suspension with heightened shock absorption capability and new leaf spring structure. According to Toyota, this should make the ride of the Hilux more luxury SUV like without losing its best-in-class rigidity and payload.

The 2.8-liter engine gets a significant bump in power and now puts out 27hp and 50Nm more than the previous generation. The result is 201hp and 500Nm. The output of the 2.4-liter engine remains the same.

Toyota has also reduced the idling from 850rpm (revolutions per minute) to 680rpm. This is for higher fuel efficiency and better traction on off-road scenarios.

It has also been endowed with VFC (Variable Flow Control) power steering, which automatically adjusts steering wheel stiffness upon the speed of the truck to help reduce driver's stress.

For the first time, Toyota equips the Hilux Toyota Safety Sense. Driver’s will now be able to experience advanced safety technologies like Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert.

And then there’s also the GR Hilux that’s already in development and should come out by 2023. That should match-up against the Raptor quite nicely.

In Thailand, the 2020 Toyota Hilux will be available under Toyota’s Kinto progam.

Toyota Motor Philippines also offers Kinto One but only for the Vios 1.5 G CVT, Rush 1.5 G CVT, Fortuner G AT Diesel, and Corolla Altis 1.8V Hybrid. The program lets customers lease the vehicle without any downpayment and pay a fixed monthly fee that already includes Periodic Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Annual Comprehensive Insurance. Will the 2020 Hilux also be offered in the Kinto One program? We’ll find out on Saturday, September 12.

Photos from Toyota

Also read: Toyota PH appears set to launch new Hilux on Sept. 12