Toyota Hilux: Which variant to buy

The Toyota Hilux is currently the country’s number one, best-selling pickup truck in the market. This midsize truck has gained its reputation for over 50 years of reliability and excellent driving performance. The Hilux celebrated its anniversary in 2018, prompting Toyota to give the then latest 2015 model a facelift.

Besides the new upgrades, Toyota added a new premium variant — the Hilux Conquest. Other variants include the Hilux Cab and Chassis, Hilux J, Hilux E, and the Hilux G.

Here are the engine specs for each corresponding variant:

Specs	Cab and Chassis	J	E	G	Conquest
Build	4x2 MT	4x2MT	4x2 MT 4x4 MT	4x2 MT/AT 4x4 MT/AT	4x2 MT/AT 4x4 MT/AT
Model	2GD-FTV (Low)		2GD-FTV (High)	2GD-FTV (High) (for 4x2) 1GD-FTV (for 4x4)
Engine Type	2.4L Diesel, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve DOHC VariableNozzle Turbo with Front Mounted Intercooler			4x2 2.4L Diesel, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve DOHC VariableNozzle Turbo with Front Mounted Intercooler 4x4 2.8L Diesel, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve DOHCVariable Nozzle Turbo with FrontMounted Intercooler	4x2 2.4L Diesel, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve DOHC VariableNozzle Turbo with Front Mounted Intercooler 4x4 2.8L Diesel, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve DOHCVariable Nozzle Turbo with FrontMounted Intercooler
Displacement	2,393 cc			2,393 cc (for 4x2) 2,755 cc (for 4x4)	2,393 cc (for 4x2) 2,755 cc (for 4x4)
Maximum Power	147 hp / 3,400 rpm			147 hp / 3,400 rpm (for 4x2) 174 hp / 3,400 rpm (for 4x4)	147 hp / 3,400 rpm (for 4x2) 174 hp / 3,400 rpm (for 4x4)
Maximum Torque	343 Nm / 1,400 ~ 2,800 rpm		400 Nm / 1,600 ~ 2,000 rpm	4x2 420 Nm / 1,600 ~ 2,400 rpm 4x4 450 Nm / 1,600 ~ 2,400 rpm	4x2 420 Nm / 1,600 ~ 2,400 rpm 4x4 450 Nm / 1,600 ~ 2,400 rpm
Transmission	5-Speed M/T		6-Speed M/T	6-Speed M/T 6-Speed A/T with ECT (GateType Sequential)	6-Speed M/T 6-Speed A/T with ECT (GateType Sequential)
Fuel System	Direct Injection Common Rail

 

The G and Conquest both offer 4x4 models while the rest are 4x2. 4x2 variants are powered by a 2.4L D-4D mill while the 4x4 ones carry a more powerful 2.8L D-4D engine. All variants aside from the Cab and Chassis can be mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Despite the large differences between each variant, they all share the following standard safety features:

• Driver and passenger SRS airbags
• Driver’s knee airbag
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic brakeforce distribution

The 4x4 variants received a couple more of extra features such as:

• Side airbags
• Curtain airbags
• Electronic stability control
• Traction control hill
• Hill-start assist
• Trailer sway control

Design & style 

In terms of appearance, all variants sport the same muscular sides and chunky bumper with a chrome grille. Inside, they all also have the same 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, a slim horizontal AC system, and gauge clusters with a twin-dial setup.

The Hilux has definitely proved to be a top-notch performer and has continued to deliver throughout its career. However, with a number of different variants to choose from, it can be overwhelming to determine which is the best fit for your needs. Which is why we took a look at each variant individually, check out -

Hilux Cab and Chassis

This is the entry-level Hilux and is only available with a 5-speed manual transmission. It only comes as a 4x2 model with a 2.4L Diesel, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve engine. It is capable of churning out 147 hp at 3,400 rpm, which is similar to the maximum power output of the other variants. Compared to the more premium variants, this one has halogen headlamps and has no LED front foglamps.

The Hilux Cab and Chassis has the usual standard features found in all the Hilux variants and is the most affordable in the lineup with a price tag of P829,000.

Hilux J

The Hilux J shares the exact same specs as the Cab and Chassis. It comes as a 4x2 model and is instead available with a six-speed manual transmission. It also carries halogen headlamps and has no LED front foglamps. The major difference between the two would be the presence of more convenient features such as accessory power outlets, which are absent in the Cab and Chassis.

Hilux E

The Hilux E comes in both Hilux E 4x2 and Hilux E 4x4 models which can be paired to a six-speed manual transmission. It is still powered by a 2.4L Diesel, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve engine and produces the same maximum power output. The only difference is that it generates more torque with 400 Nm at 1,600-2,000 rpm.

Similar to the Cab and Chassis and J variants, it sports halogen headlamps and narrow over-fenders. It also carries the same standard features and includes some added convenience such as accessory power outlets.

Hilux G

The Hilux G is available in both 4x2 and 4x4 models with either capable of being paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The 4x4 models are instead powered by a 2.8L Diesel, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve engine and can generate 174 hp at 3,400 rpm. It still comes with halogen headlamps but the vehicle does have wider over-fenders.

Being higher-end in the Hilux lineup, it also comes with a couple more features such as wireless doorlock, adjusting system for windows and the rearview mirror, a seatbelt warning system, door ajar warning, and navigation system.

Hilux Conquest

The Hilux Conquest is heavily based on the Hilux G and was intended to be a premium version of the variant in celebration of the vehicle’s anniversary. Similar to the G, it comes in both 4x2 and 4x4 options that can be paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The 4x4 also carries the same 2.8L Diesel, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve engine and generates the same amount of power and torque.

Compared to the other variants, the Conquest was designed with more aggressive tones. It has a hexagonal grille and a different fascia that makes the vehicle appear rugged and tough. Toyota also added a tail light trim to give it a sporty touch. The headlamps are also LED instead of halogen.

Being the high-end variant in the lineup, the Conquest offers a plethora of tech and safety features, as well as premium interiors exclusive for this variant. Seats are upholstered in leather and a rear armrest plus numerous cup holders have also been added. This is also the only variant with a push-start system and cruise control.

Toyota Hilux price list in Philippines 

Toyota Hilux 2.4 Cab and Chassis 4x2 MT	P829,000
Toyota Hilux 2.4 J DSL 4x2 MT	P939,000
Toyota Hilux 2.4 E DSL 4x2 MT	P1,046,000
Toyota Hilux 2.4 E DSL 4x4 MT	P1,202,000
Toyota Hilux 2.4 G DSL 4x2 MT	P1,220,000
Toyota Hilux 2.4 G DSL 4x2 AT	P1,295,000
Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 G DSL 4x2 MT	P1,368,000
Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 G DSL 4x2 AT	P1,443,000
Toyota Hilux 2.8 G DSL 4x4 MT	P1,522,000
Toyota Hilux 2.8 G DSL 4x4 AT	P1,652,000
Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 G DSL 4x4 MT	P1,678,000
Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 G DSL 4x4 AT	P1,808,000

The Toyota Hilux specs sheet certainly offers something different for each driver’s needs and budget. The new Hilux Conquest is also an impressive model, easily surpassing the Hilux G as well. However, considering the Conquest’s almost-P2 million price tag, we don’t see the need to shell out so much considering the Hilux G still delivers an excellent performance as a premium vehicle. But if you do have the extra cash, then we say why not and go for the Conquest.

If you’re on a really strict budget, then we recommend the Hilux E which is in the middle of the lineup. It’s moderately priced and still comes with more features compared to the J and Cab and Chassis.

Which Toyota Hilux variant caught your eye? Share with us your thoughts on our social media.

Also Read: Toyota Hilux: Maintenance guide