Toyota Hilux 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 M/T

The Toyota Hilux has earned its name as one of the most reliable and hardy midsized pickup trucks anywhere in the world. The facelift version of the Toyota Hilux hit the Philippine market in September 2020. The engine options were expanded. The Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT is now the entry-level vehicle in its range. It's part of the Hilux eighth-generation which was introduced in 2015. 

Pros

• Diesel engine with enough torque
• Good NVH insulation
• Infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Cons

• Stiff and sometimes bumpy ride 
• No bedliner
• Small touchscreen

Specs and Powertrain

The Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT is equipped with a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine which produces 150PS maximum power and 343Nm peak torque. The motor is paired with a 5-speed manual. The vehicle is mounted on a double-wishbone suspension in the front and a rigid axle with leaf springs at the back. The 2.4-liter engine has great hauling capability and is among the most powerful in business.   

What is the difference between Conquest 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT and 2.4 J DSL 4x2 MT?

While the engine is the same, the latter comes with more driver-assist features and safety equipment.

Which is better, AT or MT?

It depends on the driver's preference. The MT allows more control for the driver, while the AT reduces the headache of changing gears. Most vehicles are shifting to AT these days.

Interior

The interior of the Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT gets cloth seats. They don't look great but aren't bad either. A lot of hard plastics have been used to keep the price affordable. The steering wheel is polyurethane. The panel that houses the infotainment system is matte. This avoids scratches, dust, and fingerprints are that are common on a glossy surface. Automatic climate control is standard across all Hilux Conquest variants.

What extra features does the top variant have?

The Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 4x4 AT comes with leather-wrapped seats, automatic climate control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, twin-dial setup gauge cluster and a multifunction display.

Exterior

Even the standard variant of the Toyota Hilux Conquest is a looker. The pickup truck looks poised to perform. The headlights and tail lights are all halogen. The rear doesn't have a bedliner. The color, whichever you choose, looks awesome. The bumper comes with the parking sensors. There are a few sharp creases that highlight the exterior details. The Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT looks bold and aggressive all around. The 279mm ground clearance and the dark-colored wheels add a good contrast to the overall package. 

Drive and performance

Handling of the Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT is pretty average. The steering is on the heavier side, but not overly so. The vehicle negotiates bends easily but there's quite a bit of body roll. On rough roads, some of the larger bumps are felt inside the cabin and that may lead to a steering jerk. Transmission is smooth and the engine is responsive. The Hilux Conquest is a big car and it requires some practice to handle it.  

Is the Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT suitable for off-road driving?

This Hilux Conquest is mostly used for on-road driving and carrying cargo within the city. It's a lifestyle vehicle as well. With a potent powertrain, it's suitable for off-roading. But serious off-road enthusiasts may want the 4X4 option.

Passenger and boot space

The entire Hilux Conquest range comes with huge amount of headroom and legroom. Even the rear row gets enough space. With a rather stiff suspension, some of the road bumps and thuds can be felt inside the cabin. But that doesn't affect travelling comfort much. The 2.4-liter diesel engine is noisy but none of that enters the cabin, courtesy the great insulation. Expect a comfortable highway performance on smooth roads. City-based driving comfort isn't great to speak about. 

Comfort and entertainment

The Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT comes with a 6.75-inch touchscreen infotainment unit which is much smaller than most of its rivals. It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But there's no backup camera. The air-conditioning is fast and cools every corner. There's a long list of have-nots but that doesn't really affect the comfort factor. The seats are soft and comfortable for long trips. This Hilux Conquest is more of a budget pickup. 

What extra features does the top variant have?

The Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 4x4 AT comes with leather-wrapped seats. It also gets automatic climate control, while the gauge cluster is a twin-dial setup having a multifunction display. 

Safety features

The Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT comes with a decent safety package. These include antilock braking, vehicle stability control, emergency brake signals, hill-start assist control, engine immobilizer, and ISOFIX tethers. The Toyota Hilux got a 5-star rating on the ASEAN NCAP.

How many airbags does the Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT have?

This Conquest comes with just two front airbags. The highest Conquest 2.8 4x4 AT comes with seven airbags.

Fuel consumption

The Hilux Conquest 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT returns a fuel economy of 11kmpl on city roads and around 16kmpl on highways. The latter number is better than most of its competitors. 

Value for money

The Hilux Conquest 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT has a starting price of ₱861,000. The pickup comes with a 3-year (100,000km) warranty. It's a tough and durable vehicle, backed by Toyota's extensive service network.

Which is the best Hilux Conquest trim?

The 2.8 4x4 AT is the fully equipped version in the Hilux Conquest series. Priced at ₱1.937 million it's also the most expensive. The Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT is the most affordable version with lesser features. 

Verdict

The Hilux Conquest 2.4 Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT strike a nice balance between comfort and utility. The 2.4-liter diesel motor is a very capable performer. It's decently priced, considering it's a Toyota. Other rivals with similar features are more expensive. The Cab & Chassis 4x2 MT trim is the best for those who want a lifestyle pickup without spending the earth.