Toyotas legendary pickup is for the committed adventurer.Much like the Abominable Snowman, the Toyota Hilux is something you have surely heard about however not actually seen in the flesh. Were nearing a year since the famous pickup went on sale in India and its only now that there are records of some sightings on our roads. Perhaps buyers who got their hands on one fasted to head off to the Himalayas for an experience searching for the genuine Snowman.Why is the Hilux such a big deal, you ask? In a word, indestructibility. Legend has it that a Hilux can invest a night out at sea and still make it to work the next day. Some say itll outlast not only you however your next generation too. Its perhaps the worlds hardiest vehicle and has been a hero across warzones and farms alike for years. In India, its being marketed as a lifestyle automobile– an option for daring buyers to whom a tent pitched in the outdoors supplies a more rewarding stay than the glitziest of hotels.Toyota Hilux: priceWithin this intro, its also essential to highlight that the Hilux is the pickup derivative of the Fortuner. The ladder-frame chassis, 2.8-litre diesel motor and 4×4 hardware are shared, though the Hilux utilizes a various rear suspension. Prices is in the same ballpark as entry Fortuners. The Hilux range begins at Rs 33.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) with the top-spec automated transmission-equipped variation featured here priced at Rs 36.99 lakh. Simply for recommendation, the just other premium pickup on sale, Isuzus V-Cross, tops out at Rs 26 lakh.Toyota Hilux: dimensions, design and cargo bedFirst things. The Hilux is enormous. At 5.3 m long, its longer than a Mercedes S-Class and the size is only highlighted by a cabin thats perched high off the ground. Its enforcing as is but kitted up with fatter tyres, auxiliary lights, winches and the works (as many would be), the Hilux transforms into a very serious-looking tool. For lots of, the Hiluxs appeal depends on just that.India gets the Hilux in double taxi kind, which is a four-door cabin with two rows of seating ahead of the big cargo bed. The Toyota-ness to the basic pickup style comes courtesy the frontal styling. The chrome-rich hexagonal grille and big headlights connect the Hilux to other Toyotas, the Innova Crysta (likewise based upon the same platform) included. Theres an entire cottage market thatll assist you update your Hiluxs seek to your preference and Toyotas own devices menu consists of items such as a canopy and tent for the freight bed.Access to the freight bed is by means of a fold-down tailgate whose operation is smoothed by hydraulic struts on either side. The bed is well shaped and with a 470kg load capability can hold an entire lot of farm produce or adventure gear as the case might be. Problem is, the bed is high set, so youll need a helping hand or more to get stuff up or down. The bed floor makes it easy to slide products and its simple to spray wash too.Toyota Hilux: interiorThe Hilux is a tall vehicle and entry to the high-set cabin requires the usage of the step and then the hand grip at the pillars to carry yourself up. Inside, the Hilux cant hide its utilitarian roots and the truth existss absolutely nothing Rs 35 lakh about the interior. The roofing lining is basic, the plastics are soft-touch and difficult products are limited to the seats alone.The simple dashboard wont wow you for a style either. Once again, this is an automobile that is designed to be your home on the go and to that end, it scores well with lots of useful touches. There are bottleholders on each of the doors, fold-out cupholders at each end of the dashboard, another set of cupholders at the base of the centre console, 2 usefully big gloveboxes and a box in between the front seats with a handy 2-pin charging socket.As you can imagine, the driving position is commanding and as a plus, the front seats are also really comfy. Those seated at the back dont have it quite as great. For one, legroom is just adequate; that massive 3,085 mm wheelbase has clearly been used to increase cargo room, not guest room.The seating position is also knees up and what does not help matters is the upright rear backrest– a peculiarity on many pickups. The rear seats do come integrated with some added practicality. When not in use, the seat base can be made to stand upright to maximize substantial baggage area within the cabin.Toyota Hilux: featuresThe Hilux is provided in two trims and functions standard across the range, consisting of keyless entry and go, cruise control, an easy 8-inch touchscreen however with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear air-con vents, front and rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera. The High trim, identifiable on the outdoors by chrome decorations, includes LED headlights, car climate control, leather upholstery and a powered chauffeurs seat change. The feature list isnt long per se, but there are enough niceties to make life with a Hilux comfy.In terms of ability, all variations of the Hilux are made equivalent. Four-wheel drive with low variety (run via a dial), an electronic differential lock for the rear axle and hill descent control are basic fit. Safety package includes 7 airbags, electronic stability control, hill start assist and ISOFIX kid seat mounts.Toyota Hilux: performanceThe Hilux shares its diesel engine with the Fortuner. Thats a 204hp, 2.8-litre diesel that makes 420Nm with the 6-speed manual and 500Nm with the 6-speed vehicle. Due to the fact that the Hilux feels strong, the power figures translate on to the road. It gets to speed reasonably fast and theres always that feeling of more power in reserve.We didnt put the 470kg load capacity and its influence on efficiency to the test, but signs are pulling power wont be a concern. When rushed but noise levels are well within appropriate limits for a pickup, the engine does get loud. The 6-speed automated gearbox also succeeds. Shifts are smooth and its satisfyingly alert in Sport mode and responsive to manual inputs at the equipment lever. Before you ask, no paddleshifters here.Toyota Hilux: trip and handlingThe Hilux doesnt do city life well. It feels its size in town, the heavy steering needs effort to twirl and the massive turning radius indicates youll undoubtedly be holding up traffic at U-turns. The parking sensing units and rear cam do remove some uncertainty while placing it, but all the best finding a parking area big enough to accommodate your Hilux.On the plus side, the Hiluxs size and weight provide excellent confidence at greater speeds. Its not nimble, of course, however turns efficiently enough. The steering does require minute corrections over long, winding corners.Ride comfort is a function of how loaded the Hilux is. With no included weight over the back, the rear leaf springs provide a bouncy ride that pickup the minutest of surface area flaws. It hops, skips and jumps and your rear passengers in particular will feel the impact. Once again, the Hilux cushions the blow of big holes taken at speed better than most other SUVs.Its when you leave the roadway behind, the Hilux comes into its own. It feels built to take a pounding from its very core and permits you to keep the rate where typical SUVs would require you to considerably downsize. Youll be rattled, not your Hilux.In the rough, the chunky 265/60 R18 tires are a good first line of defence and when conditions weaken, a twist of the 4WD knob unlocks brand-new capability. The Hilux brushed off the medium-level rock-laden course we attempted with outright ease. Ground clearance (Toyota hasnt provided a number) is sufficient and we werent limited by the long wheelbase and XL-sized rear overhang in the rocky setting. We will be putting the Hilux through more major things quickly so remain tuned to see how the Hilux fares. But its safe to assume, all that a Fortuner can do, a Hilux can too. And thats a lot. Toyota Hilux: verdictLifestyle pickup are all about experience and travel, and to that end, the Hilux scores big. Itll take you to places couple of SUVs can, and theres comfort in understanding that whatever will work as its supposed to even in the most negative conditions.Thing is, you have to be truthful about how much of the Hiluxs skillset is of real usage to you. Its a dedicated choice, in that sense, since it requires you to cope with a rough ride, heavy steering and a relative absence of frills. The large size of the important things can likewise be a discomfort point in the area. See the Hilux in light of a like-priced SUV before taking the plunge.If the pros surpass the cons, and if youre specifically looking for a tool to take you off the map, the Hilux might be all the vehicle you need.

In India, its being marketed as a lifestyle vehicle– an option for adventurous purchasers to whom a tent pitched in the terrific outdoors supplies a more satisfying stay than the glitziest of hotels.Toyota Hilux: priceWithin this introduction, its likewise crucial to highlight that the Hilux is the pickup derivative of the Fortuner. Safety kit consists of seven airbags, electronic stability control, hill start assist and ISOFIX kid seat mounts.Toyota Hilux: performanceThe Hilux shares its diesel engine with the Fortuner. Prior to you ask, no paddleshifters here.Toyota Hilux: flight and handlingThe Hilux does not do city life well. Once again, the Hilux cushions the blow of big pits taken at speed much better than many other SUVs.Its when you leave the road behind, the Hilux comes into its own. See the Hilux in light of a like-priced SUV before taking the plunge.If the pros outweigh the cons, and if youre particularly looking for a tool to take you off the map, the Hilux might be all the vehicle you require.