The sole 2.8L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine offered with Toyota Hilux is mated to a 4X4 transfer case and a choice between a 6-speed MT or AT
Ah, pickup trucks! One of the most popular segments in markets like North America is hardly a thing in India. For reference, pickup trucks sold by American Trinity (Ford, Chevy & Dodge) in the USA surpass the total number of car sales across segments in India. Yeah, you read that right. But in India, we hardly have two offerings, one of them is Toyota Hilux, which has undergone a price rejig.
Toyota Hilux Base Variant Price Slashed
Toyota has made adjustments to Hilux’s pricing to establish a very attractive entry-level price point. Prices for Hilux have been slashed by as much as Rs. 3.59 lakh (ex-sh). For MY2023, Toyota Hilux comes off as slightly more affordable for prospective buyers than it used to be before.
Not all variants receive price-slashing treatment. In fact, Only the base STD trim coupled with an MT transmission has been made more affordable. With High trim, on the other hand, prices have been hiked for both MT and AT variants. High MT has been hiked by Rs. 1.35 lakh, while High AT prices have been hiked by Rs. 1.1 lakh.
Toyota Hilux prices slashed for the base STD MT variant makes a tempting proposition. In effect, STD MT is now priced at Rs. 30.40 lakh, as opposed to 33.99 lakh. High MT is now priced at Rs. 37.15 lakh as opposed to Rs. 35.80 lakh and High AT is priced at Rs. 37.90 lakh as opposed to Rs. 36.80 lakh. All prices mentioned are ex-sh.
Features With Base STD Trim Of Toyota Hilux
With this attractive entry-level price point, one might be tempted to sprint to the closest Toyota dealership with their checkbook ready. Before doing that, we have to understand what STD trim offers when compared to top-spec High trim. Rather, what STD trim misses out on, as opposed to High trim.
For starters, Toyota hasn’t messed with the features list for both trim levels. In effect, the Rs. 3.59 lakh slashed in its price tag, STD MT hasn’t lost any feature in that transition. But when compared to High trim, it lacks LED bulbs in its headlights, leatherette seats, automatic climate control and electric driver seat adjustment.
Instead, we get halogen bulbs, fabric seats, manual AC, and manually adjustable seats. These aren’t deal breakers and we think the STD MT variant with the price reduction, is a steal. Also, the 8” touchscreen infotainment along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rear AC vents, cruise control, 8 speakers sound system with steering mounted controls, and many more amenities are present.
Rivals Of Toyota Hilux In India
Toyota Hilux measures 5325 mm in length, 1855 mm in width, 1815 mm in height and has 3085 mm wheelbase. It is equipped with a 2.8L turbo-diesel engine capable of developing 201 bhp and 420 Nm of torque. Gearbox choices include a 6-speed MT and a 6-speed AT. 4X4 with a transfer case is standard fitment as well.
As of now, Toyota Hilux only has one contender in the form of Isuzu V-Cross, priced between Rs. 19.5 lakh and Rs. 27 lakh. Both pickup trucks offered in India come off as overpriced. Given that good pickup trucks under Rs. 10 lakh like Tata Xenon XT and Mahindra Scorpio Getaway offered for PV segment are things of the past, pickup fans in India should make do with either V-Cross or Hilux.
