After a series of teasers, Toyota has finally launched the ninth-generation Hilux in India. Replacing the eighth-generation pickup truck that was launched in March 2022, the new model gets several design changes and feature upgrades. Here’s a detailed look at how the new Toyota Hilux compares with its predecessor.
Toyota Hilux new vs old: Exterior design
Compared to the outgoing Hilux, the new model has a sharper and more rugged design, drawing inspiration from the brand’s Tacoma pickup truck. At the front, it features slimmer LED headlights with integrated daytime running lamps, joined by a gloss-black strip with ‘TOYOTA’ lettering in the centre; the outgoing model opted for the Toyota logo.
The grille is now squarer and features a honeycomb mesh pattern. The bumper gets large black inserts on either side, while the lower section has a more aggressive design with pronounced creases, wide air intakes, a silver skid plate and LED fog lamps.
The side profile is relatively cleaner than the front, and the 'HILUX' badges continue to be placed on the front doors. The alloy wheels have gone down from 18 inches to 17 inches and have a new design and a blacked-out finish instead of silver. The cladding for the wheel arches, which is now standard, is slightly slimmer, and the outside rearview mirrors and door handles are finished in a black shade. Notably, there are new small side steps integrated into both sides of the rear bumper, making it easier to access the truck bed.
At the rear, the new Hilux opts for C-shaped LED tail-lights instead of the earlier model’s B-shaped units. Like at the front, the tailgate gets large ‘TOYOTA’ lettering. The tailgate handle is also finished in black, while the chunky rear bumper continues to feature an integrated step for easier access to the truck bed.
Toyota Hilux new vs old: Interior features
A chunky 3-spoke steering wheel with physical buttons, a digital driver’s display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system give the new Hilux a more modern cabin than that of the outgoing model, which had an analogue driver’s display and a smaller, 8-inch touchscreen unit. Thankfully, the new-gen Hilux offers a plethora of physical controls on the centre console.
However, it misses out on a few convenience features offered by its predecessor, including automatic climate control, second-row AC vents, an auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror, leather seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Instead, it gets manual air conditioning, a conventional IRVM, fabric upholstery and manual adjustment for the driver's seat. For controlling the climate inside the car, Toyota has used simple rotary dials, unlike the international-spec Hilux, which gets a more premium-looking horizontal row of buttons.
Some new features on the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux include a standard wireless charger and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (on the top-spec trim). As before, safety features such as 7 airbags, ABS and Isofix child-seat mounts are on offer. An ADAS suite is still missing, though.
Toyota Hilux new vs old: Powertrain
The new-gen model is based on the same IMV platform as the outgoing Hilux and retains the 2.8-litre diesel engine that produces 204hp and 500Nm. Transmission duties are handled by a 6-speed torque-converter automatic, which is now standard across the range; a manual gearbox is no longer an option. Also, both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations are available. However, the 48V mild-hybrid system offered with the Hilux in some international markets has not been extended to India.
Toyota Hilux new vs old: Price
The outgoing Toyota Hilux was offered only with four-wheel drive in manual and automatic forms, priced at Rs 35.3 lakh and Rs 36 lakh, ex-showroom, respectively. The new Hilux, however, is now available with both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options, widening its appeal, and prices range from Rs 31.99 lakh to Rs 36.69 lakh.
Glenn Noronha
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
Aditya Panicker
