Toyota has unveiled the Hilux in India, and with this, the lifestyle pickup truck segment will finally be expanding beyond just the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross. Official bookings for the Toyota Hilux have begun and price will be announced in March.
This, of course, is a niche segment in India and the Isuzu will have a direct rival for the first time ever since it went on sale in 2016. That said, the Hilux shares its underpinnings with the Fortuner and Innova Crysta and, as such, will be positioned a notch above the Isuzu D-max.
Here we put together the technical specifications of both trucks to see which comes out on top, on paper.
Toyota Hilux vs Isuzu D-Max V-Cross – dimensions
Both the Toyota Hilux and the Isuzu D-Max are rather large vehicles, measuring nearly 5.3 metres in length. However, it is the Toyota Hilux that is longer by 30mm. The Isuzu V-Cross, meanwhile, is wider by 5mm and taller by 25mm than the Toyota Hilux.
Both pickup trucks have an intimidating road presence, thanks to their size. However, despite being shorter in length, the Isuzu D-Max has a 10mm longer wheelbase. Both pickup trucks ride on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels.
Toyota Hilux vs Isuzu D-Max V-Cross – engine and gearbox
The Toyota Hilux will be offered with a sole 2.8-litre diesel engine from the Fortuner in India. This engine produces 204hp and 420Nm of peak torque (500Nm with the automatic gearbox), which is identical to that of the Fortuner. Transmission options for the Hilux include a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Unlike the Fortuner that's available in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, the Hilux will solely be offered in a 4x4 configuration.
In comparison, the Isuzu D-Max is powered by a much smaller 150hp, 360Nm, 1.9-litre diesel engine, which is a considerable 41hp and 60Nm (140Nm in case of the automatic) down on the Hilux. Isuzu also offers both 6-speed manual and automatic gearboxes, although an advantage for the D-Max V-Cross is that it is offered in both 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations, giving it a more competitive starting price.
Toyota Hilux vs Isuzu D-Max V-Cross – price
The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is currently priced between Rs 22.07 lakh-25.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Meanwhile, the Toyota Hilux is expected to be priced between Rs 25 lakh-30 lakh. The Hilux will be brought down to India via the SKD (semi-knocked down) route, and given that it will share a lot of parts with the Fortuner, Toyota has an oppurtunity to price the Hilux competitvely in the market.
Are you excited about the launch of the Hilux in India? Let us know in the comments below.
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