Toyota’s latest Hilux upgrade has produced several key improvements. Whether they are enough to help the iconic model reclaim the Number one spot in the market, however, is another story.

Right then. I can  tell you two - three actually – things about Toyota’s new-for-2021 facelifted Hilux. The cabin is quantifiably quieter and the ride definitely less choppy – particularly on the rubbish chip-seal surfaces that regional roading authorities continue to short change us on – than in the model it replaces.

The new’un definitely has more grunt as well – as a prod on the go-pedal between 80 and 100km/h in particular – is wont to prove.

The 2021 Hilux now also looks better, tougher, thanks to a new, bolder grille on most models, plus there’s an all-new ‘halo’ off-road – oriented ‘Trophy Truck’ model called the Mako to give dealers around the country something to sell against Ford’s Ranger Raptor.

Over the two-day press drive programme – which started in Palmerston North and ended two days later in New Plymouth – Toyota NZ execs stayed strictly on message, extolling the virtues of their new model and hardly mentioning any other.

“Like Kiwis, the trusty and iconic Hilux has evolved and adapted over the decades,” said new company CEO Neeraj Lala. “The 2021 model is our most technologically advanced truck ever, and with its performance improvements, this is a truck that is in its element everywhere.

“More than 18 million have been sold globally, including more than 142,000 in New Zealand. The Aussies may be trying to claim this one for themselves, but the Hilux is an iconic piece of New Zealand heritage, and the legacy will continue,” says Neeraj. 

In its element, everywhere

With 18 different Hilux variants and four specification levels – WorkMate, SR, SR5 and top of the range SR5 Cruiser – in the 2021 line-up, there is a model to suit every customer need. 

The 2WD WorkMate is the no-frills, get-the-job-done Hilux. With a lower body height allowing ease of access to equipment and tools and a proven 2.7 litre petrol engine the WorkMate is an affordable, safe and reliable truck. The WorkMate is available with an automatic transmission only in either a single cab chassis or double cab ute.  

 Utilising the upgraded 2.8 litre turbo-diesel engine, the 2WD PreRunner SR is available with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission in the double cab ute or as an automatic in the extra cab ute. 

With seven variations, the 4WD SR Hilux offers the most choice. All have the more powerful 2.8 litre turbo-diesel engine, but each configuration meets different requirements.  

The 4WD SR can be purchased as a cab chassis in single, extra and double cab configuration. It is also available as a double cab ute. All, apart from the single cab cab-chassis (automatic only), have optional manual or automatic transmissions. The manual transmission on all 4WD SR double cabs has been upgraded to an intelligent type (i-MT).  

At the top of the line, the 2021 SR5 and SR5 Cruiser models come in a double cab body shape only and are available as either 2WD PreRunner or 4WD. The SR5 is available with either a manual or automatic transmission, while the SR5 Cruiser is available with an automatic transmission only.  

Tougher presence on & off road

The revised exterior styling for wide-body Hilux variants delivers a tough, robust on-road presence for Hilux that takes its lead from the global Toyota truck family.

 A large trapezoidal grille now dominates the front and incorporates more pronounced horizontal elements to deliver a wider, more planted look. Grille surrounds are charcoal for SR, chrome for SR5, and matte black for SR5 Cruiser. The WorkMate and Single cab variants carry their current exterior design over. 

Newly designed headlights on the SR5 and SR5 Cruiser variants are smaller for a “meaner” appearance. Halogen lamps on SR extra and double cab variants use a new four-bulb structure while SR5 gains newly designed LED headlights with a bright chrome surround. The SR5 Cruiser features LED headlights with a dark grey accent.  

All headlamps feature auto on/off with manual levelling for WorkMate and SR, and automatic levelling for SR5 and SR5 Cruiser. Side steps are standard on SR, SR5 and SR5 Cruiser variants. 

All widebody SR variants have 17” black steel wheels with all-terrain 265/65R17 Bridgestone tyres, while the 4WD SR single cab chassis is fitted with 17” silver steel wheels and all-terrain 225/70R17 Dunlop tyres. 

The 17” alloy wheel available with the SR5 has changed to a dark-grey finish while retaining 265/65R17 all-terrain tyres. The 18” SR5 Cruiser wheels, wrapped with 265/60R18 rubber, changes to a black tinted machine cut alloy. 

At the rear, distinctive new LED taillights for SR5 and SR5 Cruiser trucks enhance night-time visibility and reduce power consumption. The SR5 Cruiser also has a rear bumper change while a Hilux branded garnish has been added to the tail gate. 

There are nine exterior colours with two new colours added to the Hilux range in 2021 – Deep Sea Blue and Emotional Red.

The inside line 

An improved multimedia system is centred on an eight-inch touchscreen display (previously six or seven-inch) with knobs complementing the capacitive-touch interface to make operation easier, such as when wearing heavy gloves.  

New standard features include voice recognition for WorkMate variants, and Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto across the range. The SR5 and SR5 Cruiser variants come standard with satellite navigation with SUNA traffic channel.  

There are six speakers for double cabs, four for extra cabs and two for single cab and WorkMate variants. While the range topping SR5 Cruiser has a class-leading nine speaker JBL premium audio system with rear subwoofer.

New speedometer and tachometer dials have a cleaner, easier to read appearance, the twin analogue dials now supplemented by a large centrally-situated digital speed readout. The SR5 Cruiser has a unique instrument cluster from the other variants. 

The new display also now includes a front wheel steering angle display and (for diesel models) a Diesel Particulate Filter status light, indicating if a regeneration process for the filter is required. 

WorkMate and SR variants have a dark grey fabric seat and vinyl floor coverings, providing the toughness and durability required for daily commercial use. The SR5 variants add a carpet floor covering. While the SR5 Cruiser has a premium twotone dark grey and black perforated leather accented seats. PreRunner and 4WD double cabs have a 60/40 split base for the rear seat and a stowable armrest. In addition, SR5 and SR5 Cruiser are fitted with a premium shift knob and steering wheel and chrome door handles. 

Torque about grunt!

Toyota has wrought substantial improvement from the 2.8-litre turbo diesel 1GD engine, which now develops 150kW and 500Nm (an increase of 15 percent and 11 percent respectively on outgoing variants) for variants with the six-speed automatic transmission. Torque with the six-speed manual gearbox remains at 420Nm.

The updates result in stronger overtaking and towing on highway hills with maximum torque now available across a wider range of 1600-2800rpm (auto) and 1400-3400rpm (manual). The 2021 Hilux maintains its renowned low-rpm torque and driveability in city and off-road conditions. 

Toyota engineers improved performance and fuel economy simultaneously by adopting a larger, heavy-duty turbocharger with a ball-bearing cartridge for exceptionally crisp and strong throttle response, and a new common-rail injection system with a higher maximum fuel pressure of 250 MPa.

Higher outputs in the 1GD engine have also been supported by improvements including a redesigned cylinder-head gasket, strengthened cylinder block, new pistons and new exhaust manifold and gasket materials. Further cooling measures include a reshaped water jacket, and a revised cooling fan. 

The fuel consumption in diesel 2021 Hilux variants is up to 11 percent better than outgoing models, while CO2 emissions are down five percent.  

On SR, SR5, and SR5 Cruiser drivers can choose either normal drive mode,  or two extra modes: ECO which reduces throttle response in favour of fuel economy and reduces power consumption for heating and cooling; and POWER to provide sharper acceleration response for a more engaging drive on undulating and winding roads. 

The Hilux WorkMate is available with a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. 

Towing remains unchanged at 3500kgs maximum braked towing on diesel Hilux, or 2500kgs on WorkMate variants.

Handling and ride comfort 

Building on major improvements to the leaf-sprung rear end made at the last major model upgrade the 2021 Hilux has retuned spring rates and shock absorbers as well as new suspension bushes and cabin mounts. These improvements are designed to deliver a more agile handling response and improving ride comfort, particularly when unladen on country roads and over speed humps.

New to the 2021 Hilux meanwhile is  the rear automatic limited slip differential, which is standard across all 4WD double cab variants. PreRunner and 4WD Hilux variants also have a rear differential lock, while Downhill Assist Control has also been added to the manual SR double cab variants making it now standard across all 4WD double cab variants. 

All diesel variants benefit from a new variable-flow control power-steering pump that improves fuel economy while delivering a more natural driving feel that varies depending on the driving conditions.

The aim was to offer high assistance to support low-speed manoeuvres such as parking while maintaining better feel with less assistance at highway speeds and on country roads. There is also a specific mode for off-road driving in low range. 

FIVE Star Safety 

The 2021 Hilux retains its rigid, impact-absorbing structure, full range of electronic braking and traction-control technologies, emergency stop signal, reversing camera, seven airbags, and seatbelt reminders for all seats. On double-cab variants, the rear seats have two top tether anchors and two ISOFIX points. 

All variants also get the Toyota safety sense package which includes a pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with yaw assist and road sign assist.  

 In addition, the SR5 and SR5 Cruiser grades have gained front and rear parking sensors, while trailer sway control also comes as standard on all variants and active traction control is standard on all 4WDs.  

Dollars and sense

Toyota Drive-away pricing includes all on road costs; WOF, registration, 1000kms of RUC, a full tank of fuel, the Toyota Care Service Advantage fixed price servicing package, floor mats, and three years or 100,000 kms warranty. 

The 2021 Toyota Hilux variants are priced at:

2WD  
2WD 2.7P WorkMate Single Cab Chassis AT $28,990
WorkMate Double Cab Ute AT $29,990 
2WD 2.8TD PreRunner SR Extra Cab Ute AT $38,990
PreRunner SR Double Cab Ute MT $39,990
PreRunner SR Double Cab Ute AT $41,490 
2WD 2.8TD PreRunner SR5 Double Cab Ute MT $40,990
PreRunner SR5 Double Cab Ute AT $44,490
PreRunner SR5 Cruiser Double Cab Ute AT $47,990 

4WD
4WD 2.8TD SR Single Cab Chassis AT $44,990
4WD SR Extra Cab Chassis MT $44,990
4WD SR Extra Cab Chassis AT $46,990
4WD SR Double Cab Chassis MT $45,990
4WD SR Double Cab Chassis AT $48,490
4WD SR Double Cab Ute MT $47,990
4WD SR Double Cab Ute AT  $49,990
4WD 2.8TD SR5 Double Cab Ute MT $51,990
4WD SR5 Double Cab Ute AT $53,990
4WD 2.8TD SR5 Cruiser Double Cab Ute AT $58,990