Part of the reason Ford’s Ranger finally overtook Toyota’s Hilux in registrations last year was the fact that Ford had more models, including a line of hi-riding 2WD turbo-diesel autos popular with urban tradies.
Toyota has addressed that little anomaly with the 2016 Hilux, upping the range to 21 individual models from single cab-chassis 2WDs to the top-of-the-line SR5 Ltd double-cab
In terms of the new model itself, structural rigidity (over Gen 7) is up considerably with side rails and cross members 30mm bigger for a 20 percent increase in torsional rigidity. And the body itself is also stiffer. There’s also an all-new diesel engine and a complete revamp of interiors and NVH levels.
The result, across the range, is nothing short of a revolution, most noticeable where it counts, on the road (seal or gravel) at road speeds. There’s a lighter, less ponderous feel to the steering, and a more immediate and much crisper response to direction changes.
Ride, unfortunately, still errs on the jiggly side on anything but billiard table-smooth motorway.
Looks are also a bit of a mixed bag, the new pointy ‘V-nosed’ look lacking the visual in-your-face punch of Ford’s Ranger.
Where Toyota has hit the nail squarely on the head, however, is inside. Even at its most basic, Hilux gets driver interfaces which - bar a hard plastic finish to the steering wheel rim - are everything you could wish for, practical, and beautifully as well as thoughtfully designed and laid out with a real understanding of ergonomics.
The all-new 2.8 litre 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine is also a gem.
So. Despite some reservations there’s no escaping the fact that the new Hilux is good. Very good. Whether it is good enough to wrest back the crown of local King of The (ute) Hill from Ford’s all-conquering Ranger is another story.
Which, conveniently, you can read about in the June issue of NZ4WD magazine when we pit new Hilux against recently revamped Ranger and four of New Zealand’s other top-selling double cab utilities.
To read the full story in the May 2016 issue of NZ4WD go to Zinio.com (April 25) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.
