Toyota gives Hilux a 2020 facelift 08 | 06 | 2020

    TOYOTA HAS GIVEN its Hilux pickup a facelift for 2020. Not on-sale in the UK until November, with prices starting from around £25,000, the updates include a more powerful diesel engine,  improved cabin tech and a range of styling revisions. (Related: Seven-seat Toyota Highlander heads for UK)

    Hilux’s one-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity are delivered across all three body types: Single Cab, Extra Cab and Double Cab. (Related: Review — Toyota Hilux Double Cab Invincible)

    Included within the styling revisions are a new front bumper and radiator grille. Other tweaks are dependent on the trim level, but include new 18-inch alloys, redesigned LED headlamps and updated LED tail lights, plus a fresh Titan Bronze Metallic paint finish. (Related: Ford's limited edition Range Thunder)

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    Inside the cabin there’s an improved eight-inch infotainment system with a pair of rotary controls, plus an updated analogue instrument cluster with a new central display. Satnav is also included as standard kit, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. (Related: Toyota reveals Yaris Cross)

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    Toyota is also throwing significant equipment at the revised model, with keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors,  automatic air-conditioning and a nine-speaker JBL stereo system with an 800W eight-channel amplifier included. Further accessory options include a 12-volt power supply for the cargo bed, a locking tailgate and roller bed covers. (Related: Toyota GR Yaris starts at £29,995)

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    The new range-topping Invincible X further enhances the Hilux spec, with flared wheelarches, a unique radiator grille, a new front bumper and skid plate, a restyled tailgate and fresh door handles. The cabin also benefits from perforated leather seat upholstery, blue back-lighting for the pick-up’s switchgear, plus a range of black metallic and chrome trim accents.

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    Under the bonnet, the facelifted Hilux now adds a new turbocharged 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. Sitting above the Hilux’s existing 148bhp 2.4-litre powertrain, the new unit develops 201bhp and 500Nm of torque. Toyota says it’s good for  0–62mph in 10-seconds flat; that’s 3.2s faster than the less powerful engine. Though fuel consumption figures have yet to be confirmed, expect the new engine to return around 36mpg and emit 200g/km CO2. (Related: New Toyota GR Supra unveiled)

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    All UK versions of the Hilux also come with four-wheel-drive – and buyers can have their choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.

    As for new tech, the latest Hilux chassis now gets new bushings and improved leaf springs for the rear axle — which Toyota says offers a smoother ride — plus a tweaked set of shock absorbers. Both engines’ idle speeds have also been lowered from 850 to 680rpm; Toyota says this allows for better control when crawling over rutted surfaces.

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    Since its launch in 1968, the unstoppable Hilux has proved its toughness time and again, conquering the North Pole, Antarctica and Icelandic volcanoes. In 2019, it also claimed victory in the Dakar Rally, one of the world’s most gruelling races.

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    Related: Lexus reveals revised LC range

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    Jim McGill

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