India-bound Toyota Hilux details revealed, unveil on January 20
After months of speculation, it looks like the Toyota Hilux is all set for an unveil in India on January 20. The Hilux is a lifestyle pick-up truck that is based on the Fortuner’s platform and will rival the likes of the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross. While nothing has been confirmed officially by Toyota India so far, our sources have shared details of the drivetrain, platform, styling and equipment.
2022 Toyota Hilux engine and platform
The Toyota Hilux will be based on Toyota’s IMV-2 platform that also underpins the Fortuner and Innova in India. This is a body-on-frame chassis that gives the Hilux its legendary off-road capability. In terms of overall dimensions, the Hilux measures 5285mm (length), while it has a wheelbase of 3085mm.
The India-spec Toyota Hilux will be powered by the same 2.8-litre diesel engine that sits under the hood of the Fortuner. This engine makes 201bhp and 420Nm (MT) / 500Nm (AT) of torque in the Fortuner and should make it to the Hilux in the same state of tune. As for its gearbox options, the Hilux will be available both as a manual and an automatic. The Hilux will also have a low-ratio transfer case like the Fortuner (electronically engaged) that will make it incredibly capable off-road. There will be no petrol on offer at the time of launch.
2022 Toyota Hilux exteriors, interiors and features
The Toyota Hilux is a very distinct looking pick-up. Despite sharing so much with the Fortuner underneath, it does look distinct on the surface. We expect the Toyota Hilux to be launched in India with a piano black trapezoidal grille with a chrome surround, and LED headlamps with DRLs. The Hilux for India will get a double-cab set up meaning it can seat 5. It is also expected to have 5 colour options that include Emotional Red, Gray Metallic, White Pearl CS, Silver Metallic and Super White. The Hilux will also come with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard.
On the inside, the Hilux is expected to get a number of features that will cement its positioning as a lifestyle vehicle rather than a utilitarian one. It will get leather seats, dual zone climate control, and features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In terms of safety, the Hilux will get 7 airbags, stability control, hill start assist and ABS, along with EBD. Expect a number of accessories to be available for the Hilux so owners can customise it straight from the showroom itself.
The Hilux is a bonafide off-roader and in addition to the low ratio transfer case, you can expect it to have a number of electronic aids to make it more effective off-road. It gets an electronic diff-lock, along with downhill assist, A-TRC and auto LSD (an active traction control system that intelligently distributes torque while braking free-spinning wheels).
2022 Toyota Hilux India launch, price and deliveries
The Toyota Hilux is all set to be unveiled in India on January 20. While some dealers are reportedly accepting pre-bookings, official bookings will open on January 20 after the announcement from Toyota India at Rs 1 lakh. Like the Innova and the Fortuner, the Hilux will be manufactured in India itself and that will keep prices competitive. We expect the Hilux to be priced between Rs 25-28 lakh rupees depending on the drivetrain option, putting it bang against SUVs in the C-segment like the Jeep Compass. Test drives for the Hilux will take place in March 2022, and deliveries will start by March as well. Expect more details on January 20!
