The Toyota Hilux is one heck of a truck. Remember the one Top Gear tried destroying by seawater, fire, and ramming stuff? I mean, the truck even has a trim level named after its long-living reputation. Now that trim level gets a slight makeover. Meet the Invincible X – a customized version of the truck's top trim level.

Only available in the four-door Double Cab powered by the more powerful 3.0-liter diesel, the truck gives customers the upscale looks they want without sacrificing the utility and indestructibility of the standard Toyota->ke4258 Hilux.

The options begin with four different wheel designs, all measuring 17 inches, and continue with the “hi-over” roll bar, step bars, skid plates, bumper guards, and chrome accents. The interior gets its own list of options that include four color choices for the leather seats along with all the available options found on the standard Invincible trim level.

Click past the jump to read more about the Toyota Hilux Invincible X.

toyota-hilux-invincible-x

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: toyota-hilux-invincible-x
Pros
Cons

2015 Toyota Hilux Invincible X

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Toyota Hilux Invincible X
  • Horsepower: 169
  • Transmission: five-speed manual
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Most of the Invincible X upgrades are appearance enhancers. The wheels, for example, either comes in the standard Invincible rim or the updated Rica five-spoke wheel in three color options. Side step bars come with the package as well and the custom has the choice between one with step pads and ones without.

The next option gives owners the choice of the hi-over bar, or roll bar as well call it here in the States, or a series of items included in the Style Pack. Those are the front guard, aluminum-finished scuff plates at the doors, chrome door handles and chrome surrounds for the hood-mounted air intake and rear taillights.

Beyond that, the truck keeps all its rugged abilities normally found on a Hilux truck. A tall ground clearance gives the truck plenty of off-road prowess while its bed provides room for gear and equipment.

Interior

Standard Hilux Pictured

Things inside the Hilux start off as all business but get an added level of luxury with the Invincible X upgrade. Leather seats come standard and are offered with four choices in color. Those include the standard black leather, or a custom two-tone black seat with contrasting seatback and inserts colored in grey, saddle tan, or deep red. The two-tone seats come with a swanky embossed “X” logo while the standard black ones come with the Invincible name stitched in.

Upgraded features include air conditioning, cruise control, automatic headlights with cleaners, fog lights, tented windows, rear-view camera, heated and power door mirrors, and the Toyota Touch 2 infotainment system. Other items include vehicle stability control, Bluetooth, cruise control, and a security alarm.

Beyond the options, the Hilux interior remains the same. For those familiar with Toyota’s past vehicle lineup, the interior is vaguely reminiscent of the past-generation Camry, especially its parts bin steering wheel.

Drivetrain

Toyota currently offers two diesel power plants in the Hilux, the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder diesel and the larger 3.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel. Both come from the D-4D family and offer 144 horsepower and 171 horsepower respectively. The Invincible X, however, is only offered with the more powerful3.0-liter D-4D engine.

Backing the engine is either a five-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic transmission.

This means the truck has a 0-to-62 mph time of 12 seconds and can still get 32.8 mpg on the highway with the European cycle. Opt for the manual transmission and the time grows to 12.1 to 62 mpg but the fuel economy jumps to 36.7 mpg highway.

A permanent 4WD system ensure the truck always has power getting to the ground. The system uses Toyota’s automatic disconnecting differential system, which basically pulls the axle shafts into and out of connection with the front differential. When not on use, the front drive shaft does not turn, nor does the differential, but the axle shafts do spin as they are locked in at the wheel hubs.

Best of all, the diesel affords the truck a 6,172-pound tow rating.

Prices

Toyota has priced the Hilux Invincible X at £23,842 for the manual and £23,842 for the automatic. That’s roughly $36,600 and $38,100 at today’s exchange rates.

Competition

2016 Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevrolet Colorado is General Motors’ latest and greatest entry into the midsize truck market. It measures smaller than the Silverado yet larger than the past Colorado generation and S-10 before that. The truck is available in both double and crew cab configurations with long and short beds.

The base truck is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder while the upper trim levels have the option of the 3.6-liter V-6. For 2016, GM will release a 2.8-liter four-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel that should achieve class-leading fuel economy and towing capacity.

Pricing for the Colorado starts at $20,995 and rises to over $35,000

2016 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota’s other truck is the Tacoma, and for 2016, the Taco is heavily revised. A new exterior brings some much needed new looks while an updated interior adds more comfort and features. Make no mistake, the Tacoma still means business and offers plenty of capability to match its good looks.

Under the hood lies a new 3.5-liter V-6 that features both direct and port fuel injection and an Atkinson combustion cycle. Toyota hasn’t released the information yet, but we know it will be more powerful than the outgoing 4.0-liter V-6. Also available is the carry-over 2.7-liter four-cylinder. Both engines can be mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Conclusion

The Toyota Hilux is a rough and tumble truck that is built for hard-working situations. The Invincible X package adds a few luxury amenities that make the truck more accustomed to civilized life. The options are sure to attract customers who need the capabilities yet still want to make a statement. While the truck market outside the U.S. isn’t as hot to trot for luxo-trucks, folks still want the ability to spec out a ‘ute with glitzy features.

Sadly, the Hilux will remain unavailable in the U.S. though the new 2016 Tacoma quenches the Hilux thirst.