The current-gen Toyota Hilux has been around since 2015. The 2021 Hilux was around the corner and multiple leaks and spy shots gave us an idea of what it would look like. Just a couple of days back, the company even officially released a teaser with Fernando Alonso behind the wheel. Now, finally, Toyota has revealed the 2021 Hilux with noticeable changes inside and out to go with some changes under the hood.

The 2021 Toyota Hilux Is More Powerful Than Ever

The highlight of the 2021 Toyota Hilux is the upgraded 2.8-liter engine. In the current model, the diesel engine makes 174 horses and 332 pound-feet of torque when mated to an automatic transmission or 174 ponies and 310 pound-feet of torque when equipped with a manual transmission. It can sprint to 62 miles per hour from a standstill in 10 seconds. When paired to the six-speed manual gearbox, the same engine makes 201 horses and 310 pound-feet of torque. The engine is available with the Extra Cab and Double Cab body styles.

2021 Toyota Hilux specifications

Engine

2.8-liter diesel

Horsepower

201 HP

Torque

369 LB-FT @ 1,600 RPM

Transmission

six-speed automatic

0 to 62 mph

10 seconds


There are no changes made to the 2.4-liter milk, though, so it still makes 150 ponies and 295 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. The Japanese automaker has reduced the idling speed from 850 rpm to 680 rpm, which will result in better fuel efficiency and more refinement. Toyota also mentioned that it has worked on the Hilux’s suspension system, and the shocks travel longer and the leaf spring setup has also improved for better driving dynamics.

Minor Changes Give the Hilux a Fresh Look

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On the outside, Toyota hasn’t made any structural changes. Up front, a cladding of sorts has been added that integrates the grille and the air dam on the bumper. Toyota calls this the three-dimensional grille. It looks like a French beard and it suits the truck’s stature. The bumper is redesigned and the fog lamp housing now looks more prominent. The LED headlight clusters are also tweaked for a fresh look.

The side profile looks sharper now with the addition of new elements and graphics all around. The wheel arches with the black plastic cladding have a contrasting gray attachment on them that breaks the monotony, especially on the dark colors. The new machine finish and black 18-inch wheels look fantastic. An ‘Invincible’ sticker is slapped on the side of the truck bed. The roll bars are a nice addition here.

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Move to the back and you’ll notice the bolder LED taillights. The rear looks quite busy with a lot of fresh design elements. The handle to open the tailgate receives the ‘Hilux’ badging. A stoplight is also mounted here. XL-sized ‘Invincible’ moniker is embossed on the namesake trim. It looks a little too overdone, honestly. But that said, the truck sure demands attention. The Japanese automaker has even introduced three new colors to add to the oomph factor - Emotional Red II, Dark Blue, and Oxide Bronze Metallic.

The 2021 Toyota Hilux Hasn't Changed Much Inside

On the inside, things aren’t very different. It still offers the same amount of space as its predecessor. Toyota has equipped a new “combimeter design” in the instrument cluster. Good to see Toyota focusing on function over form when most of the automakers are going button-less on their vehicles. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The other features include:

-* Smart Entry And Push-Button Start

-* Satellite Navigation

-* Automatic Air-Conditioning

-* Front And Rear Parking Sensors

-* Nine-Speaker JBL Premium Sound System With An 800W Eight-channel Amplifier

Final Thoughts

Toyota has not revealed the prices of the 2021 Hilux yet. The changes made to the model will keep the truck fresh for a few years until the next-gen makes its debut. There was no word about the high-performance GR Hilux either. The 2021 Hilux is expected to hit the dealerships in July in Eastern Europe and in October in Western Europe. We'll surely learn more about the 2021 Hilux closer to its launch date, so be sure to check back with us soon - we'll be sure to update this article with new information as it becomes available.