After teasers, leaks, and getting Fernando Alonso to drive the Hilux, Toyota has finally unveiled the 2020 Toyota Hilux. The truck has been launched in Europe, where the pickup truck segment is picking pace. The truck has a long history and enough credibility to make it one of the segment's top picks. But, with growing competition, Toyota, too, had to bow down to the pressure and deliver the best it could. So, for this updated model, the Japanese automaker has introduced a new front end, better tech features and, most importantly, a more powerful 2.8-liter engine. How about that!

2020 Toyota Hilux

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2020 Toyota Hilux
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 148 @ 3400
  • Torque: 295 @ 1600
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What’s New On The Outside?

The front fascia is new, although no structural changes have been made. It looks bolder and more aggressive, thanks to the three-dimensional grille. The redesigned bumpers now make the fog lights much more prominent. New LED headlamps and taillights are also available. Some new graphics and elements on the side profile make the Hilux look fresh. New 18-inch machine-finished black wheels look hot. The truck was expected to feature three new colors - Emotional Red II, Dark Blue, and Oxide Bronze Metallic – but Toyota has announced just the Bronze Metallic at the moment.

What’s Different On The Inside?

Step inside the new Hilux’s cabin, and you won’t find anything drastically different from the model it replaces. The automaker has equipped a new “combimeter design” in the instrument cluster. On the tech front, a new eight-inch infotainment system with buttons and knobs marks its presence on the center console. At a time when automakers are ditching dials and physical buttons for a cleaner look, it’s good to see Toyota focusing on function over form and not go with the flow.

-* 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

What’s New Under The Hood?

The Hilux will continue to be offered with two engine options – a 2.4- or a 2.8-liter. Power is sent to all the wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox that helps the truck sprint to 62 mph in 12.8 seconds. Toyota has also reduced the idling from 850 rpm to 680 rpm, which will result in better fuel efficiency and more refinement.

The 2.4-liter engine with the six-speed manual gearbox will be offered in Single Cab, Extra Cab, or Double Cab styles with a choice of two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configuration. The six-speed automatic, on the other hand, will be offered on the Extra Cab and Double Cab body styles with only a four-wheel-drive layout.

As for the 2.8-liter diesel engine, it witnesses a power bump. In the current iteration, this engine produces 174 horses. It makes 332 pound-feet of torque with an automatic gearbox, and when paired to a manual transmission, it dishes out 310 pound-feet of torque.. When paired to an automatic gearbox, the torque figure is rated at 369 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm, and when mated to a six-speed manual, it makes 310 pound-feet of torque between 1,400 and 3,400 rpm. The truck takes 10.7 seconds to sprint to 62 mph from rest, making it 2.1 seconds quicker than the smaller-engine equipped Hilux.

This mill can be had on Extra Cab and Double Cab body styles with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox. No two-wheel-drive option is available here. The manual gearbox, by the way, is upgraded with a lock-up range in the fourth, fifth, and sixth gears.

2020 Toyota Hilux specifications

Engine

2.4-liter four-cylinder

2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel

Horsepower

148 HP @ 3,400 RPM

201 HP @ 3,400 RPM

Torque

295 LB-FT @ 1,600-2,000 RPM

369 LB-FT @ 1,600-2,800 RPM

0 to 62 mph

12.8 seconds

10.7 seconds


Improved On-road and Off-road Performance

The automaker has mentioned that the new Hilux comes with an improved suspension system for better on and off-road performance. The leaf spring and twin shock absorber rear suspension system is revised to work as efficiently off the roads as it does on the tarmac.

Hilux Invincible

Toyota is introducing a new ‘Invincible’ trim on the Hilux. It will be available on the Extra Cab and Double Cab trims. These models come differentiating factors on the fog-lamp bezels, front and rear fenders, wing mirrors, and door handle. ‘Invincible’ sticker is slapped on the side of the truck bed. An XL-sized ‘Invincible’ moniker is embossed on this trim, and it looks a little too overdone, honestly.

On the inside, the Invincible trim comes with an exclusive driver's combimeter, black metallic and black chrome trim accents, 'clear blue' front and rear door trim illumination on the Double Cab trim, perforated leather seats, and a smart entry key.

Final Thoughts

Toyota is even offering around 300 optional accessories like a resin sports bar, an electric aluminum roll cover, tailgate locking, a hardtop, and a 12v deck-mounted power supply, and 10 deck covers to customize this truck as per your taste. Toyota has not revealed the prices of this Hilux yet. There was no mention of the much-anticipated high-performance GR Hilux, but we hope to hear about it soon.