2024 Toyota HiLux SR5 V-Lively assessment

The Toyota HiLux with V-Lively Expertise – goodness that’s a mouthful…

Humour apart, this can be a massive deal for one of many present top-selling automobiles in Australia.

This Thai-built dual-cab ute now provides electrification for the primary time ever, which may be very well timed given stricter new autos emission requirements are simply across the nook in Australia.

Energy on this mannequin nonetheless comes from the venerable 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel however it’s now augmented by a 48V mild-hybrid system that contains a belt-driven electrical motor generator, small lithium-ion battery, and DC/DC converter.

Complete system outputs are nonetheless 150kW and 500Nm, nonetheless the electrical motor generator is able to helping acceleration and lowering the load of the turbo-diesel engine. Toyota claims this makes the HiLux extra responsive, particularly from standstill.

Gas consumption in mild-hybrid variants can be claimed to be as much as 9.5 per cent higher, relying on variant. That is thanks partially to the inclusion of an engine idle stop-start system.

It’s price noting if you happen to’re wanting an automatic-equipped HiLux SR5 dual-cab, you’re now pressured to get it with the brand new mild-hybrid V-Lively Expertise powertrain. The identical goes for the lifestyle-oriented Rogue variant.

Exterior the introduction of the brand new mild-hybrid turbo-diesel powertrain the HiLux has acquired a minor styling refresh on the surface and barely extra normal tools.

In idea this new mild-hybrid powertrain has the best impact on gasoline consumption in city areas the place heavy site visitors is aplenty.

So to be able to see how efficient this method really is, I put it to the final word check in ultra-heavy bumper-to-bumper Melbourne site visitors.

Is it price contemplating? Learn alongside to seek out out.

How does the Toyota HiLux evaluate?

View an in depth breakdown of the Toyota HiLux in opposition to equally sized autos.

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HiLux

How a lot does the Toyota HiLux value?

The HiLux SR5 Double-Cab Pickup V-Lively Expertise is $770 greater than the now-dead corresponding non-mild-hybrid automated mannequin.

Our tester can be geared up with the Premium Inside possibility ($2000), in addition to Nebula Blue metallic paint ($675) bringing the whole asking value to $65,935 earlier than on-roads, or $71,180 drive-away for Victorian consumers (every state has barely completely different taxes).

To see how the Toyota HiLux strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device.

What’s the Toyota HiLux like on the within?

Very very like it has been for a lot of years now.

Hopping into the cabin of the HiLux SR5 is a little bit like stepping right into a time machine and going again 10 years. In all equity the current-generation HiLux does date again to 2015.

The SR5 is the highest-specified workhorse variant earlier than you step as much as the extra lifestyle-oriented variants just like the Rogue and GR Sport, so extra sturdy, hard-wearing finishes are anticipated.

The high-traffic contact factors on this automotive are admittedly delicate, although there are many more durable plastics and finishes. One of many cheapest-feeling parts of the cabin is certainly the guide handbrake.

It’s a giant step up into the HiLux. Even taller adults will seemingly want to make use of the aspect steps and chunky seize handles to be able to hoist themselves in – this can be a fairly frequent trait for high-riding utes.

When you’re in you’re offered with some moderately inoffensive-looking seats. Our tester is fitted with the Premium Inside bundle that provides leather-accented upholstery, heated entrance seats, and an electrically adjustable driver seat.

I personally wouldn’t go for this pack if I used to be shopping for a HiLux SR5 as I like a ute to be as utilitarian as doable. I can see although if you happen to’re a web site foreman, for instance, and spend plenty of time on the street why this is able to be a pleasant splurge so as to add to your cellular workplace.

The leather-accented driver’s seat itself does put the ‘lux’ in HiLux, although there are fancier-looking seats in different extra comfort- and lifestyle-oriented utes. It’s a really comfy seat for long-distance journey providing loads of assist and adjustment.

I notably like how a lot thigh assist you’re capable of dial in as this helps make long-legged drivers really feel extra comfy behind the wheel.

Talking of the steering wheel, the HiLux SR5 has a leather-wrapped unit that feels very hardy and virtually coarse. It actually makes the ute really feel utilitarian and like it would stand the check of time not like softer leather-wrapped wheels in different utes.

All of the buttons on the steering wheel are logically positioned, although pushing and interacting with them isn’t very rewarding as they’re squidgy and doughy.

Behind the wheel is a really dated instrument cluster that contains two bodily dials for the revs and pace, in addition to a 4.2-inch digital info show.

Fortunately the 2 bodily dials are clear and simple to grasp at a look, although the digital info show is on the smaller aspect. Many different utes have a extra refined and technologically superior instrument setup.

There are just a few informative pages you’re capable of cycle by on the digital info show, although there’s just one that shows a correct digital speedometer readout. Quite a few pop-ups for the adaptive cruise management and diesel particulate filter (DPF) burns additionally block the complete small show until you clear them manually.

An informative web page that’s distinctive to HiLux V-Lively variants is one which shows the 48V lithium-ion battery cost and whether or not it’s charging from regenerative braking or helping with acceleration. Throughout my time with our tester this web page’s content material didn’t change in any respect, no matter how I drove the ute.

Shifting throughout there’s an archaic 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that appears very old-school Toyota. Its decision isn’t segment-leading however any means, however fortunately its reacts to the touch inputs moderately nicely.

The touchscreen infotainment system is nowhere close to as polished and refined as newer Toyota infotainment programs, although it has a primary interface and is difficult to get misplaced in. It’s additionally good to have bodily shortcut buttons in an age the place these are disappearing from many automobiles.

The HiLux nonetheless has solely the wired type of each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto by a USB-A port. The reference to my iPhone 15 Professional Max was usually fantastic, although I did have one event the place Apple CarPlay got here up however no audio would play by the audio system – unplugging after which replugging my telephone fastened this downside.

There’s additionally built-in satellite tv for pc navigation which is helpful to have if it’s essential to navigate house and don’t have telephone service. It’s an easy-enough system to make use of however I a lot want utilizing Google Maps on smartphone mirroring for the sake of simplicity.

Below the infotainment system I recognize that Toyota has caught with a correct local weather management cluster that has bodily dials and buttons. It’s far more intuitive than prodding at a touchscreen, particularly if you happen to’ve obtained gloves on.

On the entrance of the centre console there’s now a wi-fi telephone charger in SR5 trim and up. It does look a little bit tacked on and there isn’t actually something to safe telephones on the pad. Regardless of this my plus-sized telephone charged on the wi-fi charger completely fantastic.

It’s price noting that, given the HiLux nonetheless solely provides wired smartphone mirroring, this does make the wi-fi charger considerably redundant.

One other change to the centre console is the inclusion of a phone-sized slot that lets you stow your telephone someplace that isn’t the wi-fi charger. My iPhone 15 Professional Max did stick a good means out of the slot, virtually obscuring the buttons for the heated seats. It’s a neat resolution although.

Disappointingly there’s nonetheless just one correct cupholder on the centre console. Fortunately on the sprint there are two retractable cupholders which are massive sufficient to suit espresso cups.

The one different centre console storage nooks embody a small rectangular house for keys or different odds and ends, in addition to a centre armrest cubby with ample storage and a cooling operate.

Rounding out the storage areas up entrance contains two glove containers with first rate storage, and door pockets with ample storage for bottles and different knick knacks.

Hopping into the second row of the HiLux can be a climb. Fortunately the large seize handles and aspect steps make this journey quite a bit simpler.

When you’re sat within the second row it feels a little bit confined, even by dual-cab ute requirements. At a leggy 182cm I leg- and toe room had been tight behind my very own driving place, although head- and shoulder room had been okay. There are roomier dual-cab utes on the market.

Whereas sat on an outboard second-row seat you do should be conscious you don’t hit your head on the seize deal with that juts out from the headliner. I do know this from expertise…

Two-up at the back of the HiLux is doable, particularly for shorter adults or youngsters not in little one seats, although pushing it to a few makes issues squishy.

Apprentices within the second row are handled to air vents mounted on the again of the centre console, two USB-C ports, in addition to a fold-down armrest with cupholders.

It’s price noting the 48V lithium-ion battery is situated beneath the rear seats so there’s no cupboard space beneath there like in non-mild-hybrid dual-cab pickup variants.

This isn’t the top of the world as a result of it’s usually a forgotten storage cavity anyway.

On the again all HiLux pickup fashions now achieve a tailgate damper that makes opening and shutting the tailgate immensely simpler. I can’t imagine it has taken Toyota so lengthy to incorporate this as normal because it’s a quite common aftermarket add-on.

As soon as the tailgate is open the HiLux SR5 has a fairly spartan tub structure. The one actual amenity you get are a pair tie-down factors. There’s not even a bathtub liner as normal so watch out for scuffing objects when loading and unloading.

The very last thing I’ll point out is the HiLux’s tailgate remains to be not included within the central locking. As an alternative you’re required to lock the tailgate manually with a key. That is surprisingly fairly frequent for the section.

To see how the Toyota HiLux strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

If you’d like an automatic-equipped HiLux SR5 dual-cab now you can solely get it with the brand new 48V mild-hybrid V-Lively Expertise turbo-diesel powertrain.

Toyota claims you will note an 8.9 per cent enchancment in gasoline consumption with the SR5 V-Lively Expertise dual-cab pickup because of its 48V mild-hybrid system.

In earlier testing of a non-mild-hybrid automated HiLux SR5 dual-cab pickup I averaged roughly 10L/100km in comparable however not similar circumstances, which in line with my primary math is round a 9.9 per cent gasoline consumption enchancment.

To see how the Toyota HiLux strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device.

How does the Toyota HiLux drive?

Very like some other diesel-powered current-generation HiLux however with a really seamless, if often temperamental, idle stop-start system.

This implies the HiLux V-Lively Expertise shares each the very best and worst attributes of the common HiLux’s driving expertise.

First up let’s focus on what’s completely different. The most important in V-Lively Expertise variants is the inclusion of a 48V mild-hybrid system which contains an electrical motor generator, 4.3Ah lithium-ion battery, and a DC/DC converter.

The electrical motor generator is able to producing as much as 8.4kW and 65Nm although it by no means solely powers the wheels, therefore why Toyota Australia has averted labelling this ute as a hybrid.

It might nonetheless help the turbo-diesel engine when accelerating, which in line with testing of a HiLux Rogue V-Lively Expertise by CarExpert founder Paul Maric earlier this yr really made the dual-cab ute quicker from 0-100km/h.

By the seat of my pants general efficiency doesn’t really feel earth-shatteringly completely different from the non-mild-hybrid equal in on a regular basis driving. Preliminary takeoff does really feel ever so barely quicker however that’s about it.

With this in thoughts the 48V mild-hybrid system within the HiLux V-Lively Expertise can primarily be seen as a glorified engine idle stop-start system that may assist to scale back tailpipe emissions when stationary.

What I observed, like many mild-hybrid autos, the HiLux V-Lively Expertise’s turbo-diesel engine will very fortunately swap off at a standstill. It doesn’t even have to heat up that a lot so as to take action, which may be very reassuring.

Whereas the engine idle stop-start system was very energetic for me, a lot of my colleagues couldn’t get the system to activate in any respect. This might be as a consequence of a lot of various factors together with the set local weather management temperature/fan pace, 48V battery cost degree, and even how a lot braking strain was being utilized when stationary.

There have been only some occasions the engine idle stop-start system wouldn’t activate for me. The vast majority of which was because of the local weather management because it has been FREEZING in Melbourne not too long ago. I do recognize how the digital info display screen tells you the explanation why the engine didn’t flip off at a standstill or is beginning again up.

When the start-stop system is activated in supreme conditions the engine will keep off for a substantial period of time. There have been occasions I used to be sat so lengthy the engine would fireplace up after which flip off once more a minute or so later.

Talking of the engine restarting, it makes use of the electrical motor generator moderately than a typical starter motor. What this implies is while you take your foot of the brake pedal the engine simply seamlessly fires again to life. It’s a weird sensation, particularly after I’m so used to listening to the traditional Toyota starter motor sound.

The HiLux V-Lively’s start-stop system is definitely a moderately good setup within the metropolis that’s far more complete than much less refined programs in it different utes. Although for many individuals it’s the very first thing they flip off when hopping in, which fully negates its advantages.

One thing price noting is if you happen to often drive the mild-hybrid HiLux out on the open street, you’re seemingly not experiencing the identical degree of fuel-saving advantages in comparison with driving within the metropolis because the turbo-diesel engine by no means switches off on the transfer.

If all this sounds a little bit bit too high-tech, don’t fret as all of the HiLux’s fundamentals have stayed the identical. The two.8-litre turbo-diesel engine nonetheless has the identical chugging sound which may be little gruff when in comparison with its rivals.

As talked about above, there’s no actual noticeable distinction relating to on a regular basis efficiency of the HiLux V-Lively. If pushed with docile throttle inputs the ute may be very easy, although if you happen to’re a little bit extra liberal with the beans it will probably get loud, thrashy and generally a little bit clunky.

All mild-hybrid HiLux variants include a six-speed automated transmission that feels heavy obligation by way of its operation. The ratios are moderately lengthy which implies acceleration can generally really feel a bit CVT-like which isn’t essentially the most thrilling.

I additionally observed relying on my throttle utility there may be some awkward lurches and surging between gears now and again. It’s virtually just like the transmission is switching from regular to overdrive gearing.

A irritating aspect that hasn’t modified concerning the HiLux is its hydraulic steering system. It’s one of many final autos in its section to nonetheless have this old-school setup, as loads of its rivals have now moved to extra refined electrical power-assisted steering programs.

The HiLux’s hydraulic power-steering system makes driving the ute a handful at the very best of occasions, with the steering feeling very heavy at decrease speeds. Even at larger speeds it’s essential to enter close to fixed minor steering changes and corrections which makes it tough to get comfy and relaxed behind the wheel.

For those who’re parking this 5.3-metre lengthy beast be ready for lots of wheel twirling. The massive turning circle additionally means there’ll seemingly be loads of three-point turns in tight carparks.

Talking of parking, the HiLux SR5 pickup comes with entrance and rear parking sensors, in addition to a surround-view digital camera. The latter of which has one the lowest-resolution digital camera setups I’ve skilled in a contemporary automobile. For this value level the HiLux deserves quite a bit higher.

One other main gripe I’ve concerning the present HiLux is its unladen journey. Its one of many hardest and unrelenting setups in comparison with its key rivals.

Truthfully at occasions the journey is as tough as guts and you’re feeling each single street imperfection which ship arduous jolting actions into the cabin. Whereas singing within the ute it additionally gave me some undesirable vibrato.

Placing individuals within the HiLux and a load within the again does noticeably settle the journey down, nonetheless. It’s clear the HiLux SR5 is workhorse-oriented and never comfort-oriented like different lifestyle-focussed dual-cab utes.

This flows onto how the HiLux’s ladder-frame chassis limits its dynamic skills. Its moderately inflexible and bouncy, and while you push the ute that bit more durable within the bends it tends to get plenty of physique roll.

Out on the open street the HiLux’s turbo-diesel engine hits a pleasant candy spot. At 100km/h the revs sit comfortably round 1500rpm and can willingly flare in wanted.

Though the engine is comfortable, with each the fidgety steering setup and tough journey the HiLux can tiring to drive for lengthy intervals of time at larger speeds. There are significantly extra comfy dual-cab choices on the market.

On the security entrance, the HiLux nonetheless solely comes with high-speed adaptive cruise management. This implies is the system requires you to take over management of the acceleration and braking at metropolis speeds, not like just about all of its key rivals.

The hydraulic energy steering system additionally limits the quantity of energetic assists the HiLux can obtain. Along with the lane departure warning that beeps at you for drifting near a lane marking nonetheless, there’s solely a brake-based lane-keep help.

The latter of those programs could be a little harsh because it slows the automotive down a tad. It might additionally get simply confused on moist roads the place the lane markings are arduous to see.

I didn’t get to check out the off-road capabilities of the HiLux SR5 V-Lively this time particularly, however over the non-mild-hybrid equal it features Multi-Terrain Choose modes which are solely accessible in four-high (4H) and four-low (4L) on unsealed surfaces.

Throughout his testing of the HiLux Rogue V-Lively earlier this yr, Paul Maric discovered the Multi-Terrain Choose modes do noticeably alter the throttle and traction management calibrations. He additionally wished the capabilities had been accessible in two-wheel drive.

Lastly, Mr Maric famous the 48V mild-hybrid system with its belt-driven motor generator isn’t affected from mild off-roading as its strengthened to make sure no slippage.

To see how the Toyota HiLux strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device.

What do you get?

On check right here is the mid-spec HiLux SR5 V-Lively Expertise Twin-Cab Pickup with the Premium Inside bundle.

2024 Toyota HiLux SR V-Lively Expertise highlights:

• Multi-Terrain Choose with six selectable modes
• Hill descent management
• Entrance and rear parking sensors
• Aspect steps
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Computerized headlights
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• 6-speaker sound system
• Material upholstery
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Auto up/down home windows
• Keyless entry and begin
• Entrance air-conditioned cooler field

SR5 V-Lively Expertise provides:

• Darkish-finish LED headlights
• Gloss black exterior mirrors and door handles
• Powder-coated black sports activities bar
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Privateness glass
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• Rear air vents
• ‘Premium’ shifter and steering wheel
• Wi-fi telephone charger
• 2 x rear USB-C shops
• Carpeted flooring
• Blind-spot monitoring (pickup solely)
• Rear cross-traffic alert (pickup solely)
• Encompass-view digital camera (pickup solely)

Premium Inside bundle ($2500) provides:

• Leather-based-accented upholstery
• Heated entrance seats
• Energy driver’s seat

Premium paint can be a $675 possibility.

Is the Toyota HiLux secure?

The Toyota HiLux has a five-star ANCAP security ranking primarily based on testing carried out in 2019 – this is applicable to V-Lively variants additionally.

Normal security tools contains:

• Autonomous emergency braking
  • Pedestrian (day/evening) detection
  • Bike owner (day) detection
• Excessive-speed adaptive cruise management
• Lane departure warning
• Brake-based lane help
• Site visitors signal recognition

Pickup fashions achieve entrance and rear parking sensors, whereas SR5 and up get blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view digital camera and rear cross-traffic alert.

All HiLux variants additionally include three years of complimentary entry to Toyota Related Companies. Capabilities embody SOS emergency name, automated collision notification, stolen automobile monitoring, and use of the myToyota Join telephone app.

How a lot does the Toyota HiLux value to run?

The Toyota HiLux is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee like the broader Toyota lineup.

For those who service by the Toyota seller community correctly nonetheless this guarantee may be prolonged to seven years so long as the automobile isn’t used for industrial functions.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota HiLux

The mild-hybrid Toyota HiLux is a superb step in the fitting course relating to lowering city gasoline consumption and tailpipe emissions.

It’s actually no series-parallel hybrid or plug-in hybrid, however relying on how and the place you drive the HiLux V-Lively Expertise you’ll seemingly find yourself saving gasoline because of the mild-hybrid system, even whether it is incremental.

Clearly essentially the most fuel-saving advantages of the mild-hybrid system are reaped if you happen to spend plenty of your time in heavy metropolis site visitors and are stationary.

If the circumstances are proper the engine idle stop-start system undoubtedly places the energetic in V-Lively Expertise. It’s the most effective start-stop programs in a ute on the market to this point because it’s very easy and seamless to dwell with.

Regardless of this I can nonetheless see lots of people turning off the system as it will probably probably be seen as intrusive or annoying – although this negates its objective which is irritating.

Past this the HiLux remains to be largely the identical which implies it nonetheless has the identical gripes.

These embody the tough unladen journey, heavy hydraulic steering, lack of extra refined driver assists, previous inside know-how, and no full-time four-wheel drive system, amongst others.

Put bluntly, there are many different utes on the market extra comfy, simpler to drive lengthy distances in, and have comparable gasoline consumption figures.

With that is thoughts I’d undoubtedly advocate giving different utes a check drive earlier than signing on the dotted line to make sure the HiLux V-Lively Expertise is for you.

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