2020 Toyota Hilux Review

Detailed Review

The Toyota Hilux has been in production since 1968 and is now in its eighth generation. The first generation was produced from 1968 to 1972, the second generation from 1972 to 1978, the third generation from 1978 to 1983, the fourth generation from 1983 to 1988, the fifth generation from 1988 to 1997, the sixth generation from 1997 to 2005 and the seventh generation from 2005 to 2015. The eighth generation has been in production from 2016 to the present.

The 8th generation features a modern and muscular design with improved off-road capabilities. It also offers a range of advanced features, improved fuel efficiency, and upgraded technology options.

The current generation Hilux has undergone continuous refinement since its launch in 2016, but recently it has arguably fallen behind some of its rivals in terms of all-round leisure vehicle appeal.

The 2020 facelift addresses key areas such as ride, handling, and performance, where rivals have been steadily chipping away at the former king of the hill.

The 2020 Toyota Hilux comes with four engine options they are; 2.4L 2GD-FTV diesel engine, 2.8L 1GD-FTV, 2.7L 2TR-FE petrol engine, and 4.0L 1GR-FE petrol engine. They are mated to either a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission.

2020 Toyota Hilux Grades

2020 Toyota Hilux X– This is the base grade that comes with a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and cloth seats.

2020 Toyota Hilux SR – The SR grade comes with, 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rear-wheel drive, heated front seats, a locking rear differential, and a body-colored grille and bumpers.

2020 Toyota Hilux G – This grade adds features such as a 6-speed manual transmission, a 4×4 drivetrain, alloy wheels, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

2020 Toyota Hilux V– The V grade, Power-adjustable driver’s seat, Leather-wrapped steering wheel, Heated front seats, Fog lights, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, Privacy glass, Chrome accents, 6-speaker JBL sound system, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

2020 Toyota Hilux Z– This grade adds features like a sunroof, heated front seats, leather seats, a Tow hitch, a JBL sound system, a blind spot monitoring system, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2020 Toyota Hilux GR Sport– The GR SPORT trim is a sports model based on the Z grade. It features 18-inch GR Sport alloy wheels, LED headlights, GR Sport badging on the grille and tailgate, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Keyless entry and push-button start, Upgraded GR Sport suspension, and Power-adjustable driver’s seat

2020 Toyota Hilux Interior 

The interior of the 2020 Hilux has been updated and now features a digital speedometer for the first time in a Hilux.

Toyota has also added a larger 8.0-inch screen in the center console. The new system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.

The 2020 Hilux can seat up to 5 passengers across two rows in a double cab configuration and 2 passengers in a single cab.

In the first row, the seats are supportive and well-cushioned, with plenty of legroom and headroom for the driver and front passenger.

The second-row seats also offer plenty of legroom, but headroom may be limited for taller passengers.

 

Cabin Storage

The 2020 Hilux offers plenty of cabin storage options including; two cupholders, a center console, door pockets, and a glovebox compartment in the first row. The second row includes door pockets as well as two cupholders on the center armrest.

Toyota Hilux Safety Features: SRS Airbags( Driver Knee airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags) ABS with EBD, 3-Point ELR seatbelts, Brake Assist, VSC, Load Sensing Proportioning, Traction control, Bypass Valve, Downhill assist control (DAC), Hill-start assist control (HAC) and Automatic high beams (AHB)

2020 Toyota Hilux Exterior

The 2020 Hilux has a rugged and modern exterior design that showcases its combination of toughness and refinement. The front end features a dominant grille, slim LED headlights, and deeper bumper housings that give the Hilux a fierce-looking face. The side profile is defined by new muscular wheel arches and pronounced character lines that run the length of the body. The rear features tail lights and indicators, as well as a wide manual tailgate.

2020 Toyota Hilux Fuel Consumption

• The 2.7 L petrol engine consumes 10.5 km/l on average
• The  4.0 L petrol engine consumes- 9.7 km/l on average
• The 2.4 L diesel engine consumes- 13.0 km/l on average
• The 2.8 L diesel engine consumes- 12.5 km/l on average

2020 Toyota Hilux Acceleration

• The 2.7L petrol engine fuel accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.5 secs
• The 4.0L Petrol engine fuel accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10 secs
• The 2.4L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.2 secs.
• The 2.8L diesel engine fuel accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.4 secs.

2020 Toyota Hilux Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 Litres

2020 Toyota Hilux Ground Clearance

The 2020 Toyota Hilux has a ground clearance of 11.0 inches

Toyota Hilux Stability and Handling

The 2020 Hilux offers a comfortable ride whether it’s on or off-road. It features a new ladder-frame chassis that gives the vehicle a 20 percent increase in torsional rigidity, improving handling and ride comfort.

The 2020 Hilux also comes with revised spring rates, new shocks and bushings, and revised leaf springs.

Handling has also been refined and the steering wheel feels precise and there is reasonable body control, unlike the old versions. A variable-ratio pump has been added to the system, working harder at low speeds to lighten the steering and harder at higher speeds to firm it up.

The 2020 Hilux also has a switchable four-wheel-drive system with a high- and low-ratio transfer case and locking front and rear differentials.

Toyota Hilux Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Diesel Filter, and Engine Oil, etc.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Diesel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Front Brake Pads, ATF Oil, Engine Oil, etc.

Toyota Hilux Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy

Service parts are affordable and widely available in Kenya. Body parts are expensive and available from major Toyota dealerships in Kenya. For a list of Toyota spare part dealers.

Reliability

Toyota has a reputation for producing very reliable vehicles and the Hilux in particular has always proven to be extremely tough and reliable. The Hilux has been in production since 1968 and has seen many updates. The Hilux certainly feels solid. The big engine is relatively simple and understressed.

However, like any other vehicle, the 2020 Hilux is not immune to problems. Some of the most commonly reported issues are problems with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), clutch problems, and suspension noise.

It is advisable to have your Toyota Hilux serviced regularly to help mitigate some of these problems. If you’re planning on owning a Toyota Hilux, it’s recommended that you read the owner’s manual. To buy the 2020 Toyota Hilux Owner’s Manual visit topcarinsights.co.ke

Resale Value: Good

Toyota Hilux Competitors: Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger, Nissan Hardbody, Nissan Navara, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi L200, and VW Amarok.

What we like about the 2020 Toyota Hilux

• Off-road capability
• Competent powertrain
• Versatility

What We Don’t

• Short servicing intervals

Conclusion

The Toyota Hilux is arguably the most versatile vehicle on the Kenyan market. Whether you’re on a construction site or on the side of a mountain, the Toyota Hilux will get the job done. The Hilux offers a blend of ruggedness, performance, and comfort.

Where to buy the 2020 Toyota Hilux  in Kenya

If you are looking to either import or buy the Toyota Hilux locally at a reasonable price, we can help you with this process. Over the years we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and Japan who supply us with exceptional cars. Just give us a call or send us a message at +254 722 469360 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.