2015 Toyota Hilux Review

Detailed Review

 

The Toyota Hilux has been in production since 1968 and is similar to the Hilux Surf and the Toyota Fortuner with which it shares a common platform. The Hilux has had years of success on the Kenyan market due to its adaptability, which makes it suited for both commercial and individual uses.

The 2015 Toyota Hilux comes with a choice of two diesel engines; these are the Common Rail 2.5 Litre 2KD-FTV Turbo diesel engine and the Common Rail 3.0 Litre 1KD-FTV Turbo diesel engine

2015 Toyota Hilux Grades

Single Cabin

1. Single Cab 4×2 – Two passengers, 2.5L engine, 2WD, 5-Speed manual transmission, manual A/C and 15-Inch steel rims
2. Single Cab 4×4- Two passengers, 2.5L engine, 4WD, 6-Speed manual transmission, manual A/C and 17-Inch steel rims.

Double Cabin

1. Standard Grade – Five passengers, 2.5L engine, 4WD, 6-Speed manual transmission, manual A/C and 16-Inch steel rims
2. Deluxe Grade – Five passengers, 2.5L engine, 4WD, 6-Speed manual transmission, manual A/C, 17-Inch steel rims and painted grille.
3. Super Deluxe Grade (Toyota Hilux Invincible)- Five passengers, 3.0L engine, 4WD, 6-Speed manual transmission, automatic A/C, 17-Inch alloy rims, chrome grille, fog lights, chrome side-step and silver interior trim, high grade fabric seats, side airbags and curtain airbags.
4. Super Deluxe Grade (Toyota Hilux Invincible X)- Five passengers, 3.0L engine, 4WD, 5-Speed automatic transmission, automatic A/C, 17-Inch alloy rims, chrome grille, fog lights, chrome side-step, silver interior trim, leather seats, side airbags and curtain airbags.

2015 Toyota Hilux Interior 

The double cabin Toyota Hilux has a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate five adults. There is ample legroom in both rows, allowing tall passengers to sit comfortably. The second-row seats have a fixed, upright back that can be uncomfortable over long distances.

2015 Cabin Storage
There are several storage compartments in the cabin that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. In the first row, there are 4 cup-holders, door panel storage, a glovebox and the center box. For the second row, there are 2 cup-holders on the armrest.

2015 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 and Bypass Valve.

Extras: ECO Mode, Power Mode, USB Charging Port, Touchscreen.

2015 Toyota Hilux Exterior

 

The 2015 Toyota Hilux appears to be a massive and powerful beast. The 2015 Hilux has a body that is modern, family-friendly, larger, taller, and longer than its predecessor’s agricultural look. The front fascia of the pickup features a massive chrome grille, color-coded bumpers, headlights, and fog lights.

2015 Toyota Hilux Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 Litres

2015 Toyota Hilux Ground Clearance

It has a ground clearance of 11.0, inches, which is above the minimum required clearance in Kenya; hence, it has a good off-road capability.

2015 Toyota Hilux Performance and Handling

The Toyota Hilux is a responsive and easy-to-drive car with well-balanced steering that provides excellent feedback to the driver. The Hilux is constructed with a ladder chassis and leaf-sprung rear suspension, which makes it suitable for transporting heavy loads. The trade-off is that the ride might become exceedingly rough especially true when the vehicle’s trunk is empty.

The Hilux is fantastic off-road. It can easily outpace a Land Rover Defender on a muddy road. The four-wheel-drive technology is simple to comprehend and can be triggered in only seconds while the vehicle is in motion. In addition to all-wheel drive, the Hilux features a locking rear differential and an array of electronic driving aids, such as hill-hold help and automated braking. This enables the Hilux to maintain control of its speed during severe off-road descents.

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, follow this link.

Resale Value: Good

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

Cost of Ownership

See Latest Toyota Hilux Prices in Kenya

What we like about the 2015 Toyota Hilux
1. Versatility
2. Spacious cabin
3. Decent power

Conclusion

The Toyota Hilux is arguably the best single and double cabin that can be used for carrying cargo, towing, as a family car, and as an off-road vehicle. There is a growing concern with the fragility of the common rail engines but with proper maintenance and care, the Hilux is still a formidable workhorse.