2018 Toyota Hilux Review

Detailed Review

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

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

The 2018 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 connected to either a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission.

2018 Toyota Hilux Grades

1. 2018 Toyota Hilux X- This is the base grade that comes with a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and cloth seats.
2. 2018 Toyota Hilux SR – The SR grade comes with, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel,rear-wheel drive, heated front seats, a locking rear differential, and a body-colored grille and bumpers.
3. 2018 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.
4. 2018 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.
5. 2018 Toyota Hilux Z- This grade adds features like a sunroof, heated front seats, leather seats, a Tow hitch, a JBL sound system, and a blind spot monitoring system, Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2018 Toyota Hilux Interior 

The 2018 Toyota Hilux offers a spacious and comfortable interior. The cabin is also well-insulated, so you can enjoy a quiet ride even on rough roads.

In the first row, the seats are supportive and well-cushioned, and there is plenty of legroom and headroom for the driver and the front passenger. The second-row seats also gave ample legroom but the headroom might be small for taller passengers.

Cabin Storage

The 2018 Toyota Hilux has 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. In the second row, there are 2 cup holders on the armrest and shopping bag hooks.

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)

Toyota Hilux Exterior

The 2018 Toyota Hilux features a bold and rugged exterior design that is sure to turn heads.  In the front end, the Hilux boasts a large grille that incorporates the Toyota emblem, swept-back headlights, and a prominent bumper. The side profile is defined by muscular wheel arches and pronounced character lines that run along the length of the body. The rear end is dominated by a large tailgate and a chrome-accented bumper. Some trims feature a rear step bumper for easy access to the truck bed. The 2018 Hilux is available in a variety of colors, including white, black, silver, red, and blue.

2018 Toyota Hilux Fuel Consumption

1. 2018 Toyota Hilux 2.4L diesel engine fuel consumption: 13.2km/l (On average)
2. 2018 Toyota Hilux 2.8L diesel engine fuel consumption: 12.4Km/l (On average)
3. 2018 Toyota Hilux 2.7L petrol engine fuel consumption: 10.6Km/l (On average)
4. 2018 Toyota Hilux 4.0L Petrol engine fuel consumption: 9.6 Km/l (On average)

2018 Toyota Hilux Acceleration

2018 Toyota Hilux 2.4L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.5 secs.

2018 Toyota Hilux 2.8L diesel engine fuel accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.4 secs.

2018 Toyota Hilux 2.7L petrol engine fuel accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.6 secs

2018 Toyota Hilux 4.0L Petrol engine fuel accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.0 secs

Toyota Hilux Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 Litres

2018 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

Toyota Hilux Stability and Handling

The 2018 Toyota Hilux is a capable off-roader, but it doesn’t sacrifice on-road stability and handling. It features a well-tuned suspension system that balances comfort and handling by absorbing bumps and maintaining stability on the road.

The body-on-frame construction helps distribute the weight evenly and contributes to improved stability during cornering and off-road driving.

The 2018 Hilux is equipped with power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, which offers precise and responsive steering. This system also allows easier maneuverability even at higher speeds. It also has the Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) System which enhances traction and stability in off-road situations.

The  2018 Hilux’s stability is further enhanced by its standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system and Traction Control (TRC) system.

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.

Reliability

The Toyota 2018 Hilux is generally considered a reliable pickup truck. The Hilux model has been in production since 1968 and thus has undergone numerous updates, redesigns, and advancements over the years, evolving to meet changing market demands and technological advancements.

However, just like any other vehicle, the 2018 Toyota Hilux is not immune from problems. Some of the commonly reported issues are Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems, clutch problems, suspension noise, and electrical gremlins.

It is advisable to regularly maintain your Toyota Hilux to help mitigate some of these problems. If you are planning to own the Toyota Hilux, it’s vital that you read the Owner’s Manual. To purchase the 2018 Toyota Hilux Owners 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 2018 Toyota Hilux

Off-road capability

Reliability

Strong engine options

What We Don’t

Sensitive begins

Conclusion

The 2018 Toyota Hilux has a combination of reliability, versatility, and off-road prowess. It offers a blend of ruggedness, performance, and comfort which makes it a great choice for buyers who are looking for a dependable and capable pickup.