2021 Toyota Hilux 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 2021 Toyota Hilux features a bolder, more aggressive stance on most variants, along with a beefed-up 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine.

The 2021 Toyota Hilux has four engine options; 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 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

2021 Toyota Hilux Grades

• 2021 Toyota Hilux X– This base grade comes with a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and cloth seats.
• 2021 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-coloured grille and bumpers.
• 2021 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.
• 2021 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.
• 2021 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.
• 2021 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, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Keyless entry and push-button start, Upgraded GR Sport suspension and Power-adjustable driver’s seat.

2021 Toyota Hilux Interior 

The 2021 Hilux has a modern interior with well-designed controls that are simple and easy to read. The 8.0-inch touchscreen and infotainment system are of good quality and have shortcut keys on either side of the screen for easy navigation between menus.

On the dashboard, a 4.2-inch multi-information display sits between the two main dials, giving you all the necessary information. On the downside, there’s only one USB port, which means you can only charge one device at a time.

The Hilux seats up to five people, depending on the configuration (single or double cab). The front seats are comfortable with plenty of legroom and headroom for the driver and front passenger.

The rear seats are also comfortable and can seat three adults, but two are more comfortable and there’s plenty of angle on the backrest.

Cabin Storage

The 2021 Hilux offers plenty of storage in the cabin, including two cupholders, a centre console, door pockets and a first-row glove box. In the second row, there are door pockets and two cupholders on the centre armrest.

Toyota Hilux Safety Features:  Seven airbags, low-speed Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, trailer sway control, alarm, front and rear parking sensors with reversing camera, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, seven airbags and ISOFIX points for outboard rear seats, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

2021 Toyota Hilux Exterior

The 2021 Hilux comes with revised exterior styling, with the trapezoidal grille dominating the front end, giving it a more aggressive look.

The pinched nose of older models has been replaced with a wider and more muscular face. According to Toyota, the 2021 Hilux’s refreshed look is in line with its North American pickup brethren, such as the Tacoma and Tundra.

The rear of the 2021 Hilux features distinctive new taillights for the top models. The Toyota badge is prominently positioned on the tailgate and the rear bumper features a step for easy access to the bed.

Colour options for the 2021 Hilux include Glacier White, Silver Sky, Graphite (dark grey), Eclipse (black), Olympia Red, Nebula Blue and Deep-Sea Blue (dark blue).

2021 Toyota Hilux Fuel Consumption

• The 2.7 L petrol engine consumes 10.2 Km/l on average
• The  4.0 L petrol engine consumes- 9.5 Km/l on average
• The 2.4 L diesel engine consumes- 14.3 Km/l on average
• The 2.8 L diesel engine consumes- 12.0 Km/l on average

2021 Toyota Hilux Acceleration

• The 2.7L petrol engine fuel accelerates from 0-100km/h in 12.5 secs
• The 4.0L Petrol engine fuel accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8 secs
• The 2.4L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.6 secs.
• The 2.8L diesel engine fuel accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.5 secs.

Toyota Hilux Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 Litres

2021 Toyota Hilux Ground Clearance

The 2021 Toyota Hilux has a ground clearance of 11.0 inches

2021 Toyota Hilux Stability and Handling

The 2021 offers a fairly smooth ride thanks to its well-tuned and softer suspension, which makes the ride much more tolerable than the previous model.

The 2021 Hilux’s cornering and steering feel just right for this type of vehicle. The steering has been tweaked and a new variable flow control pump has been added to the hydraulic system. The steering is lighter and easier to handle at higher speeds than before, but some drivers may feel it lacks some directness and weight.

When it comes to off-roading, the 2021 Hilux performs better than most cars in its class, thanks to the deep cut-outs in the front corners with the special bull bar.

The Hilux also has a locking rear differential, which helps in really tricky situations. The rear differential lock really comes into its own during axle articulation, pulling you through by ensuring that no single rear wheel spins.

2021 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.

2021 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.

2021 Toyota Hilux Reliability

The Toyota Hilux is widely regarded as a reliable vehicle, thanks to Toyota’s reputation for building very reliable vehicles.

The Hilux’s engines are built for durability and can last hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance. The Hilux is also made from durable materials and uses a body-on-frame design that can handle rough terrain and heavy use.

However, some owners have reported problems with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), suspension wear and electronic system malfunctions.

It is advisable to have your Toyota Hilux serviced regularly to help reduce 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 2021 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 2021 Toyota Hilux

• Off-road capability
• Competent powertrain
• Versatility

What We Don’t

• Short Service Intervals
• Expensive servicing

Conclusion

The 2021 Toyota Hilux is a versatile pickup that can go anywhere. It’s better than ever in terms of ride comfort and refinement, and its work and lifestyle capabilities are unquestioned. The 2021 Hilux also excels in challenging terrain thanks to its robust suspension and proven off-road capabilities. If you are looking for a reliable yet comfortable pickup, the Hilux should be one of your top choices.

Where to Buy the 2021 Toyota Hilux in Kenya

If you are looking to either import or buy the Toyota Hilux locally at a favourable 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. Simply call us or send us a message at +254 722 469360 or email us at info@topcar.co.ke and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.