2024 TOYOTA HILUX REVIEW

Detailed Review

The Toyota Hilux has long been a cornerstone of Toyota’s global pickup portfolio, known for its legendary durability and reliability since its debut in 1968. Now in its eighth generation, the Hilux continues to evolve, adapting to modern needs while staying true to its rugged roots.

The 2024 Toyota Hilux brings with it refined styling and enhanced performance, aiming to meet the demands of both commercial users and lifestyle buyers. Visually, it features a more aggressive front-end design with updated LED lighting and a bolder grille, giving it a tougher, more modern look that aligns with Toyota’s global truck identity.

Under the hood, the 2024 Hilux offers a range of powertrains depending on the market. These include a 2.4-liter and 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine, both engineered for torque-heavy performance and fuel efficiency. Some markets may also offer a 2.7-liter petrol engine. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic, delivering flexible performance across on-road and off-road conditions.

The latest Hilux also benefits from chassis improvements and revised suspension tuning, contributing to a smoother ride without compromising its off-road prowess. Higher trims are equipped with Toyota’s latest safety suite—Toyota Safety Sense—which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and pre-collision braking.

Thanks to its combination of toughness, technology, and Toyota’s reputation for dependability, the 2024 Hilux remains a top contender in the competitive midsize pickup segment, balancing workhorse utility with everyday usability.

For those interested in buying the Toyota Hilux, either double or single cabin, we have prepared a separate Buyer’s Guide with details on what to look out for when buying a used one and the common pitfalls to avoid. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide. 

2024 Toyota Hilux Grades (For Double Cabs)

1. Workmate / J / DX / GX
   Entry-level trims built for utility and commercial use, common in Australia, Japan, Africa, and the Middle East. Features include steel wheels, basic interiors, manual A/C, and practical black plastic trim. Powered by 2.4L diesel or 2.7L petrol engines.

2. G / GL / E
   Mid-level trims found in Southeast Asia and Africa, offering more comfort and tech like alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment, keyless entry, and added safety features. Engines include 2.4L or 2.8L diesel.

3. GXL / SR / SR5
   Mid-to-high trims in Australia, NZ, and parts of Africa, with added comfort and tech. Standard features include 17” alloys, auto climate control, smart key, Toyota Safety Sense, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Typically comes with the 2.8L diesel engine.

4. Invincible / Revo V / Rogue / Adventure / Legender / Revo Rocco
   Premium lifestyle-focused trims with 18” wheels, leather seats, LED lights, dual-zone climate, and advanced safety. Offers SUV-like comfort with the 2.8L diesel engine.

5. GR-Sport

   Performance-inspired flagship with sporty styling, tuned suspension, GR-specific design elements, and premium interiors. Powered by the 204hp 2.8L diesel with full-time 4WD. Aimed at buyers seeking both style and capability.

Toyota Hilux Grades – (Single Cab)

1. Standard (Workhorse)
   Basic, no-frills trim built for tough work environments like farms and construction. Features include a 2.4L or 2.8L diesel engine, steel wheels, vinyl floors, manual windows, and minimal infotainment. Air conditioning is often optional.
2. DLX (Deluxe/Mid Grade)
   Adds convenience features like power windows, central locking, A/C, and optional infotainment. Offers improved interior materials and body-colored bumpers. Most variants are 4WD with a 6-speed manual transmission.
3. High Grade / GX
   Top-tier single cab trim with added comfort and tech. Includes touchscreen infotainment, chrome accents, fog lights, upgraded interior, and sometimes cruise control. Known in Kenya as the 2.4GD Comfort Single Cab 4×4, it features 4WD, 6-speed manual, air conditioning, ABS, and high ground clearance—ideal for demanding business use.
   To get more comprehensive information on this,  we have prepared a separate Buyer’s Guide with details on what to look out for when buying a used one and the common pitfalls to avoid. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide. 

Interior

Legroom & Space

The interior of the 2024 Toyota Hilux balances durability with thoughtful design improvements aimed at boosting comfort and usability. The dashboard layout is straightforward and driver-focused, with a centrally mounted 8.0-inch or optional 9.0-inch touchscreen (market-dependent) featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not as flashy as some rivals, the interface is reliable and easy to navigate. Depending on the trim, you’ll find either rugged, wipe-clean surfaces or upgraded finishes with leather upholstery and soft-touch accents, especially in higher variants like the SR5, Rogue, and GR Sport.

Interior space in the Hilux is competitive for the segment, particularly in the Double Cab configuration. Front seats are firm but supportive, offering good ergonomics for long-distance driving. In higher trims, features like power-adjustable seats and dual-zone climate control add to comfort. The Hilux’s wheelbase (3085 mm) is slightly shorter than some rivals, which translates into adequate—though not class-leading—rear legroom. The back seats are upright but functional, accommodating two adults comfortably. As with most pickups, the middle rear seat is best suited for short trips due to limited cushioning and the center tunnel.

Cabin Storage

The 2024 Hilux offers a practical and user-friendly cabin with ample storage solutions suited to both professional and everyday use. Front occupants benefit from sizable door bins that can accommodate large bottles, dual cup holders, and a spacious center console storage box. A wireless charging pad is available on higher trims, along with multiple USB-A and USB-C charging ports to support mobile devices. Select models also include a 220V power outlet for added convenience when working on the go.

The glovebox is of decent size, and a secondary storage shelf above it adds utility for smaller items. Rear-seat passengers get door pockets, seatback map holders, and a fold-down center armrest with cup holders in higher trims. The Double Cab models also include under-seat storage in the rear, which is useful for storing tools, recovery gear, or valuables securely out of sight.

Folding the rear seats  increases in-cabin storage by creating a flat space for carrying tools, gear, or other items securely inside the vehicle, especially when the bed isn’t ideal for weather-sensitive or valuable cargo.

Bed Space

The Hilux’s cargo bed is built for hard work, offering durability and versatility. In the Double Cab configuration, the bed length is approximately 1525 mm, with a width of about 1540 mm between the wheel arches—providing a functional space for tools, equipment, or recreational gear. Payload capacity varies by trim and drivetrain but can exceed 1,000 kg on many models, maintaining the Hilux’s reputation as a true workhorse.

Toyota equips the Hilux with a strong, corrosion-resistant bedliner on higher trims, along with multiple tie-down points to help secure cargo. Optional features include a 12V power socket in the bed, tonneau covers, sports bars, and canopies. While it lacks a built-in tailgate ruler or clamp points like some rivals, the Hilux’s tailgate is robust and easy to operate. A rear bumper step is included in some trims or can be added via accessories, helping improve access to the bed.

The 2024 Toyota Hilux Single Cab offers one of the the largest cargo bed , making it the top choice for maximum load capacity. The bed measures approximately 2315 mm in length and 1600 mm in width, providing ample space for longer and bulkier items that wouldn’t fit in shorter bed variants.

With a payload capacity of over 1,200 kg (depending on the specific model and configuration), it’s ideally suited for heavy-duty commercial use—whether it’s carrying building materials, tools, or machinery. The flat, reinforced bed floor, multiple tie-down points, and optional bedliner help secure and protect cargo during transport.

The extended bed combined with the Hilux’s strong rear suspension and robust chassis makes the Single Cab an essential choice for users who need reliable and spacious load-hauling capability day in and day out.

Exterior

The 2024 Toyota Hilux presents a bold and rugged exterior design that perfectly captures its status as one of the world’s most trusted and durable pickup trucks. At the front, the Hilux features a commanding hexagonal grille finished with thick horizontal slats, framed by sleek LED headlamps that offer excellent illumination and a modern appearance. The headlights include distinctive daytime running lights that add to its aggressive road presence. The reshaped front bumper incorporates integrated fog lights and skid plates, emphasizing the truck’s off-road readiness and protection.

The sculpted bonnet with muscular creases directs attention to the robust ladder-frame chassis underneath, while the high-mounted wheel arches accommodate large all-terrain tires, underscoring the Hilux’s capability in challenging conditions. From the side, the truck’s strong shoulder lines flow smoothly into the rear bed, giving the vehicle a purposeful and athletic stance. Its elevated ground clearance, ranging from approximately 220 to 230 mm depending on the variant, helps it conquer rough terrain with ease.

The exterior design is enhanced with practical touches such as rugged side steps for easier cabin access, roof rails for added cargo flexibility, and durable door handles and mirrors that can withstand tough environments. The bed itself is protected by a durable liner option and features multiple tie-down points, ready for both heavy commercial use and recreational gear hauling.

Higher-spec models like the Hilux SR5, Rogue, and GR Sport bring unique styling upgrades that set them apart from the base trims. These include bold blacked-out or body-colored overfenders, more aggressive front and rear bumpers, and larger alloy wheels that range from 17 to 18 inches, with sporty designs enhancing both aesthetics and performance. The GR Sport variant takes it a step further with a mesh-style grille, red accent details on the grille and suspension components, and GR badging, signaling its sportier off-road and on-road character.

Additional exterior features in premium models include LED fog lights, integrated sports bars, and optional accessories like tonneau covers, snorkels, and roll bars that cater to both utility and style preferences. The overall design philosophy of the 2024 Hilux is to balance functional toughness with a contemporary look that appeals to a broad range of users—from commercial fleet owners to outdoor enthusiasts.

Hilux’s exterior commands attention with its blend of purposeful design, durable construction, and modern styling cues, reaffirming its place as a leader in the midsize pickup segment.

Ground Clearance: 9.4 inches (240 mm)

Safety Features

The Hilux is well-equipped with modern safety features across its range. Standard safety equipment includes dual front, side, and curtain airbags, with driver knee airbags available on higher trims. It also features ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, and Downhill Assist Control.

Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) on higher trims include:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection

• Adaptive Cruise Control

• Lane Departure Alert

• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

• Reverse Camera and Parking Sensors

• Automatic High Beam

Built on a high-strength steel ladder-frame chassis with reinforced crash structures, the Hilux is designed to provide both passive and active safety across diverse driving conditions.

2024 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

2024 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.

Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres

2021 Toyota Hilux Ground Clearance

The 2021 Toyota Hilux has a ground clearance of 11.0 inches

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.

 Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy

Toyota boasts an excellent reputation when it comes to the availability of its spare parts. The 2024 Toyota Hilux is not an exception. Service parts are affordable and widely available in Kenya. Body parts are expensive and available from major Toyota dealerships in Kenya.

To get more comprehensive information on this,  we have prepared a separate Buyer’s Guide with details on what to look out for when buying a used one and the common pitfalls to avoid. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide. 

Stability and Handling

The 2024 Toyota Hilux strikes a strong balance between rugged off-road capability and composed on-road manners. On paved roads, it delivers a stable and comfortable ride, with higher trims featuring upgraded suspension tuning that absorbs bumps more effectively. The hydraulic power steering offers good feedback and is light enough for urban driving while providing sufficient heft at higher speeds for confident highway cruising.

Body control is commendable for a pickup of its size and class, with minimal body roll during cornering and stable handling whether carrying heavy loads or driving unladen. Off-road, the Hilux benefits from its robust 4×4 system, available crawl control, and multi-terrain select modes that adapt traction and throttle response to varying surfaces like gravel, mud, and sand.

Reliability

The Toyota Hilux is widely regarded as one of the most reliable pickups ever made. Built with durability in mind, it’s designed to withstand extreme conditions—whether that’s rough off-road terrain, heavy commercial use, or long-distance travel. Its diesel engines are proven to be long-lasting and fuel-efficient, with many units comfortably surpassing 300,000 km with minimal issues.

The Hilux features a strong ladder-frame chassis, simple mechanical components, and easy-to-service parts, which makes it ideal for both urban and remote use. Owners appreciate its low running costs, solid resale value, and the peace of mind that comes with owning a vehicle that just doesn’t quit. Whether you’re using it for business, farming, or outdoor adventure, the Hilux is a vehicle you can count on for the long haul.

Resale Value: Excellent

2024 Toyota Hilux Competitors:

The Hilux competes in the midsize pickup segment with strong rivals such as:

• Ford Ranger

• Isuzu D-Max

• Nissan Navara

• Mitsubishi L200 (Triton)

What we like about the 2024 Toyota Hilux

• Timeless, rugged design with global appeal

• Proven, reliable diesel and petrol engine options

• Comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features

• Durable interior with practical and comfortable cabin

• Excellent off-road capability with advanced 4×4 systems

• Strong resale value and wide service network

What we don’t like

• Infotainment system can be less intuitive on lower specs

• Larger dimensions can be cumbersome in tight city environments

Conclusion

The 2024 Toyota Hilux continues to set the standard for reliability, toughness, and versatility in the midsize pickup segment. Whether you need a dependable workhorse for commercial use or a capable off-roader for weekend adventures, the Hilux delivers with confidence. Its blend of rugged practicality, advanced safety, and refined comfort makes it a compelling choice against stiff competition. While some variants may feel more utilitarian, the Hilux’s enduring reputation and excellent resale value ensure it remains a smart investment for buyers worldwide.

For those interested in buying the Toyota Hilux, either double or single cabin, we have prepared a separate Buyer’s Guide with details on what to look out for when buying a used one and the common pitfalls to avoid. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.

If you are looking to import the Toyota Hilux to Kenya, click here to fill out our contact form, and we will get back to you immediately, or email us directly via [email protected].

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