Toyota Hilux Review: The Export Workhorse

Overview

This review focuses on the eighth-generation Toyota Hilux, which reached UK customers in July 2016 and was sold until 2026. That makes it by far the most common Hilux in UK used stock. We also look at the all-new ninth-generation model, which went on sale in the UK in June 2026 with diesel deliveries starting in July.

The Hilux is a ladder-frame pick-up with a leaf-sprung rear axle and selectable four-wheel drive with low range. It suits farmers, builders, fleets and anyone who needs to carry a tonne or tow a heavy trailer over poor roads. It came as a Single Cab, Extra Cab and five-seat Double Cab.

Specification	Hilux 2.4 D-4D (2024)	Hilux 2.8 D-4D (2024)	Hilux 2.8 48V (ninth gen, 2026)
Engine	2.4-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel	2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel	2.8-litre turbodiesel, 48V mild hybrid
Power	148bhp	201bhp	201bhp
Torque	400Nm	500Nm (auto), 420Nm (manual)	500Nm
Gearbox	6-speed manual or automatic	6-speed manual or automatic	6-speed automatic
Braked towing	3,500kg	3,500kg	3,500kg
Payload (Double Cab)	Up to 1,105kg	1,010 to 1,015kg	1,035 to 1,065kg
Official economy (WLTP)	28.7 to 31.7mpg	28.6 to 33.2mpg	28.8 to 29.1mpg
UK price (September 2026 list, on the road)	£45,395 (Invincible Double Cab auto, final eighth-gen range)	£36,295 to £51,995 (final eighth-gen range, no longer orderable; Arctic Trucks AT35 £76,195)	£42,845 to £54,095

Engines and Performance

From 2016 to late 2020, UK Hiluxes used a 2.4-litre diesel producing 148bhp and 400Nm. It is dependable but was widely judged underpowered for a vehicle of this size, and 0-62mph takes around 13 seconds.

In November 2020 a facelift brought a 2.8-litre engine with 201bhp and, with the automatic gearbox, 500Nm from 1,600rpm. It cut the 0-62mph time to 10.7 seconds and transformed the Hilux’s towing manners, and it is the engine most buyers now look for. The 2.4 remained available on Active, Icon and Invincible models.

The 48V mild-hybrid version arrived in March 2025 on Invincible X Double Cab automatics. A small lithium-ion battery under the rear bench powers a motor-generator that recovers braking energy and lets the engine stay off for longer in traffic. Toyota claims up to 5 per cent better economy. Most testers find the difference subtle outside slow traffic.

Off-Road Ability and Practicality

The Hilux is strong off-road. The facelifted Double Cab has 310mm of running ground clearance, a 700mm wading depth and approach and departure angles of 29 and 26 degrees. All versions have a locking rear differential, and Icon and above add an automatic limited-slip function and Downhill Assist Control.

Every eighth-gen version carries roughly one tonne, and every version since the November 2020 facelift tows 3,500kg braked. Earlier trucks were rated at 3,200kg to 3,500kg depending on the version, so check the plate. The Double Cab load bed is 1,525mm long, the Extra Cab 1,808mm and the Single Cab 2,315mm. The rear seats of the Double Cab are fine for adults on shorter trips but not generous.

On the road, the consensus is that the ride is bouncy and busy when the bed is empty, settling down with a load aboard. The Hilux also feels its size in town. The 2020 update softened the rear springs, but comfort is not its strength.

Interior and Technology

The eighth-gen cabin is durable rather than modern. Active models are basic, with a CD radio, manual air conditioning and hard-wearing fabric or PVC trim. From the November 2020 facelift, Invincible grades add an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reversing camera, heated front seats and automatic climate control. Invincible X brings leather and satellite navigation, plus a 360-degree camera on trucks built from 2022. Toyota Safety Sense, including autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, became standard across the range. Reviewers tend to criticise the infotainment for dated graphics, while praising the cabin’s toughness.

The ninth-generation Hilux moves to digital displays, electric power steering, wireless charging and standard four-wheel drive.

Reliability and Running Costs

The Hilux’s reputation for durability is well earned, although this generation has one well-known weakness: diesel particulate filters that block on vehicles used for short trips or long periods of idling. Early vehicles were most affected, and Toyota added a manual regeneration button to later models.

Warranty is three years or 60,000 miles on trucks sold from June 2021 (five years or 100,000 miles before that), extendable to 10 years or 100,000 miles, with each qualifying service at a Toyota dealer adding 12 months or 10,000 miles of cover. New Hiluxes also came with five years of roadside assistance. Expect around 28 to 33mpg officially, with less when towing.

Buying One in the UK for Export

Eighth-generation Hiluxes are plentiful in the UK, from ex-fleet Active Single Cabs to well-equipped Invincible X Double Cabs. For most buyers, a 2021 or later 2.8-litre Double Cab offers the best balance of power, equipment and age. The 2.4 is cheaper and perfectly usable for lighter work.

Check the service history, look for the DPF regeneration button and records of any DPF repairs on earlier trucks, and inspect the chassis, load bed and tyres for heavy off-road use or overloading. High-mileage ex-fleet trucks with full dealer records can be good value.

The Hilux is a natural export choice. It is one of the best-known pick-ups in the world, so parts and trained mechanics are easy to find across Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Asia. Its leaf-sprung rear, high clearance and simple mechanical layout cope well with rough roads. Buyers heading to areas with lower-grade diesel should discuss fuel quality and DPF-equipped engines with a local specialist before choosing.

Verdict

The eighth-generation Hilux is not the most refined pick-up, and rivals ride better. But few vehicles match its mix of payload, towing, off-road ability and long-term toughness, which is what matters once a vehicle leaves the UK. A well-maintained 2.8-litre Double Cab is the sweet spot, and the ninth-generation model keeps the same proven engine.

Pros

• Excellent durability reputation
• 3,500kg towing and one-tonne payload across the range
• Strong off-road hardware with 310mm clearance
• Parts and servicing available almost everywhere

Cons

• Bouncy ride when unladen
• Dated infotainment on eighth-gen models
• DPF blockages on short-trip vehicles
• 2.4-litre engine feels slow

Image: 2021 Toyota Hilux Invincible by Vauxford, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0), resized.