The 2021 Toyota Hilux update is focused on enhancing some strategic off-road pickup points, highlighted by the introduction of the new 204 hp diesel engine with lower consumption than the current 150 hp version. The 2021 Toyota Hilux is available in the Dominican Republic starting at $34,500 for the single cab configuration.
The Toyota Hilux is one of the strongest and most robust vehicles you can buy, known for its long commercial history, legendary reliability, and great ability to withstand continuous abuse, as evidenced by its track record. With over 20 million units sold in 150 countries, its direct competitors in the market include the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L-200, or Nissan Navara. All have a similar pickup format to the Toyota Hilux, covering a wide range of prices and advantages.
It features an easily recognizable aesthetic in its lineage. Its proportions and height are common in the midsize truck segment. After the latest revision launched in 2020, a more modern and striking image was found in the front. In this latest update, notable features include the more aggressive front and the distinctive front grille with LED technology optics, following the design path of other models in the brand (such as RAV4 or Highlander).
The available mechanical options for the Hilux range include two diesel engines: 2.4 with 150 hp and 2.8 with 204 hp. These are well-proven engines by the brand, providing a high level of reliability and power, ensuring good performance when transporting heavy loads in the worst conditions. The transmission is always a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with torque converter, providing four-wheel drive in each case.
The new engine generates a maximum torque of 500 Newton-meters and accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers/hour in just 10.0 seconds, which represents a gain of 2.8 seconds compared to the previous unit.
It consumes 7.8 liters per 100 kilometers and emits 204 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.
The Toyota Hilux is based on a ladder chassis and features leaf-spring rear suspension, a transfer case, rear differential lock, and the absence of a central differential, which is the simplest and most effective solution when facing challenging terrains with very low grip, such as steep dirt slopes or snow.
The Hilux’s leaf-spring rear suspension is more suitable for supporting heavy loads and can easily handle rough terrains. However, it may not be the most suitable for on-road behavior since it tends to bounce, especially when driving unloaded. It’s important to remember that this is fundamentally a work vehicle.
The Toyota Hilux offers single and double cab versions, with finishes ranging from the most rudimentary pickup to the most modern and spacious SUV, providing a level of equipment and technology in line with modern cars.
In its high-end versions, it could be used as a family vehicle, as its comfort and insulation are similar to those of a grand tourer.
The digital screen that tops the central console grows from seven to eight inches, and the operating software is now faster and more responsive to the driver. It adopts new physical buttons and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Among the accessories available in the 2021 Toyota Hilux are a sports bar, an electric aluminum cover for the rear cargo area, a rear door lock, a hard roof, and a 12-volt power source.
The 2021 Hilux now features Smart Entry technology, allowing doors to be opened and certain functions to be operated because the car detects the proximity of the key. The engine can be started with a button.
It comes with front and rear parking sensors, satellite navigation, and air conditioning, as well as a JBL Premium sound system with nine speakers.
The exterior refresh of the 2021 Toyota Hilux starts at its front end, which features a completely revised aesthetic. The front lower protector grows in size and merges with a chrome frame surrounding the license plate. New reinforcements then extend around the entire front grille, rising to the level of the headlights to increase the rugged and off-road appearance of the model.
The headlights also change radically. Toyota introduces LED technology, allowing for a much thinner and sharper headlight assembly than the previous version. The same technology is transferred to the rear end, although there, the arrangement and shape of the lights do not show variations.
The body is available in Emotional Red II, Dark Blue, and Oxide Bronze. The wheels are 18-inch alloy and are available in black.
Toyota has also revised the suspension, improving both front and rear damping to make it a much more balanced vehicle.
