Toyota is rumored to launch its first lifestyle Hilux pickup truck in India soon. It is likely to arrive in early 2022 and will be pitted against the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, which has been the only pick-up truck available for sale in our country.
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For those who aren't aware, Toyota’s popular offerings Fortuner SUV and Innova Crysta MPV are based on the same IMV-2 platform as the Toyota Hilux. Also, it uses the identical powertrain and drivetrain options as the Fortuner. So, it won't be a problem for Toyota to manufacture it locally. However, measuring 5.3 meters in length and having a wheelbase of over 3 meters, the Toyota Hilux is quite longer than the Fortuner and Innova Crysta. This pickup also comes with a leaf-spring suspension setup at the rear, as against the coil spring setup in the MPV and SUV to pull a heavy load on its cargo bed.
As mentioned above, the global-spec Toyota Hilux comes with the same engine options as the Fortuner. That said, it uses 2.4-liter turbo diesel (150PS/400Nm) and 2.8-liter turbo (204PS/up to 500Nm) diesel engines. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and automatic as the Fortuner. It is important to note that Toyota also offers a 4.0-liter V6 petrol engine with the Hilux in select markets. However, we might only get the 2.4-and 2.8-liter motors with this mighty pick-up, as a more powerful engine could put its price above the reach of buyers.
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As for features, the India-bound Hilux is expected to share its equipment list with the Fortuner. That said, it could get bi-beam LED projector with DRL, LED tail lamps, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, multiple airbags, among other features.
Going by its global-spec model, Toyota also offers 4-wheel-drivetrain, Hill Start assist control, Downhill Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active Traction Control (A-TRC), Brake Assist (BA), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), and many other such features with the Hilux. Its Indian version may also get some of these techs.
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Knowing the fact that Indian-spec Hilux could share its parts with the Fortuner and Innova Crysta, Toyota could price it aggressively. In our opinion, the Japanese carmaker is likely to price it between Rs 17 lakh to Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom). While it's not official, Ford could also bring its Ranger pickup truck that shares its underpinnings and mechanicals with the Endeavour SUV.
