autoX Awards 2023: The Toyota Hilux, perhaps, is one of the most recognised vehicles in the world. Known for its utilitarian appearance, this pick-up truck has long been the mainstay of various security and relief organisations, along with numerous militias. Its widespread acclaim and unwavering success can be attributed to its exceptionally insane off-road abilities – backed by some very capable hardware – and Toyota’s bulletproof reliability, which is trusted by organisations across the world.
In the Indian market where pick-up trucks predominantly cater to the commercial segment – for obvious reasons – the Hilux is one of the few lifestyle options available to customers. We had already driven the Hilux on an off-road course before we tested it on the track, and let’s just say that the results were not unexpected. Being over five metres in length, the Hilux did struggle a bit during our performance tests, and its steering, which is quite slow, didn’t help it either. But, then, it’s primarily designed for off-road use and not for the track. Additionally, its extended length creates a sense of unwieldiness when you push it hard. Also, given its pricing, we found its overall quality to be below what one would expect from a vehicle that costs around Rs 40 lakh.
Also Read: Toyota Hilux Hydrogen Fuel Cell Prototype Debuts Globally with Close to 590Km Range
However, if you’re someone who often likes to go off the beaten path and explore areas that are difficult to get to, the Hilux is definitely a competent option. Plus, it can transform into a weekend dune basher or a great camping vehicle with just a few additional enhancements. But, given its higher-than-expected pricing and somewhat unwieldy handling in urban areas – it has a pretty large turning radius, which makes finding a suitable parking space in urban areas a real pain – it did not perform very well in our test. However, if we talk about horses for courses, the Hilux is certainly your horse of choice if you like venturing into overlanding or seeking adventures beyond the beaten path.
- 2023 Toyota Hilux (Lap Time: 01.20.6)
| PARAMETERS | POINTS | SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| QUALITY | 5 | 2.5 |
| COMFORT / SPACE | 5 | 3 |
| REFINEMENT | 5 | 3 |
| DESIGN | 5 | 4 |
| DRIVETRAIN | 5 | 3.5 |
| RIDE & HANDLING | 5 | 2.5 |
| PRACTICALITY | 5 | 4 |
| X FACTOR | 20 | 16 |
| LAP TIME | 15 | 4.2 |
| VALUE FOR MONEY | 30 | 14 |
| TOTAL | 100 | 56.7 |
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