2021 Toyota Hilux Now In PH, 2.8 Diesel Now Produces 201 HP

The 2021 Toyota Hilux has finally been revealed by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP). First making its global debut in Thailand earlier this year, the new Hilux brings to the table better styling, improved driving dynamics, and more capability than ever before.

Starting with the exterior, the facelifted Toyota Hilux comes in two distinct flavors. Most variants will come with a large hexagonal grille that puts it in line with the rest of Toyota’s global pick-up portfolio such as the Tacoma that’s exclusive to the North American market. There’s also a more rugged version called the Conquest, and this model gets a unique front fascia, LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, all-terrain tires, black sports bar, black wheel arches, and black side mirrors. There’s also a new set of 18-inch alloy wheel designs and a pair of sleeker LED taillights.

Interior changes for the Hilux are less comprehensive, though material quality has been upgraded along with the addition of telescoping adjustment for the steering rack. There’s also a new gauge cluster design with a redesigned multi-information display. We’re also quite happy that TMP has finally replaced its third-party sourced infotainment system with a new Toyota OEM 8-inch infotainment system, at least for the Conquest variants. The G and E variants still continue to utilize the previous model’s third party-sourced 6.75-inch unit. Regardless of the infotainment system, the Hilux finally gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the Conquest variants get blue LED ambient lighting lining the doors, along with passive entry with push-button start.

Under the hood of the new Toyota Hilux are a couple of turbocharged inline-4 diesel engines. The base 2.4-liter is carried over unchanged as it still produces 150 hp and 343 Nm for the 6-speed manual and 400 Nm for the 6-speed automatic, with both configurations driving the rear wheels. The 2.8-liter diesel engine gets a power bump for this year, now producing 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque for the 6-speed automatic and 420 Nm for the 6-speed manual.

As for safety, most 2021 Toyota Hilux E, G, and Conquest variants get ABS with EBD, hill start assist, rear parking sensors, and three airbags. Only the Conquest variants get a reverse camera, while 7 airbags are only equipped in the Conquest 4×4 variant. Unfortunately, Toyota Safety Sense, which is the brand’s suite of advanced driver-assist systems, did not make it here into the Philippines.

Toyota has also improved the capability and comfort of the new Hilux. The suspension bushings, shock absorbers, and spring rates have been retuned for better handling and ride comfort, especially since the Hilux was never really known for its soft ride. In addition, the Conquest 4×4 now gets a differential lock, along with hill descent control for better off-road capability.

The 2021 Toyota Hilux is now on sale in the Philippines with the following prices:

• 2.4 4×2 Cab & Chassis MT – P843,000
• 2.4 4×2 Cargo MT – P936,000
• 2.4 4×2 FX MT (w/o Rear AC) – P1,029,000
• 2.4 4×2 FX MT (w/ Rear AC) – P1,057,000
• 2.4 4×2 J MT – P952,000
• 2.4 4×4 J MT – P1,148,000
• 2.4 4×2 E MT – P1,113,000
• 2.4 4×2 G MT – P1,220,000
• 2.4 4×2 G AT – P1,295,000
• 2.4 4×2 Conquest MT – P1,380,000
• 2.4 4×2 Conquest AT – P1,455,000
• 2.8 4×4 Conquest MT – P1,755,000
• 2.8 4×4 Conquest AT – P1,830,000

The 2021 Toyota Hilux Conquest variants get a new color called Emotional Red. This new striking paint finish includes an additional P20,000 charge.