bot Toyota Hilux Pickup Review

Our Toyota Hilux Pickup Leasing Review

By Libby Foster
15-07-2022
Our Toyota Hilux Pickup Leasing Review

Fancy leasing a Toyota Hilux pickup?

The Toyota Hilux used to be uncommon to see anywhere other than a farm or construction site in the UK, and for good reason. The pick-up (and its competitors) used to be slow and unpleasant on the road despite being incredibly capable off-road and having legendary durability. But today, pick-ups are a more and more common substitute for huge SUVs. Although their driving abilities have improved, we believe the tax breaks offered to business car users are an even stronger motivator.


So, what are the Toyota Hilux's differences from similarly tough pickup truck competitors like the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, and Ssangyong Musso? Read our review to find out.


The Toyota Hilux Performance

The ToyotaHilux's more potent 2.8-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine is the one we'd advise choosing because its 201bhp provides much snappier performance than the 2.4-litre's noticeably slower speed. The six-speed automatic gearbox is more popular than the manual option among purchasers. The 2.8-liter version can go from 0 to 62 mph in 10.7 seconds with the help of the automatic, although the manual requires 2.1 seconds more.


Both engines provide ample low-down thrust to make towing relatively painless, but the 2.8-litre engine up front will result in fewer unhappy drivers behind you. You won't have to exert as much effort on the engine in every circumstance because it is bigger.


Since the Hilux is made to handle heavy loads in its bed, Toyota installed a rather rigid rear suspension. Although this is a characteristic of all pick-up trucks, the back of the truck feels a touch bouncy over speed bumps and bad roads as a result. It's not the worst, the Musso and Isuzu D-Max are jitterier, but the Ranger offers a smoother ride, particularly if you choose a Ranger Raptor.


The Toyota Hilux Interior 

The 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard on all save the Active level making the Toyota Hilux cabin appear contemporary at first glance. But as soon as you start looking around, you'll see that the materials are all hard and scratchy, except for some pretty coarse leather on the wheel if you choose Icon trim and higher.


Although the majority of pickups are similarly dependable, the Ford Ranger (particularly in Wildtrack and Raptor trims) and the Ssangyong Musso both have a plusher feeling. The driver's seat is height-adjustable in all Hilux grades, with full electronic adjustment available in the Invincible X trim. All variants have a steering wheel that can be moved up and down as well as in and out.


The switches and controls work precisely, and everything feels well-assembled. However, the infotainment screen is less spectacular; it responds to prods quite slowly, and the little symbols are difficult to tap when moving. If you want an integrated sat-nav, you must get the top-tier Invincible X trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available on all models except Active ones, meaning on lower trims you may use your phone's navigation and eschew the Toyota system for music and other features. Instead, active trim receives a basic radio with a CD player, USB port, and Bluetooth.


The Toyota Hilux Passenger Space 

Although people over six feet will have less headroom than in the comparable Ssangyong Musso or Ford Ranger, tall adults can fit in the Toyota Hilux's front seats. There is a tonne of storage, and the door bins are sizable. You get a huge cubby underneath the centre armrest and not one, but two gloveboxes. Toyota also includes a convenient tray for your phone with a nearby USB port, two sizable cupholders between the gearstick, and a further pair of pop-out cup holders at the dashboard's outer corners.


However, even in the roomiest Double Cab models, there isn't much leg room in the back since the high floor uncomfortably forces your knees up. No matter the cab style, all models can tow 3500kg and haul more than 1000kg in the bed, but not simultaneously (you'll need a Musso for that). It's important to keep in mind that the bed is shorter the more spacious the cab is. Out of the Musso, Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max, the Hilux has the shallowest load bed in every instance.


Our Conclusion and Pickup Leasing Deals 

One of the most proficient pick-up trucks on the market, the Toyota Hilux is known for its dependability. Although the Ford Ranger is a far more comfortable pick-up to drive on the road and has a nicer cabin, and the Ssangyong Musso is even better valued, it also has a strong safety rating and competitive financing options on its side.


We have a variety of Toyota Hilux lease deals at MWVC to meet every driver's needs when it comes to choosing the right pickup for them or their business. So, whether you want to lease a commercial vehicle or a personal deal, our expert sales team can help you find the best deal. Still unsure whether pickup leasing is right for you? Call us at 0116 490 4113 and one of our representatives will be happy to help you.


Want to get the most out of your pickup truck? Read our blog here.


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*All pricing is correct at the time of publishing.