Invincible by nature ROAD TEST


With a larger engine capacity, Toyota finally catches up with the pack, says Dan Gilkes


F


ew pick-ups boast the heritage and reputation of Toyota’s Hi- lux. However, even though trim


levels have kept pace with the compe- tition, the company had fallen behind on engine output. Its 150hp 2.4-litre motor offers respectable, but not out- standing performance. With the addi- tion of a 2.8-litre motor last year, that has all changed.


Powertrain


The 2.8-litre engine is still a four-cylin- der, but it offers a far healthier 201hp, backed up by a solid 500Nm of torque. Despite this power boost, fuel con- sumption and exhaust emissions re- main relatively similar to the small- er motor and are no worse than any of its competitors.


The bigger engine is an option on Invincible grade and standard on the range-topping Invincible X. Buyers of either can choose between six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, though most will opt for the auto at this price level.


It has to be said though, that 10,000- mile service intervals seem a little over cautious and will mean regular days off the road for those customers that put in the miles.


Load carrying capacity You can have single, extra or double cab models in the base Active grade, but above that, Hilux is only sold as a 4x4 with double-cab layout. Howev- er, all models can carry over 1.0-tonne and can tow the industry benchmark 3.5-tonne trailer.


In the cab All Hilux models are generously equipped, but for many the Invinci- ble probably strikes the best balance. You get all of the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS systems that come with the low- er models, including adaptive cruise control and an automatic limited slip differential. Invincible also comes with 18” alloys, front and rear park- ing sensors, an 8” touchscreen with


DAB, Bluetooth and smartphone in- tegration, LED headlights and auto air conditioning. For those thinking of venturing


off-road, the truck also has a locking rear differential and downhill assist control. The Invincible X brings additional styling tweaks, leather trim, a more powerful stereo, navigation and elec- tric driver’s seat. If you can live with- out them, you’ll save around £3,000 with the Invincible trim.


On the road


Though there are no changes to the six-speed automatic transmission, it seems to be a much happier part- ner for the more powerful 2.8-litre engine. Where the box would some- times hunt between fifth and sixth at motorway speeds with the 150hp en- gine, the 2.8-litre truck is a very re- laxed long-distance companion. The engine is smooth and quiet, yet offers plenty of get-up-and-go when re- quired, providing surprisingly swift cross-country travel. This is helped by relatively supple suspension that soaks up the worst of the UK’s pock- marked roads without complaint.


Conclusion Typically, Toyota has moved into the more powerful end of the pick-up mar- ket just as many of its competitors have left the sector. However, the 2.8-litre engine competes well against Ford’s more powerful Ranger models and most importantly it delivers another choice to buyers.


Surprisingly swiſt cross- country travel


“


Given that it seems to have few downsides in terms of fuel or emis- sions, the larger engine makes plen- ty of sense for those buyers that trav- el longer distances or regularly tow at full capacity.


VanUser rating : 4.5


Toyota Hilux Invincible 2.8 auto


Basic price £30,470 Engine 2,755cc Power 201hp @ 3,000- 3,400rpm Torque 500Nm @ 1,600-2,800rpm


Weights (kg) GVW 3,210 Kerb weight 2,340 Payload 1,010 Towing 3,500


Dimensions (mm) Load space length 1,525 Load space width 1,540 Load space height 480


246-259g/100km Service interval 1 year/10,000 miles Warranty 5 years/100,000 miles


Cost considerations Fuel tank capacity 80 Fuel consumption 28.5-30 mpg CO2


MAY 2021 • VANUSER 23


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