Toyota Hilux 2021, the Tacoma we would have liked to have
The Toyota Tacoma may be the best-selling mid-size pickup in North America, however, there is an even more interesting variant in other markets. It is called the Toyota hilux, and while it shares several technical components with our beloved Tacoma, it does offer some features we weren’t entitled to, which makes it more appealing. For 2021, Toyota is bringing it a good update.
It is on the aesthetic level that the changes are most apparent; the Toyota Hilux 2021 inherits a new grille and some bodywork alterations, not to mention the huge “INVINCIBLE” badge stamped on its tailgate, to refer to the spectacular Toyota accident as part of the Dakar 2020 rally.
But the most interesting novelty is undoubtedly the new 2.8-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine that develops 201 horsepower and produces an impressive 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine can be paired with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Plus, unlike our Tacoma, which is now only offered with a single 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Hilux offers consumers two other engine choices – another 2.4-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder. as well as the same 2.7-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine that our Tacoma formerly offered.
Dimensionally, a Hilux is roughly the same size as a Tacoma, but unlike its North American cousin, which can tow up to 3,084 kilograms and support a payload of 734 kilograms, the Hilux can tow 3 792 kilos and carry up to 997 kilos in its crate. If the Hilux were sold here, or at least, if the turbodiesel engine were offered on the side of the Tacoma, the Toyota pickup would be better equipped to face the Chevrolet Colorado Duramax or, again, the Jeep Gladiator.
