Why is Hilux the best?

It all started in the 1930s with Ford Australia's earliest coupe utility, but the ute has always been a popular vehicle in the country. The Toyota HiLux pickup truck is now our most popular offering.

With 47,093 units sold in 2017, the HiLux broke its previous sales record. The HiLux, like every other machine, had its problems, but its mechanical design, brilliance, and creative promotion helped it stay on the market for nearly fifty years.

In 1968, mining magnate Sir Leslie Thiess introduced them to the country. As a result of his global interests, he frequently saw (and had serviced) these HiLuxes in harsh, out-of-the-way places.

For its part, Toyota wanted to learn more about international trade, so it listened to its customers and tweaked the HiLux to make it more useful in a wide variety of settings, from outback quarries to pristine beaches.

The HiLux was a cornerstone of the emerging culture of four-wheel driving in the 1980s. The product was built to last and was backed by a nationwide network of dealers and service technicians.

As the renown of the Toyota HiLux has grown and as more trim levels have been made available, so too have the pricing of the car. Having resale prices that were greater than rivals' just boosted their popularity. The Toyota HiLux, now in its 8th generation, is available in close to thirty distinct variants.

Both 2-wheel drive delivery utes and four-wheel drive dual cabs are on the market, with the former starting at roughly $20,990 and the latter going for as much as $61,990.

Due to the high quality of service they provide, customers from all areas of life, including store owners, fisherman, farmers, and their family and friends, frequent these businesses. Success in sales, moreover, is a key contributor to continued sales success. Marketing will put greater emphasis on the bestselling aspect, if more copies are sold.

While there were upgrades made to the seventh-generation HiLux over the years, the brand-new eighth-generation vehicle is a significant step ahead. A new 2.8L, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel motor boosts performance and decreases fuel consumption. The new maximum torque is 450Nm, a 25% increase. We just put in a brand new 6-speed auto transmission.

The HiLux's excellent cabin is what truly sets it apart from the competitors. Due to the high quality of the insulation, you won't be able to hear the car's motor at all.

Most of the dashboard is taken up by a 7-inch touchscreen media system with built-in navigation systems, Bluetooth, and iPod compatibility. More so, there is a temperature regulator and a keyless entry system. The HiLux is unlike any other vehicle in its class due to its tilt-and-reach adjustable steering, making it feel more like a car than a truck.

Toyota has upgraded the suspension and chassis of the HiLux, adding to the truck's already impressive toughness. With larger dampers, larger disc brakes, and 20% greater wheel-articulation, the off-road potential has been greatly improved.

The cargo space of all three finalists was the best in their respective classes, although the payload or even towing capacities of the HiLux were the lowest. The new engine is an improvement over its predecessor, but it still can't compete with the sheer power of the Ford Ranger/BT-50 twins.

The ANCAP awarded the HiLux a flawless 5 stars for safety due to components like the operator knee airbag. Both AEB and warning for lane departure are absent, which is a major problem.

What Makes Australia’s Best-Selling Car and Ute So Popular?

The HiLux team has more buyers than Honda & Subaru combined, so if they were to break away from Toyota and start their own firm, it would be the 10th largest automaker in Australia.

For whatever reason, the Toyota HiLux has become a current auto market favourite. And can we still claim that perhaps the HiLux is indeed the best ute on the market when there are so many other options?

The Powerful HiLux

The iconic Toyota ute first appeared in the United States in 1968, putting this year its fiftieth year on sale. Combining the terms "high" and "luxury" for the name is the pinnacle of model naming innovation.

Another banner year for sales of the HiLux was recorded in 2018. By the conclusion of the month of June, 47,093 buyers had chosen a HiLux, shattering the ute's prior monthly total sales by more than 5,000 units. The Toyota Hilux is one of the company's most successful vehicles, and it has contributed to Toyota's dominance in Australia's automotive market for the past fifteen years.

Why the Toyota HiLux Is So Popular

The Toyota HiLux seems to be an adventure-ready ute which fulfills a popular segment, as characterised by Toyota Australia's CEO and President, Matthew Callachor.

Revenues of LCVs were up roughly 18% thus far in 2017, compared to a 14% increase in sales of SUVs. The popularity of SUVs has had a trickle-down effect, increasing the demand for HiLux and other pickup trucks. These high-riding cars have all the conveniences of a regular automobile, so you can sit back and relax on your journey.

Most Popular Versions of the HiLux

The SR5 trim is the most sought after since it comes standard with a more powerful turbo-diesel 2.8-liter engine, bigger 18" alloy wheels, and some high-tech amenities like automatic temperature control and even a smart entry/start system.

Just below the SR5 in popularity, Toyota's SR series is a great option for tradesmen searching for such a workhorse with just some luxury trimmings thanks to its standard steel wheels.

There is a third most popular option, the HiLux WorkMate. The Toyota Corolla LE is essentially a mobile toolbox. In either the lowrider or the robust Hi-Rider with 4x4 configuration, you have your pick of a 2.7-liter gasoline or a 2.4-liter diesel engine. Because of its simple installation and reliable durability, it is the ideal ute for any contractor or handyman.

The 2018 Toyota Rogue, Rugged, and Rugged X are Toyota's new sport utility vehicles. Improvements are made to the cabin and the vehicle's off-road capabilities over time.

User Friendly

The HiLux has a cabin that is among the most convenient in the industry. The controls are well-organized and simple to use, with the possible exception of the touchscreen interface on some models, which features little buttons that can be awkward to push. The dashboard is set faraway from the operator, and there are many compartments and storage areas for various items.

Reputation

The HiLux is unrivalled in the market as the preeminent ute. Top Gear popularised the term "invincible" to describe the HiLux and then attempted to destroy it with several absurd tests. At the end of the day, it just continues cranking back up and pushing away. Toyota is a well-known name in the industry, and its products have earned a stellar reputation for quality and dependability. One of its strong suits is the pick-up truck market. It's been making utes for nearly half a century.

Supply and Maintenance

Because of its high production volume, genuine Toyota replacement parts are readily available for low prices and can be found in a variety of trim levels for the HiLux. As an added bonus, if you look around you might even be able to locate better deals on certain aftermarket components and accessories. Each new car in the lineup has a maximum service limit. A Toyota Advantage, in Toyota's words. In other words, the cost of factory-recommended maintenance on a new car is limited at a low rate for a certain time period (measured in miles or years, respectively) and a fixed price range.

Variety

Over twenty-two different models are available now in Australia, so there's bound to be a set that's just right for your job. The aluminium tray-back design is perfect for the hardworking tradesman, and the body-back design is great for the active individual looking to make a fashion statement. In addition to the aforementioned transmission options, there are also 3 engine variants ranging from low-cost to rock-solid reliable to high-octane powerful. There is an option for either a manual or automatic transmission in every model.

How It Drives

The HiLux is one of the finest drives throughout the light-commercial vehicle market, whether you're out on a sandy track or pushing past traffic in the metropolis. Unlike some other utes, which have excessive turns lock-to-lock, most models feel rather sedan-like, with even a comfortable driving posture, decent handling, and decent steering. The front suspension is independent to cushion the driver and passengers, while the rear suspension is live axle to support weight.

Known and Respected Engine Selection

Unlike other ute models, the HiLux family may be had with a gasoline engine. diesel engines are praised for their durability by auto reviewers. For the present generation, a 2.4L turbo diesel is available as a fuel-efficient alternative. A brave 2.8 is also a choice if you regularly need to haul trailers.

It is conceivable for earlier models to go over 240,000 kms, if not over 300,000 kms, on the factory gearbox and engine if maintained properly according to Toyota's suggested service intervals. A Danish farmer drove his 2001 HiLux over 620,000 kilometres.

Wide Variety of Models

With a wide variety of trim options ranging from the farm-focused "WorkMate" to the off-road ready "Rugged X," the Toyota HiLux can accommodate drivers of all types. The HiLux comes in multiple body styles, such as the tray cab, double cab, and king-cab (which Toyota named an extra cab). The HiLux is an excellent choice if you require a vehicle for hauling bales of hay or agricultural tools, or for mounting special equipment in the back.

Automobile-Style Cabin

The cabin of the HiLux has been praised in reviews. In order to resist the dust or even daily pounding of a work ute, the WorkMate's inside has been reduced down to the absolute minimum.

The new Rugged-X trim's off-road capabilities have been fine-tuned for Australian conditions, impressing our test drivers.

Some of the best SR5s have lavish cabins with strong seats and sturdy builds. Though it lacks in several respects in comparison to competing items, the interior is nonetheless pleasant.

Constructing a vehicle that can go off-road, haul cargo, and tow in addition to delivering a comfortable ride is no easy challenge.

Not Even Top Gear Could Take Out a Single Hilux

If you ever had any concerns about the fabled endurance of the Hilux, you can thank Top Gear for putting it through its paces on November 23, 2003. The challenge inspired a frenzy of interest in pushing the limits of the Hilux, which is widely regarded as the hardest automobile in the world. It was able to withstand the effects of water, fire, a collapsing caravan, and a disintegrating tower block.

A Volcano Was No Match for the HiLux

Three years later in 2010, Top Gear's James May drove the car to the peak of a dormant volcano to set up monitoring equipment for geologists. After that, a large cloud of ash was hurled upwards of 30,000 feet by the volcano's eruption.

Land Speed Record for Lawnmowers Was Set With the Help of a HiLux

Project Runningblade, a 2010 British effort to break the global record for land speed for a lawnmower, used a Hilux as a support vehicle. With driver Don Wales at the wheel, Team Don Wales broke Bob Cleveland's speed of 80.7927 mph on the Bonneville Flats in Utah in 2006.

HiLux Plays a Crucial Role in Animal Rescue Efforts

Located in Aylesbury, the Tiggywinkles organisation uses a Double-Cab HiLux Invincible to transport ill, injured, and orphaned animals. Tiggywinkles' teams may easily drive great distances and get to previously unreachable locations because to the Hilux Double Cap.

A Hilux Rescued a Truck Last Year

During the severe cold snap in England last year, a stalled articulated lorry, almost 5 times its weight, was rescued by a Hilux. The history of the Hilux is fascinating.

The Antarctic Is a Piece of Cake for It

The Hilux wasn't content with "just" conquering the North Pole; in 2010, it drove 5,900 miles to the South Pole on jet fuel, without encountering a single technical snag along the way.

The HiLux's continued success can be attributed to many factors, including the vehicle's reputation as a dependable workhorse, the Australian public's undying love of four-wheel driving, the truck's extensive catalogue of available trim levels, the breadth and depth of its distribution and support infrastructure, its high resale value, and its large target audience.

For aeons, no other Japanese brand has been able to match the total sales success of the Toyota HiLux. Nonetheless, since Ford's most recent Ranger arrived in 2011, there has been activity at the station. Engineers from Ford and Mazda worked together in Australia to design the Ranger, and it has been met with overwhelming success.

If private sales were to be considered separately from fleet and government sales, the Ranger would likely rank first. For the whole year of 2017, four-wheel-drive Rangers outsold four-wheel-drive HiLuxes (36,932 to 35,297, respectively), with the Mitsubishi Triton coming in third with 20,513 units sold. In contrast, the HiLux supplied 11,796 2-wheel drive utes while the Ranger only managed to ship 5,796.

Even though there are now competitors from all over the world in the 4WD ute market, Toyota's legendary HiLux still has decades until it dies out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH8VoN6Y7nQ

Conclusion

The previous sales record for the HiLux was also broken in 2017, with 47,093 units sold. The mining tycoon Sir Leslie Thiess brought them to the country in 1968. The new 2.8L turbo-diesel engine has four cylinders and improves performance while cutting fuel costs. The HiLux was given a perfect 5 safety stars by the ANCAP thanks to features like the operator knee airbag. A 7-inch touchscreen media system with integrated navigation systems, Bluetooth, and iPod compatibility occupies most of the dashboard.

The cargo capacities of the three finalists were the best in their categories. In comparison to SUVs, sales of LCVs are increased 18% thus far in 2017. When it comes to pickup trucks, the HiLux is without peer. All the comforts of a regular car can be found in these elevated vehicles. When it comes to driving pleasure, the HiLux is among the best in the segment of light commercial vehicles.

There are now more than 22 distinct models accessible in Australia, so you can find the ones that are ideal for your work. There are also three different engine options, ranging from budget-friendly to dependable to incredibly potent. The HiLux is available in several different guises, from the agriculturally oriented "WorkMate" to the rugged "Rugged X." The Hilux is safe against floods, flames, falling caravans, and crumbling skyscrapers. In 2010, it used jet fuel to go the 5,900 kilometres to the South Pole. During a severe cold spell in England last year, a Hilux saved the driver of a stopped articulated lorry.

Content Summary

• It all started in the 1930s with Ford Australia's earliest coupe utility, but the ute has always been a popular vehicle in the country.
• With 47,093 units sold in 2017, the HiLux broke its previous sales record.
• The HiLux was a cornerstone of the emerging culture of four-wheel driving in the 1980s.
• The Toyota HiLux, now in its 8th generation, is available in close to thirty distinct variants.
• The HiLux is unlike any other vehicle in its class due to its tilt-and-reach adjustable steering, making it feel more like a car than a truck.
• Toyota has upgraded the suspension and chassis of the HiLux, adding to the truck's already impressive toughness.
• Because of its high production volume, genuine Toyota replacement parts are readily available for low prices and can be found in a variety of trim levels for the HiLux.
• With a wide variety of trim options ranging from the farm-focused "WorkMate" to the off-road ready "Rugged X," the Toyota HiLux can accommodate drivers of all types.
• Automobile-Style CabinThe cabin of the HiLux has been praised in reviews.
• Located in Aylesbury, the Tiggywinkles organisation uses a Double-Cab HiLux Invincible to transport ill, injured, and orphaned animals.
• The history of the Hilux is fascinating.
• The HiLux's continued success can be attributed to many factors, including the vehicle's reputation as a dependable workhorse, the Australian public's undying love of four-wheel driving, the truck's extensive catalogue of available trim levels, the breadth and depth of its distribution and support infrastructure, its high resale value, and its large target audience.
• For aeons, no other Japanese brand has been able to match the total sales success of the Toyota HiLux.