Much like the Ford Transit, the Toyota Hilux just always seems to have been here. The first generation of Hilux appeared in 1967 building on the success of working versions of the legendry Land Cruiser, being noted for its domination of the Far East and Australian markets. Essentially a very simple vehicle, the Hilux used beam axles on leaf springs with part-time 4WD, like an early Land Rover or wartime Jeep. The format served it well long into the 1990s and an old model from this era proved indestructible in the hands of a certain TV motoring show, with Toyota UK badging its range topper as invincible ever since.
Times move on and the Hilux had to move upmarket – more sophisticated suspension and 4WD components ushered in plusher cabs too and alloy wheels along with the Land Cruiser’s muscular 2.8-litre turbo diesel finding a here home too from 2020. At the same time, however, the Hilux was under attack in the lifestyle sector with the Mitsubishi L200 and Ford Ranger pushing it aside, but its reputation for reliability and sheer appetite for hard work kept its loyal customer coming back for more, whilst generous warranty conditions and low running costs make it the used choice for canny pickup buyers.
In a world of ever fatter SUVs, the Hilux seems quite compact now at 5,330mm long, on a near 3.1 metre wheelbase, just 1,860mm wide and 1,810mm high. In the most popular double-cab form, it offers 1,520mm of load length (the single cab adds 800mm to this) a width of 1,645mm at maximum, with sides and tailboard height being 480mm. The loading height off the ground is a lofty 860mm and Hilux payloads vary between 1,050kg and 1,110kg, depending upon trim. The single cab will tow the maximum allowable 3,500kg, whilst the double cab can tow up to 3,200kg.
The Hilux offers four trim levels; Active, Icon, Invincible and Invincible-X. The Active is the real workhorse with 17in steel wheels, giving the best choice of off-road tyres, mechanical rear differential lock manual A/C and adaptive cruise control – handy for keeping at towing speeds with HGVs on the motorway.
The Icon models have headlamp washers, sidesteps and 8in infotainment screen, ‘active’ (limited-slip) rear differential and reversing camera, making it the best all-rounder whilst the Invincible adds 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, climate control, heated front seats and all-round parking sensors. You’ll need the Invincible X to get SatNav, voice control and keyless entry whilst it also adds leather seats, wheelarch flares and a 9-speaker sound package, making it the lifestyle model.
All versions are propelled by one diesel engine, the 204bhp four-cylinder 2.8-litre common-rail D4-D unit, which can generate as much as 500Nm of torque, but only when allied to the automatic gearbox. That’s no hardship; the auto makes more sense than the slightly ponderous manual anyhow as its short first gear makes it a chore in traffic, where the auto excels. The 4WD remains as a part-time set up including low ratio.
During its lifetime, the Hilux has seen numerous 4WD pickups come and go on the UK market. The Bedford/Vauxhall Brava, Fiat Fullback, Mitsubishi L200, Land Rover Defender, Mercedes-Benz X-Class, Nissan Navara, Peugeot 504 Dangel UMM Alter and VW Taro all consigned to the history books, whilst the Toyota soldiered on. That it is still the go-to 4WD pickup for most trades tells you why it’s such a good used buy and also why this award is thoroughly deserved.
Highly Commended Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Sprinter has always featured highly in the Used Van award and it’s easy to see why. Sprinters have found a loyal following across every sector of the LCV marketplace from utility companies to parcel couriers, emergency services and sole trades people and the big Mercedes thrives on hard work.
The engines are tough and powerful with the smooth automatic transmission offering ease of driving and good fuel economy too.
In panel van or chassis-cab versions, the Sprinter offers a mind-boggling array of body lengths, heights, payloads and drivetrain options, including 4X4 and off-highway specification. Backed by a massive truck dealer network used to the 24 hour operational demands of the HGV sector, the Sprinter’s fleet customer base makes it a compelling choice as a top used LCV. Second-hand values are high, but choice is plentiful whilst a solid main dealer service history gives good peace of mind.
