2008 TRD HiLux 4000SL Review
June 27, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
2008 TRD HiLux 4000SL Review & Road Test
The all new TRD HiLux… a performance utility it ain’t…
Model Tested:
- 2008 TRD HiLux 4000SL – $64,990 (RRP)
Appeal, desirability, practicality.
Performance, handling, noise, interior refinement, stereo.
CarAdvice Rating: 
- words Alborz Fallah/ Photography Anthony Crawford
The TRD HiLux has been one of those reviews that I have procrastinated on for some time, not because I am lazy or because I am trying to avoid another scathing review… wait… no, the later is correct.
You see, I have tried, I really have, I waited a few weeks, I thought perhaps if time goes by, the TRD will make sense, perhaps it just confused me? Perhaps Toyota had given me a less than perfect example? Not so, excluding Anthony, the rest of us at CarAdvice are yet to fall in love with anything with a TRD badge.
Here is the essential problem. Despite what Toyota says, TRD is in fact in competition with HSV and FPV. You can’t launch a performance brand and expect not to be compared to the traditional players.
Sure the TRD Aurion is far more comparable to its Ford and Holden counterparts than the HiLux is to the HSV Maloo and FPV Tornado (F6), but you still have to compare.
I will try and get the good bits out of the way and perhaps try and convince myself through this review that the TRD does make sense, to someone.
Under the bonnet and with subtle TRD badging sits a large 4.0-litre, quad-cam, V6 petrol engine that delivers 225kW of power and 453Nm of torque.
Yes, only 225kW from a 4.0-litre V6 with a supercharger. Somewhat strange? More so when you consider the 3.5-litre in the TRD Aurion tends to make more power (241kW) but obviously has less torque (400Nm).
TRD has managed to increase power over the Dual-cab HiLux by 28.5 percent while torque goes up by 20.4 per cent. Which in a way explains the 25 per cent price increase. But is it warranted?
Ghis GT – exactly … a single confirmed engine failure in Australia inwhich Toyota responsed in a professional manner to determine the reason.
Unfortunately, no conclusion was solidly confirmed however todate there has been no repeat in either the cars that have been sold or raced (including that of Petter Kittles Off-Road Buggy) or the units which now power the cars of Bolwell Nagari that are infact tuned for greater output then the TRD Aurion
How many engine failures have thier been over the years with HSV and FPV vehicles …. literally hundreds, possibly thousands !!
Remember the woeful oil consumption, piston slapping and siezed engines of the GEN3 ?? … despite Holden exhibiting full understanding of the issues plaguing the engine, they expressed no due care and continued to sell them by the hundreds to customers.
Toyota however, ceased sales until otherwise and that my friend proves the professional integrity differance between Holden and Toyota.
Infact, there has been no report of any TRD Aurion (or Hilux) failing in the hands of a customer unlike the hundreds that have endured heart ache with thier failed HSV’s and FPV’s.
You’re response is nothing but a lame excuse because fact is – you have got no substance to credably support your comment except rotten claims !!
Oh yeah – i don’t work for Toyota (Rio Tinto) however i have passion to challenge what i consider is wrong, mis-informed, unjustified and so forth.
All of a sudden with me challenging you – your claims against the TRD Hilux is not looking so good … are they, so intead you turn your attention to Car Advice for assitance.
As for my detailed sentances, my be i am just alot more educated then you !!
Ok Mr. Toyota…
“How many engine failures have thier been over the years with HSV and FPV vehicles …. literally hundreds, possibly thousands !!”
Evidence of thousands of engine failures? Yeah, thought so.
“Remember the woeful oil consumption, piston slapping and siezed engines of the GEN3 ?? … despite Holden exhibiting full understanding of the issues plaguing the engine, they expressed no due care and continued to sell them by the hundreds to customers.”
Holden responsed in a professional manner to determine the reason and fixed the issue with the next series update. Also, I like the added ’seized’ in there too for effect. Nice try, but fail.
Look, at the end of the day, TRD have two $65k cars. The Aurion and the HiLux. I could sit here all day and pick faults with both the heavy and ill-performing HiLux and the $65k ” I can’t even crack a 13 :( ” Aurion, but thats the good thing about CarAdvice, they have already done that for me :)
HAHAHA just awesome. “Yeah look it’s Toyota here, we are still not sure why that engine blew up.. but were going to sell ‘em anyway.” – Real professional, d1ckhead.
Once more thing, I’m only claiming what is written in plain black a white. Read my ubove posts again. No out there claims, just fact. Poor bloke.
GhisGT – the TRD Hilux was never designed to be a on-road sports car. The intended purpose was to improve the road going dynamics including the added enjoyment of a force feed engine while retaining it’s off-road ability and rights as a work ute.
Seriuosly – is it really that challenging for people like yourself to acknowledge the intended and achieved purpose of the TRD Hilux.
If you find it unfair to compare the Maloo to the TRD Hilux off-road then wouldn’t you find it equally unresonable to compare the Hilux to the Maloo on-road.
BeTter still, were has Toyota ever advertised the TRD HiluX as a racing truck … let me help you abit – they never have !!
It’s Australia first ‘Tuff Truck’ not Racing Truck.
it’s quotes like these, who set you aside from the rest. Your not passionate, your blind. These arnt the quotes for a car enthusiast. Everything you say blows the wind up Toyota ass. It’s not hard to see you work for them, read these extracts. They do all the talking:
“…proves the professional integrity differance between Holden and Toyota.”
“oyota has to be mindful not to overlap it’s hotted up Toyota’s from TRD with that of the ‘F’ series from Lexus”
“TRD will introduce it’s own ideas and experiance to the market.”
“Toyota responsed in a professional manner to determine the reason”
“TRD Hilux is a much more practicle and versatile machine that can satisfy a greater variety of tasks and cover a greater variety of terrain”
“Infact, the Hilux interior has long proven to withstand the working enviroment with the best of them. ”
“Not only have the road going credentials of the Hilux been improved with greater handling characteristics, acceleration and braking capacity but have achieved this by maintaining…”
Oh, and these are only in the upbove few posts. It’s clearly advertising / market drivel.
I have been in the industry for too many years to count now and I tell you, I have come across every drand hugging freak there is but you, you’re somthing different.
Educated? From the man who belives drum brakes are the new ‘in’ thing. Please, never reproduce.
Sh1t mate, I give up.
It’s clear that you love Toyota, plain and simple. Every model that has ever come through here, you’re the first when ANYTHING bad is ever said to defend it.
GhisGT – don’t bullsh*t me with the HSV and FPV engine failures over the years becuase you understand as much as myself they have been plentyful.
As for the GEN3, i was infact employed in Spart Parts for Holden (Shacks Holden, Perth WA) during the VT / GEN3 era and know exactly what i am talking about. The GEN3 plagued thier customers by the hundreds and leaving the fix to the next model is not professional … lazy and a lack of due care is a far more appropiate and accurate decription.
Toyota responded with the lone engine faliure immediately with comprehensive tests that tried to repeat the senario but with no further failings.
That was done immediately not with the next model.
Do i need to re-highlight the clutch failings of the FPV’s only a few years ago.
Oh yeah – nothing changes the fact that Maloo is a very expensive 60k + ute with poor load carry capacity, limited versatility and legal seating for 2 only.
At the end of the day, you have tried to discredit TRD but when i have challenged you, your responses have been lame, weak and just downright rotten !!
Really proves you had no idae from the first place.
GhisGT – it’s called passion … you know – the words people like yourself have a tendancy to use.
Now you understand what ‘REAL’ passion is !!
I’m outta here for a while to enjoy this lovely Queensland sun with the family. Nodoubt i will return with my 5 hrs of commnets deleted – only expected.
Cheers
ps. you were a push-over … oooch !!
Just had a read of this test. Gosh. Sounds like a bit of a stinker, this TRD Hilux thing.
The Maloo, cutting low 13 seconds down the 1/4, having a vast luggage space, superior braking capabilities and driving like a dream AND being the worlds fastest Ute, is a cheap buy at $60k.
A torque steering, 14 second $65K pretend sports Aurion is not. Fail.
Oh, and wheres the evidence of thousands of engine failures? High oil consumption is not a failure.
CarAdvice, with their excellent and professional review of the sh1thouse HiLux, has done enough to discredit TRD.
How about you sit down and retort every bad point they picked out about your nugget ‘tuff truck’
Hmm… 80 years of motoring in Australia and it’s only now we have a tuff truck. Maybe we never needed one in the first place?
Family? You mean they survived the ANZAC Day homecoming onslaught?
:)
Love it! The only thing here that will be pushed is the HiLux mate.
Great review CarAdvice! Two and a half stars hey, must have been a pretty average vehicle?
Luke/Dingo, what you have is not passion, you only say what you have to say to get a rise out of people then create alternative identities to support your claims. Ok you love Toyota’s (im sure you have a stuck together TRD pamphlet in your bedside table) but when you make unsubstantiated claims of “thousands” of engine failures from by FPV & HSV without any proof or figures it just makes you sound like a 12 year old.
I was waiting for you to bring up the Typhoon Clutch problem, it happened once, FPV suspended sales, found the problem with an AP Racing clutch which is the same clutch used in the Enzo Ferrari. Modified it and have never had a problem since. TRD still don’t know what caused a terminal engine failure.
U must be have ESP Thomas69 as I once owned a metallic silver
VL 5 speed with the police pak i.e fe2 suspension,15 inch cop rims etc.RB30 was a sweet motor and did that car go and handle!
Gee that vl was a good car.Kept it for five years and got nearly what I paid for it.If u can remember in the nineties vls were like gold!!! Traded it on an 80 series petrol twin cam cruiser for the extra seats.
Wish I still had that VL!
Glen – you should understand as much as any resonable educated person would and that is Holden and Ford do not have a good track record for engineering reliable and dependable cars in Australia … it’s a fact and one that i understand people like yourself have an issue with accepting but regardless, it doesn’t change the truth … not even remotely.
Over the years that Holden and Ford have been producing perfromance cars in Australia, many hundreds (if not, thousands) of customers have endured heart-ache associated with failed Commodores and Falcons including HSV’s and FPV’s.
The GEN3 was an absolute pig that drank oil, slapped pistons and even siezed engines. I exhibit full understanding of the extent of the problem becuase i was employed by Holden during the era.
Wether you choose to accept or ingnore the truth is your decision but either way is does not alter the truth or the hundreds of owners who have been caught short … PERIOD !!
As it stands, no owner has been reported a failed TRD Aurion unlike literally hundreds of owners of cars from Holden and Ford over the years.
As for the Ford clutch issue, it infact happened to a number of cars but to Ford’s credit they responded in resonable time unlike Holden who continued flogging of the GEN3 to hundreds of customers despite full knowledge of the problems that plagued the engine … PATHETIC !!
Agree, TRD never did identify the lone problem despite exhaustive testing replicating the senario. That said, no further issue has been reported despite the engine has now gone onto race (Targa Tasmania, Australian Of-road Championship) and used in the Bolwell Nagari cars which are infact tuned to produce greater ‘hp’ then in the Aurion.
Unless there is a trend then i would no-come back but fact is … there is no trend which means you have no arguement.
GhisGT – the TRD Hilux has been available in Australia for no longer then a ‘dog watch’. What possible evidance do you have (love to see it) that proves no market exists ( or can be created) for a hotted up Hilux …. let me help you abit – you don’t becuase there isn’t any.
However, Toyota’s local research revealed an ‘after-market’ exists for hotting up SR5 Lux’s that they considered would be worth while to tap into not to mention the advantage for customers of enjoying factory-backed warranty.
But haa .. i already explained this but abviously went flying over your head!!
However, unlike the large car segment, the popularity of SUV’s and 4×4 have bucked the trend against rising fuel costs and increased becuase of the greater practicality and diversity of the vehicles.
Glen – naaa …. it’s passion.
REAL PASSION !!
You don’t work for Toyota, but you know this: “Toyota’s local research revealed an ‘after-market’ exists…”
Don’t need evidence dude, it’s called a brain. It’s just as though if Holden, or Ford, or whoever, brings out a square wheeled car.
Aftermarket you say? I could take anybody’s HiLux, whack on a centrifugal type blower (better for off-road anyway thanks to a linear, RPM based power curve unlike the screw-based M90), water injection thus nulling the need for intercooling, and put out 250kw day in day out. Cost a shed load less than $65K. Kit’s exist for a little over $5k I believe. And as you say, these motors can pump out 1300KW, so why need a warranty if these things are sooooooo tough?
Nothings gone over my or CarAdvices head my friend. These things won’t sell, mark my words :)
GhisGT – like i said, TRD ensures it’s forced feed engines achieve expected output, maintains those figures in any condition wether it be cold or hot & humid and ensures reliability, dependability and durability is manitained and supported by factory backed warranty.
Do you offer the same with your shonky back yard job … put it this way, any half-wit clown would be smart enough to be fooled by a joker like ‘yaself.
Big words but do they hold any substance … NOT AN ONCE !!
But haa … now you are just waffling on with rot becuase you’ve got nothing – jack friggen sh*t.
What a walk over you turned to be.
:) :) :)
This is gold, my cheeks hurt from laughing!!
You don’t work for Toyota, but you know this: “Toyota’s local research revealed an ‘after-market’ exists…” ..
… How ??
You claim to be smart and ‘in the know’, yet you go on to make silly, childish ASSUMPTIONS such as “Im back yard, shonky ect.”
I’m not the one who fitted a Roots type supercharger to a commercial, off road vehicle. A turbocharger would have been a much better option, as would have a centifugual type. I would explain why, and give examples, but you lack any thinking power for yourself and only live off reading from Toyota press releases you wright yourself.
Man, would it suck to be you!
Oh and yes, any performance work I carry out, and have ever carried out, has a warranty. Even work done on 1300kw 2GR-FE’s !!!!
But not the one that blew up at the hands of the dealers, without explanation. That one…. ummm.. you built.
Top work champ :)
Oh, and another thing, how do you know TRD ensures it’s forced feed engines achieve expected output, maintains those figures in any condition wether it be cold or hot & humid and ensures reliability, dependability and durability is manitained and supported by factory backed warranty?
Give me solid evidence, how you in fact know this.
Oh wait, that’s right, you work for Toyota. Just like you know all about Toyota’s local research results.
Come on mate, we all know the truth.
CarAdvice, where are you?
Also, why you’re there, what did Toyota do in their “exhaustive testing replicating the senario” regarding their dead 2GR-FE?
How do know what testing they did and didn’t do?
Geeze, I can’t believe this guy… you still maintain the fact you work for Rio Tinto, and not Toyota? What a joke!
Oh but wait, when it suits you, you worked for Holden and claim the first LS1 suffered seizure problems. How come I have never heard of a single, LS1 engine seizure? LS1.com also reports no engine seizures?
Care to make up more “facts” to support your claims, or do you need to sign on with more bogus usernames to back yourself up? HAHAHAHA
GhisGT – take the time and read any article or publication that has printed the story behind the development of the TRD Aurion (or Hilux)
To begin, read the comprehensive development story published by WHEELS in the September 2007 edition pg 72 – 84.
It even breaks down the development of each core aspect such engine and chassis development, design and so forth.
Worth the read and explains alot.
Another referance but in less detail … MOTOR October 2007 pg 77 – 82.
That said … all manaufactuers (not just Toyota) support thier blown engines with gauranteed output as well as retained reliability, dependability and durability which is why they cost more because of the often comprehensive Research and Development that is invested in the projects.
The TRD development of the Aurion and Hilux are no different and as Wheels commented – the local TRD boys had to adhere to stringent and tough regulations enforced by Japan ensuring reliability, dependability and durability of the cars (engines) are retained and not reduced.
If you can access any of these publications, take the time to sit down and read – you will familiarize yourself with the TRD process as much as i have.
It’s not hard, just a matter of taking the time to read.
You memorize page numbers about the TRD vehicles!! Now I am convinced!!
What I\’m also convinced is, being in the marketing game you are, it\’s used as material for the office as most other car manufacturers do.
Also, You said \”the local TRD boys had to adhere to stringent and tough regulations enforced by Japan\”.
List what these regulations are in point form, for curiosity sake :)
You know what else is good reading, the top of this page, where CarAdvice gave the TRD HiLux a whole 2 stars for driving ability, and 2 and a half stars overall.
Now thats classic reading! :)
Here is another referance : Carsguide, Northern Territory News, Saturday September 22 2007 …
qoute
“The TRD Aurion was put through rigourous testing which included 100 hrs at maxiumum power, 10 000km’s at 200km/h and a 100 000km/h durability test over 5 months which included hot weather testing in Alice Springs and cold testing in Japan”
unquote
I have alot more but i assume you get the gist … !!!
So has any other car ever produced.
So your point is, that TRD tested the HiLux before they sold it…. right, great point.
Come on marketing guy, just give up… 2 AND A HALF STARS!
Be convinced as much you want … couldn’t careless !!
I had quick referance because they were printed soon after the release of the TRD Aurion – keep them in my ‘Cars Magazine’ box which is next to my ‘Nudie Magazine’ box that every Aussie bloke should have.
Now that i have provided you with some referances – take the time and read them for youself because that way you can answer your own questions.
If i was a passionate worker for TRD in Japan or the USA and seen the junk that clayton’s TRD of the world call,a TRD,I don’t know if I would laugh my head off at them or cry in shame(probably the later).Looks like will have to wait for the mega expensive IS-F.
My point exactly Phill…
To quote car advice:
“The all new TRD HiLux… a performance utility it ain’t…”
GhisGT – give up what !!
Phil – is that the mega expensive IS-F that will come to the market cheaper then the Holden push-rod W427.
What would i have … a poor quality, questionable, under-developed pushrod HSV for $150 000 a M3 rivalling car from Lexus respected for engineering amoung the highest quality and most refined vehicles that can be anyweher in the world today for about $10 000 cheaper (as hinted by Lexus Aust recently)
A Holden or a Lexus …. gee, what a hard decision !!
According to other articles such as Carsguide, The Motor Report, 4×4 Monthly and so forth … they have all published differantly.
Take the time and read the different articles.
Oh dear. Oh dearodearodearieme.
Marriage can’t be all it’s cracked up to be. Let me guess. Buttman? Readers’ Wives’ Bums Special Volume 13?
He’s cleverer than I thought, Ghis GT. All of his typing’s one-handed.
GhisGT – unlike yourself, i have added weight behind my course by providing referances … were are your yours ??
But then again, it’s impossible to provide credentials when you pass nothing but junk.
^^^^ :)
LukeGT… what would that M3 be worth though, in 10 years time. The W427 is a limited run and will only go up in value as time goes on. Refer to the Walkinshaw, Brock Commodores, GT Falcons, etc.
4×4 Monthly??!!! What!! I am very good mates with the editor of that title (Glen Wright), and it WAS NOT his oppinion that the TRD HiLux was better than CarAdvice’s review.
It’s all horses for courses mate… the W427 isnt marketed as a luxury sedan.. however, it IS marketed as kicking the IS-F’s ass around a racetrack, which, I would bet my left nut the 427 would do with ease.
BANG! You fail poor child, yet again
Luke, refer to my ubove posts, you still havent given me facts to back up all your claims.. I like how you tippy toe around bits you dont wanna answer, and the bits you do.
So… hows Toyota marketing these days hey? …hehehe
I never, ever had anything against Toyota, but I tell you want, thanks to your mindless drivel I sure as sh1t do now. Thank you, and good night :)
PS, two and a half stars…. OUCH … !!!
Holden & Ford have a poor reliability & engineering record??? Yes they have had their problems but a poor record? Thats is your perception which by the way is wrong. Yes the original Falcon in 1960 had problems, so did the EA but local engineers fixed them. Hey don’t worry Toyota haven’t had the rosey existence you think they have had. Camry’s with ECU problems where it completely crashes. Also noisy steering pumps. How do I know, lets just say I know the industry very well.
We are all very well aware of the GEN3 problems, but to claim Toyota has been perfect with their vehicles is a laughable.
How can anyone have passion for such a bland product I’ll never know.
^^^ Paid marketing, the proof is all there :)
Ghis i think its time to leave the troll to his own devices, he’s only here to cause a stir. He’s just upset that someone didn’t like a Toyota product. So lets just ignore him fron now on
Luke Gt – $10 000 cheper than a W427 is still $75 000 more expencive than a F6,i don’t think its $ 75 000 quicker,if quicker at all,at least its a decent performance RWD Toyota for Oz,theres something to sink your teeth into TRD Australia,give us a TRD IS-F,soure a 5.0 from the US(just for racing)and BAMMM Toyota are in V8 supercars.Spam word Lexus
Hi LukeGT/Dingo/whichever name you go by,
I’m invovled in marketing at TMCA, and can I just say that the style of commentary you use is actually more detrimental to the brand you ‘love’ so much, than it is at convincing people otherwise.
The purpose of blogs such as this are for people to come together and make informed commentary about motoring, but an argument certainly loses legitimacy when it is employed with one-eyed vitriolism.
I please beg you to tone it down a bit, as you’re making our lives that little bit harder. Any brand must be able to subject itself to the various criticisms of motoring journalism, but the best resoponse that a brand can make to that, is to show it 2 ways: on the bottom line, and in the sales charts.
Please, just a little food for thought mate.
Phil – don’t even insult me with your W427 or F6 comparison to a Lexus … it’s downright insane.
For $75 000 more you get a much, much, much better car then the F6 … PERIOD !!
For $10 000 less you get a much, much, much better car then the W427 … PERIOD !!
Perfect example of a dented personality is when people compare thier everyday Falcodres to cars from Lexus, BMW, Audi and so forth.
Come on Toyota Australia,when the time comes let the boy at TRD Australia get some creditably back,enter V8 Supercars with the IS-F,no “Lack of a rear drive chassis” excusses now.
lukey
having driven Lexus and the F6 – which I BET u havent – the F6 is just as good – and if u bothered to try I am betting that u would see this as well – pity is u would never admit it
Ford has come leaps and bound in quality in the last 2 years – I know cause i see the warranty figures from both Toyota and Ford dealerships
Glen – why don’t you stop with the 1000 excuses and talk cars instead, Fact is … you people have got nothing.
Better still – it’s a raw bitter pill to swallow in accepting Toyota is screwing your beloved GM (Holden) and Ford to the wall with a size 20 steel capped boot.
You and the rest of the circus are like Holden and Ford – look good when it’s just themselves but then suddenly look less then oridnary when a bit of competition arrives.
I’ve back my arguement with referances – what have you people done but speak pure, utter rot … NOTHING !!
You people are bad sports and rotten losers … PERIOD !!
Would Toyota entering V8 Supercars bring i wave of IDIOT supporters or just ONE SUPER IDIOT, prtending to be many IDIOTS.Ill take the F6 and $75 000 thanks
Peterd – go ahead dude, live in your own little world of la, la, land … i’m not going to steep so pathetically low to even engage dicussions comparing everyday Holdens and Fords which infact rate amoung the poorest quality and most unreliable in ALL Quality / Customer Satisfaction surveys conducted in Australia in recent years alone compared to one of the most respected and renouned automotive brands that can be found anywhere in the world today – Lexus.
Infact – it truely proves how ridiculous people like yourself are living in a world full of fairies.
* 2007 Leaked Australian Quality Survey
* 2007 RAC National Survey
* 2007 JD Powers WA Motorist Survey
* 2008 JD Powers Inaugral National Australian Survey
So much for seeing warranty figures.
forget surveys dude – I am talking REAL money that gets paid – so get over your self
Phil – we all know who the idiots are … was proven when Nissan squashed the aspirations of local V8 fans just to have them rally CAMS to change the rules to keep everybody else out.
yeah – real sportsmanship that is … NOT !!
Seriusoly … why would Toyota enter the V8 Supercars because considering the sales of not only the Commodore and Falcon are at all times lows but so is Holden and Ford in general – what good is all that investment doing for them … NOT MUCH !!
Toyota without competing in the V8 Supercar series outsells Holden and Ford combined despite thier advertising most weekends of the year.
I believe Toyota’s investment in F1, NASCAR and other forms of motorsport would be alot more sensibly invested then in a sport that is obviuosly returning minimal gains.
WOW… Toyota sets yet another record in sales.
V8 Supercars … what supercars – why waste the time and effort.
TMCA – what exactly were you saying about doing the brand no good … i love it, it just keeps getting better by the minute.
OH WHAT A FEELING
Luke GT – “Seriusoly … why would Toyota enter the V8 Supercars” Thats simple,THIS IS AUSTRALIA,NOT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,Thats why.
Luke GT – when you say “OH WHAT A FEELING” do you Touch Yourself at the same time