2009 Toyota HiLux Review & Road Test

Pros: Strong economical engine; capable off-road; robust build

Cons: No ABS, ESP or TCS; poor paint quality; rear centre lap seatbelt

By Matt Brogan | November 20th, 2008

Add to shortlist

Price: $16,380 to $27,720

Our Rating:

Performance, Ride & Handling	3.5
Comfort and Interior	4
Quality & Design	4
Value & Features	3.5
Safety	4
Green	2

HiLux SR is one tough unit

Model Tested:

2009 Toyota GGN15R HiLux SR 4.0-litre, petrol, 4WD automatic – $35,190 (RRP)

Options:

Metallic Paint $300 (Fitted – Sterling Silver)

CarAdvice Rating:

- by Matt Brogan

Unbreakable. We’ve heard it time and again, but does the saying still ring true for the latest incarnation of Toyota’s number one selling light commercial?It would seem that whoever had this particular HiLux before us was determined to find out just that, for as a car with only 2000kms on the clock, it sure was looking a little worse for wear.

Scratched from end-to-end, caked with mud and gravel inside and out, battered and bruised the length of the tray, plus squeaks and rattles galore, this ‘Lux had been given one heck of a hard start to life; and not being one to back away from a challenge, I thought I’d continue the initiation.

So with two weeks up my sleeve, I thought I’d throw some real world R&D at the revamped MY09 HiLux, and with a proper four-wheel-drive system underneath and a very respectable 1115kg (total) payload, the HiLux was not about to get off lightly.

Not much has changed from last year’s design, in fact I was hard pressed to spot the difference, but I’m assured it now features a trapezoidal grille and redesigned front bumper – which is said to give the impression of a lower centre of gravity.

I threw a range of tasks at the HiLux, including a long highway drive, urban stop-start mundania and some off-road work, while varying the load carried continually – this was partially assisted due to the timely borrowing of the HiLux during house renovations.

On the highway, HiLux performed well, and the cruise control was a very welcomed addition. Sure the ride was a little stiff due to the wishbone/coil independent sprung front and leaf rear, but I guess that’s to be expected given the vehicle’s purpose; and though cabin noise was evident, it was not as intrusive as some of the competitors I’ve driven.

Next page…

Rough “C” roads weren’t an issue either with steering feel remaining satisfactory and braking well sorted, even over messy corrugated and pot-holed surfaces. The LSD could do with a little more slip when unladen, but as I found out later, it’s one of those things you’re thankful for when loaded to the hilts, and besides, who doesn’t enjoy a little bit of oversteer.

Chore time proved a breeze for the HiLux with round bales carted ‘no sweat’ at all. Steering remained positive even when laden and stability felt reasonably settled and confident even when pushed to limits most drivers would deem unnecessary. Ground clearance of 177mm was more than ample for farm work.

Perhaps a noteworthy point at this juncture is to pass comment on how good visibility is all round. Reversing in tight spots can be a challenge in some light commercials due to the nose down attitude, but HiLux did not present this issue.

Off-road and loaded is a challenge for most light commercials, and petrol-engine varieties do tend to suffer from a lack of torque when the going gets tough, though this was only partially true with HiLux.

Toyota’s 4.0-litre, V6 is a very capable performer, and although it lacks that low down torque of a diesel, it makes a lot of power up top with 180kW at 5000rpm. The only issue is that the amount of revs needed to develop torque can lead to unnecessary wheelspin which isn’t desirable when things get a little wet.

With 376Nm of torque on hand from 3800rpm, the HiLux has enough pull to do the job, though it isn’t what I’d call a stump- puller when loaded to the hilts.

Next page…

The optional five-speed automatic, as fitted to our test vehicle, manages power effectively and provided gradual throttle input is maintained, it prevents any unnecessary hunting or unexpected changes.

Inside it’s a little on the basic side, but there’s a practicality behind having a vinyl floor and hard wearing seats that’s a little difficult to appreciate until you’ve been out bush. Dust, mud and sweat are no issue for a cabin as robust as this, but that doesn’t mean missing out on a few mod-cons - power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, cruise control, air-conditioning, single CD tuner are all offered as standard.

Up back, the tray offers 1520mm (L) x 1515mm (W) x 450mm (H) in dimension and had no trouble carrying our new three seater couch or my quad bike – provided you dropped the tailgate.

Priced from just $17,990 the MY09 HiLux range is sure to have a model to suit just about any purpose and with the inclusion of ABS and ESP the HiLux could have seen a higher score. With most of the competition offering ABS as standard, this glaring omission saw point lost on safety grounds (ESP is still slow at working its way in to this vehicle category).

Despite all this, ANCAP has seen fit to offer the HiLux a four-star crash rating, and coupled with dual front airbags, safety feels reassured. Personally, I am a little disappointed at the offering of a lap type rear centre seatbelt though.

So is it still unbreakable? Seemingly, yes. Does it still feel like a tough as nails HiLux? My word. Would I recommend buying one? Well, that depends on how you intend using it.

If you live out bush and need a 4WD then go for it, but if you’re in town and don’t need the howling roundabout tyre noise and added mechanicals, then save a few buck and go a two-wheel-drive, but if a HiLux is on the cards it’s still a tough unit and as such, is pretty hard to pass up.

CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

Specifications:

Engine: 3,956cc DOHC V6 (24 valve)
Power: 175kW @ 5200rpm
Torque: 376Nm @ 3800rpm
Induction: Multi point
Transmission: Five-speed automatic (dual range)
Differential/Driven Wheels: Rear LSD / RWD / 4WD
Brakes: Disc/drum
Top Speed: Not tested
0-100km/h: Not tested
CO2 Emissions: 280g/km
Fuel Consumption: 11.8 litres/100km (Combined)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 76 litres
Fuel Type: 91RON petrol
ANCAP Rating: Four star
Airbags: Dual front
Spare Wheel: Full-size steel
Tow Capacity: 2250kg (Braked)
Turning Circle: 11.8 metres
Warranty: 3year/100,000km
Weight: 1595kg (Tare) / 1115kg (Payload)
Wheels: Steel 15 x 6.0-inch

Reader reviews of the TOYOTA HILUX

January 27th, 2012

By: wayne dunning

Rating:

I love my ute there's no doubt about it. With a 2.4 engine, 2 main seats with an extra cab plus tons of ute space... Read more

Write a review for the TOYOTA HILUX

Do you own this car? Share your opinion and add your own review below.

Add a New Review

The competition

Tim

How can any car in 2008, not have ABS standard?! A major flaw in my opinion.
Richo

should have abs. Good ute the hilux, but it’s no longer the be all and end all in utes like it used to be, but its still trading at stupidly inflated prices over it’s rivals. Simply bad value for money, as good a ute as it is.
Austin

Nice to see the direction Car Advice is taking with some practical reviews as well as the Aston and other dream car ones. Can’t say I’ve ever driven a petrol version and the 3.0TD pulls fairly well, it’s no landcruiser cab chassis in terms of pulling and bashing around at work and doesn’t cost as much either. The review summed up it’s purpose and capabilities well. Car Advice has become more purposeful over the last 6 months while still having the entertainment factor, very well done.
Austin

I wouldn’t complain if our hiluxes had ABS, but I’m still one of these people that gets nervous with ABS on dirt roads at speed coming into corners, the feeling of applying brakes and brakes refusing to stop because of the ABS is scary stuff, I’m sure it’s being/been ironed out in the new systems though?? I’m sure someone on here has the technical knowledge of ABS to explain the developments over the last few years.
Richo

Yeah, I get a little frustrated at the inaccuracies that seem to creep into car advice’s news articles, it’s easy to think that they should research their news articles a bit more before posting them (car advice team, please view this as constructive criticism) but as far as the reviews go it’s hard to fault them!
Dlr1

The price of the V6 auto SR 4wd Dual cab is actually $41,440 not $35,190 as stated. The big surprise is that this is actually $1,050 less than the equivalent Holden Colorado LX V6 auto 4wd Dualcab. Nissan and Mitsubishi only offer Auto V6 models in higher price and equipment levels (ST-X & GLX-R). Who would have thought… the “overpriced” Hilux is actually the least expensive V6 Auto 4wd Dualcab on the market!
Richo

Austin – i know exactly what you mean! Australian built (and therefore australian calibrated abs systems) cars seem to have it reasonably sorted it, they allow a little bit of lockup before working, whereas alot of the european systems try to avoid any lock up at all which means on dirt road, the brakes just don’t work at all! It’s quite frightening actually.. but as i said the australian systems seem to allow the brakes to lock for a bit longer between pulses then the euro systems which maybe isn’t as great on tarmac (although i would suggest the difference is fairly marginal) but it allows the system to work so much better on dirt.
Richo

Dlr1 – i should have qualified my statement, in diesel trim, its very overpriced compared to rivals, especially in SR5 trim.
Tyson

The one pictured is not the 2009 version, Grille is wrong and so is front bumper,

ABS is optional mainly becaus eso many people do not want it in a n off road sense, Its has taken a lot of development to get it where it is, For instance on the new 200 series it has what they call off road ABS, where it senses your on gravel and will brake accordingly, The hilux doesnt have the sofisticated electronics and sensors to run the unit and so they go for the traditional lock up sensor on each wheel, no where near as effective off road hence the option extra.
Realcars

The only model that looks any good is the sr5 4*4.

The rest look fugly with little wheels and lower ride height.

Notice others give u the high ride height even with 4*2 which improves the look of the things.

Just buy a falcon ute and save heaps and enjoy the drive.
Richo

Realcars – i know you have a set against japanese utes and all, but mate this is a review on:

a) a dual cab; and,
b) a 4X4

Both of which you can’t get with a falcon ute. Perspective buddy…
Realcars

Just buy a Lancer and a Falcon ute for work and have money left over.LOL.
Daniel

to be honest i think the Ford Ranger/MazdaBT50 twins are much better value, more manouvaerable size and have sweet engine specs to match.
toyota dare i say, is very very much over rated. Bestfriends dad just bought a diesel Hilux SR5 twin cab, replacing a 2001 Nissan Patrol, with the 3.0 diesel. He regrets it…alot.

Patrol was much better to cruise in to.
Mark Greenburg

Realcars = a Lancer ($20,990) plus a Falcon ute ($29,000) would equal $50,000, much more than an SR5 Hilux. On top of that, you have extra registration, insurance, and servicing costs each year, plus you then have to worry about where to park the second vehicle (if you live in an apartment, you’re lucky to be allocated ONE parking space).
Richo

neither the lancer or the falcon will go off road either…
Mark Greenburg

Plus the Falcon ute only seats 2. Going to come in real handy if you want to go out with the guys for lunch or to the pub after work.
Wheelknut

The Hi-Lux is a Pick-Up NOT a Ute!!!!

The worlds very first ute was derived from a Ford Sedan from the 1920-30s and used the same chassis/platform.. just as the current Ford [and Holden] utes do; which is why they handle so much like a regular Falcon sedan.

Whereas the Hilux [Triton Rodeo F-150 Dodge Ram etc] are built on a seperate rigid “ladder” chassis which is why they handle and steer more like a truck/sherman tank
Dlr1

Don’t Falcon utes have a ladder frame chassis at the back too? Technically the original Fords and current Holdens are Coupe Utilities. “Utes” is only a colloquial contraction and as such can be applied to any similar vehicle. So don’t blow a valve over it. LOL.
Mark Greenburg

Remember that cars used to use ladder frames as well, including the utes that were based on them.
Tyson

Flow,

I doubt youd buy an SR Hilux to put your kids in and drive about, its still got a 4 star safety rating. ESP and ABS are not always desireable especially when 9 out of 10 SR hiluxs go up north on gravel roads.

Horses for courses.
Realcars

Don’t know about the fg but u could get a bench seat in the bf2 ute.
Andrew M

Realcars,
yep,
you can still opt a 3 seater falcon.
in the falcon they throw the gears on the column meaning if you have your mate beside you in the centre, you dont have to search among his sweaty “Gonads” to change gears.

I think Tyson is right.
This doesnt look like the 2009 model to me either.
Realcars

Yeah Ford think of everything.LOL.
Andrew M

Im waiting to see the TRD Lux advert where his best mate is in the centre beside him.
he reaches for a gear, but grabs the wrong knob. whilst he has his hand full of the merchandise, his mate just gives him that “TRD Nod and grunt” of acceptance and no words are exchanged

there is an anti ad for the footy show next year
Mark Greenburg

I don’t know why anyone thinks that TRD has any connection whatsoever with Australia. Toyota seem to compare to HSV and FPV, but TRDs are available overseas and well and they get many more models than we do. There are TRD Corollas in Asia and TRD Tacomas in the US, for instance.
Andrew M

Mark,
can you get a TRD Aurion overseas??

TRD also has an Australian arm

true that TRD is not a performance name unique to Australia, but the models it delivers here are
Tomas79

Andrew M,
The TRD Hilux is a 5 seater!! There is no reason to get too personal across a center seat, like in a falcon ute!!
Andrew M

Tomas,
you missed it, go back to sleep
Andrew M

maybe you should realise that the sport model falcon utes cant have a bench option aswell…….
Dlr1

Jekyl & Hyde, sure RRP is the starting point, but you cant prove otherwise based on innuendo and hear say. The hilux is $1050 less than the Colorado on similar spec truck. Nissan and Mitsubishi charge more for V6 auto. I’m not saying that Hilux is the cheapest of all models, only in V6 auto, which is what the review was about. Just live with it. But just to make you feel better the manual V6 triton is about 4-5K less than hilux. Now go and wipe those tears away, all will be OK.
Tyson

JEYKL & HYDE Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 10:52 am
dir 1,

just go on believing what you want to believe.you can get a colorado on road for a touch over 37 grand,onroad.that’s not innuendo or hearsay.good try with the cheaper toyota thing though…now i’ll go back to crying in my cornflakes,and you go back to fantasyland…

You will be crying in your cornflakes when you go to trade in your colorado a few extra thousand spent to start with on a hilux will save you many more when it comes time to sell
Tyson

GET OUT! CARS DEPRECIATE! THATS A FACT I DIDNT KNOW!

(some just depreciate at a better rate than others due to supply and demand, hence why it does matter what badge is on it! and to add to that the Toyota is better at what it does, lasts longer, and is better built)

JEYKL & HYDE Says:
November 27th, 2008 at 10:36 am
tyson,

anybody buying any dual cab pickup with a 6 cyl petrol needs their head read.and buy the way,pretty much all cars work their way to nil value,don’t matter what badge is on it…
Jack

Hilux’s are way over-rated, any of the current Jap pick-ups can do just as good a job, if not better than a boring Hi-lux.
Tyson

Haha, no I dont own a Toyota, I drive one everyday as a work car, and yes selling them is great Facts can support they last longer and are better built as its written in the faces of everyone who decides to own one.

On a feature note Toyotas have always been off the pace, but what they lack in gadgets and gizzmos, they make up for in a very well built boring car its why there the only manufacturer in the world to not be in debt, they own everything out right
Tyson

Im not the best sales person in the world and will never claim to be, It just takes a lot of clear explanation and justification. Confidence is 9/10ths of it, Arrogance is in someones perception and has nothing to do with selling the car, an arrogant salesman will never do well.

So Jeckyl and Hide, if you would like to come in, Id be happy to show you over a vehicle of your choice show you what Toyota has to offer, and physically show you the quality engineered into the car. Believe me its better than half the stuff you read about on the internet
Scott

How can you Diss the Triton for Having too Much Plastic. If anything the Hilux and Colorado. Not to mention the Navara are all PLASTIC FANTASTIC!

Take a look at the other vehicles closer caradvice.com

You will see that the Triton has the least plastics by far
http://porsche Millatime

No-one buys V6 auto 4WD utes. Most dealers that have them end up with them going old stock. Ford and Mazda don’t even bother with them in their range.

Tyson you are kidding yourself if you believe The Hilux is best in class. But as J & H say’s, your income is dependant on you believing that so there goes your objectivity. Toyota will also bombard you with The Toyota Way, and other corporate rubbish until you really do belive it. Credit to you though for owning up to being a lowly car salesman, ranked in the bottom 3% of all occupations.
Tyson

haha Lowly Car salesman, You have obviously had poor dealings with them. Statistics are a wonderful thing

As for objectional? Ive sold Nissans, Mitsubishis, Toyota, Kia, and Hyundai. I’m also a qualified mechanic and dealt with all of the above. Believe me Toyotas give the least amount of grief If I didnt feel they where the best Id go sell something else

Toyota Hardly bombard us with the “Toyota Way”, its as you say corporate rubbish, and has nothing ot do with selling the cars, I also never said it was best in class, that comes down to a customers wants and needs and whats going to fulfill them, But Ill offer the same courtesy to you, come in and ill show you over a hilux, and if after that you still think there overpriced POS then ill take my hat off too you sir.
Hamm

what you are talking about???
this is the best one
DB

I am looking at the Hilux SR5. Wow it is expensive. They want $54K for a pre August 2008.

I can get the DMax for $10K less.
http://images.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/toyota_hilux_sr_009.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.caradvice.com.au/18791/2009-toyota-hilux-sr-4wd-review Gary Myers

i am looking at buying an SR5, what engine is better, diesel or petrol, i do some rock crawling, but not as much, love mudding and also love power. but the siesel has more get up and go.
BavarianMissile

Does it have, due to the light clutch, on this model?
Tony Ferrelli

The SR5 might be all well and good on paper, but before you consider one, consider trying to live with the base model- the Workmate – to see what sort of car the Hilux truly is.

It is absolute rubbish- and you would never know unless you never put your Toyota blinkers aside and try anything else. While base models of other cars in our fleet manage to get minor luxuries like remote central locking and power windows, the Hilux doesn’t even have intermittent wipers. Toyota want you to pay extra for this simple safety feature. While other cars in the fleet are slow and recalcitrant (except for the Mazda), the Hilux four cylinder manages to be slow and thirsty. Oh, but Toyota’s are bullet proof and reliable, I hear you say? Honestly, tell me how many new cards do you see broken down now days?

It goes on. The interior is cheap and nasty. The initially aesthetically pleasing looks are quickly disbanded with a closer inspection and a quick prod. It’s truly insulting that those horrible materials will outlast you, myself, our children and everyone you love dearly. Someday they will all be gone, while this crap interior will sit in a landfill refusing to decay, or maybe get recycled into another crap interior like the equally horrible dashboard of a car that is just as contemptuous to it’s loyal paying customers – the Toyota Yaris.

It has the turning circle of a battleship- and this is the base model with lowly small wheel sizes. The front bench seat is fixed. The gearshift is lousy. The motor (4 cyl) sound wheezy and like a canned fart at the very best. The cabin is so much bigger than the superseded models yet somehow feels more cramped for tall people. Is paying more for a Toyota truly regained with supposed increased reliability and resale value?

When you consider all of this, the famous quote “No one got fired for buying IBM” comes to mind.

Yeah, I am not comparing apples with apples because I slagging off a workmate against an SR5. Remember, though, that a fundamentally bad car still translates to a fundamentally bad car further up the models.

Toyota built their impressive empire for being boring but with outstanding reliability, value for money, quality and engineering that forced the rest of the world to sit up, take notice and lift their game. It seems they are trading on this reputation without really offering any of that today.
KH

Where can I get one of these at $35190 – I’ll take 2.
Mr SR

Gee…this debate has been going for a while…it all comes down to opinion…
I take pocession of my new SR Hilux on Thursday…CAN’T WAIT!
Been a long winded process…reviews, test drives, comparisions, advice, test drives again…

For a while there, was not sure if I would ever get anywhere…doesn’t help when you have been bit by a 3ltr 2001 Patrol doing its guts at 147,000km.

What I can say though is the Hilux bet all hands down!!! (FOR ME OFCOURSE)

I drove the BT50, Ranger, DMAX, Colorado and Triton…was impressed by each for different reasons…but…everytime I climbed back into the Hilux, I just knew this had to be it…I now have the local ARB ready to add a couple of extras to help me in the bush and as more monies become available, more extras to be added.

I CAN’T WAIT!!!

Nath746

Petrol or Diesel? 4WD or 2WD? Manual or Automatic? They are all very different.

and comparing the auto box in this car to the colorado: toyota gets 5 speed, colorado has to make do with 4 speed, but the ranger gets a 5 speed.

James

You can destory them according to the ad where all the Tribe men throw coconuts at it and drive it off a cliff.
josh

all of yalls trucks look so much more different than the US’s