10 Reasons Why The Toyota Hilux Is The Ultimate Adventure Vehicle

Jul 30, 2023

The Toyota Hilux has been proving itself on crazy terrains and wild weather conditions globally for more than 50 years.

Let's face it, 1968 was a tumultuous year in America with all the protests and tragic assassination of Martin Luther King. Meanwhile, Europe was in shock after the Soviet Union invaded Czechoslovakia, and 800,000 workers, students, and professors took to the streets in Paris to protest police brutality and demand the end of the government of Charles de Gaulle. But despite civil unrest, 1968 became a year of great scientific innovation. Boeing debuted the 747, Douglas Engelbart presented the computer mouse and Toyota introduced the bonnet-type truck, Hilux.

Since its introduction, more than 50 years ago, the Hilux has come a long way. This vehicle has become something like a legend around the world. For instance, because the Hilux became the favorite vehicle for warriors on both sides, some consumers dubbed the Chadian-Libyan war of 1987 the "Toyota War." In the upcoming years, the mid-sized pickup Hilux became the best-selling vehicle in Australia, Pakistan, Argentina, Peru, Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, and the Solomon Islands. Regrettably, the Toyota Hilux is not for sale in the United States but that doesn't stop us from praising all the ways in which this pickup truck is the ultimate vehicle for adventures.

Related: 1989 Toyota Hilux: Here's How Much It Costs Today

The 2023 Toyota Hilux ROGUE (4x4) has up to 7,716 lbs of towing capacity. This means that the Hilux is the perfect vehicle for your next outdoor adventure as you can tow your camping trailer or a lightweight trailer that carries even your jet skis and snowmobiles. In other words, the Toyota Hilux lets you tow the entire equipment that your family or friends need during their holiday.

Given the Toyota Hilux's widespread popularity, it is not unexpected that replacement parts and accessories are freely accessible. As Toyota mass manufactures these vehicles, you won't ever have to worry about blowing your budget on replacement parts or having to wait months for an accessory. As a result, you may drive your Toyota Hilux on rough terrain without worrying about damaging it or wondering if you could find replacement parts.

Most people would agree that Toyota built the Hilux to last. Not for nothing, Top Gear declared that this pickup truck is indestructible. After subjecting a 1988 Hilux with 190,000 miles on the odometer to the harshest testing, the BBC motoring program concluded that not even fire, the salty ocean, and collisions could destroy this vehicle. In essence, you can count on the Toyota Hilux to get you from one adventure to the next.

The build quality of this dependable vehicle is legendary. Largely seen as Toyota's "most durable truck," the Hilux can last up to 250,000 to 300,000 miles. There are even stories on the web of Toyota Hiluxes that broke incredible records. For instance, a Hilux in Sri Lanka has reached 482,000 miles or 777,000 km with the original engine. If none of these impresses you, then you should know that as long as you take care of your pickup, repair visits won't happen frequently.

Toyota offers several trim options for the Hilux; thus, customers can build a vehicle that responds to their needs. For instance, the 4-door GR Sport comes equipped with a 2.8 diesel engine that generates 204 horsepower. Additionally, this model has the sleek 17" GR SPORT Bi-tone black machined-face alloy wheels (6-double-spoke) and front and rear red monotube shock absorbers. Meanwhile, the Hilux Invincible X has 18" black alloy wheels (5-spoke), while the Hilux Active has 17" black steel wheels and a 2.4 diesel engine.

Related: Proving The Toyota Hilux Is A Fun And Capable Off-Roader, Even If It Breaks

Over the years, Toyota has constantly upgraded the Hilux. For example, the automaker has updated the suspension and chassis. More recently, the 2023 Rogue designed for the Australian market received a front and rear track boost of roughly 140 mm.

"In order to accommodate the track increase in the HiLux Rogue, Toyota engineers overhauled the existing suspension by extending the front suspension arm and front stabilizer bar length. They also adjusted the shock absorber angle to improve its efficiency," says Car Expert Australia.

The spacious dimensions of a Toyota Hilux are one of its best features. This versatile vehicle is suited for both farm life and outdoor activities as well as military service. Tall adults can fit in the cabin with ease and Toyota perfectly adapted the expansive cargo space for carrying camping gear and large equipment.

Recently, Tokyo-based Direct Cars unveiled the four-door BR75 Toyota Hilux Adventure Camper, which is derived from the Hilux GR. And Cape Town-based Alu-Cab has transformed another Hilux into an Overlanding vehicle.

"When it comes to a choice of vehicle to use for Overlanding, the Toyota Hilux double cab is one of the best (new) vehicles available from a sheer-capability-for-Rands-spent point of view. It's reliable, comfortable, spares are readily available, it has a reasonable turning circle and loads of aftermarket accessories are available, which makes it the ideal choice – it's the benchmark in the bakkie market," says Alu-Cab in a blog post.

The Hilux is a benchmark for excellence and performance as seen by the numerous honors and awards it has received throughout its lengthy history. In 2021, for example, 4×4 Magazine awarded the Toyota Hilux the titles of "Pick-up of the Year," and "Best Off-Road." And more recently, the Hilux was crowned the winner of the sixth "International Pick-up Award 2022/2023".

The Hilux is referred to as the "toughest off-roader in the world" by several industry experts, but this is not unexpected given the vehicle's exceptional ruggedness. The Hilux is a terrific alternative for off-roading because of its strong chassis, high ground clearance, and exemplary 4x4 systems.

Sources: Toyota, Alu-Cab, Stuff Detective, Car Expert Australia, Sri Lank View, Visual Capitalist, TFL Truck, BBC, BBVA, and Silodrome.

Eugenia Akhim is a luxury car aficionado. She naturally gravitates towards the legendary 911 and the classic Ferrari because they are fun to drive and have a killer aesthetic. In her column, expect to read more about turbo-powered vehicles.