TOYOTA HILUX INVINCIBLE X

Toyota Hilux 2.8ltr Invincible X

What is it?

First introduced back in 1698, the Toyota Hilux is one of the world’s best known pickups and in that time has earned itself the reputation as a durable workhorse and capable off-roader.

Now in its 8th generation, the 2020 update added a new look, a substantial increase in safety equipment, improved comfort and even better off-road ability. More recently, it’s been given a brand new 2.8-litre engine offering 201hp and 500Nm of torque making it much usable both on the road, and off it.

The Hilux already came with quite a few goodies, but new for MY22 Toyota have given it a Panoramic View Monitor and and Auto-dimming Rear View Mirror, both of which are standard on Invincible X.

There’s also Dual Zone AC which is replacing single zone auto AC, Data Communications Modules (DCM), changes with the introduction of factory fitted DCM which include e-call service reminders and remote diagnostics functionality.

On the Road

As I mentioned above, the more powerful 2.8-litre engine with 201hp never feels flustered, and its 0-62mph of 10.7 seconds feels much quicker. Another factor that makes the new Hilux better on road in the new rear suspension.

The rear set-up now comprises of leaf springs with twin shock absorbers that manage to offer SUV-like comfort and stability on-road whilst offering a fair degree of flex and articulation whilst off it.

Amongst the clever improvements to the rear suspension is that the rear shackle bush has a new self-lubricating rubber which reduces friction and makes the suspension stroke easier. The result is a smoother ride, with less impact when driving over steps and holes in the road surface.

Not only does the new Hilux reap the benefits of suspension and steering revisions, but also the new, automatic limited-slip diff that certainly improves its on-road ride and handling, especially in the wet.

The new Hilux has plenty of tech, and I have to say that the adaptive cruise control that’s included on the Invincible X was very useful and really simple to engage. It’s also worth mentioning that its cruise control keeps your desired speed whilst driving down hill, which is always handy.

Fuel wise, during our week together I managed to clock around 350 miles that included many short trips and a few longer ones, and of course a couple of decent lanes. During that time the Hilux averaged 28.5mpg, which isn’t too bad as Toyota’s official figures are between 28-30mpg.

Off Road

The last time I borrowed a Hilux it was 2 years ago and Storm Christoph was battering the North West and everywhere was either sodden or flooded, and although I was confident the Hilux would conquer anything I aimed it at, damaging lanes is the last thing I wanted to do. With that in mind I didn’t give it a thorough test.

This time ‘round the weather was much better, so I decided to take it up Bootle Fell - the same lane that I took the Duster up that’s elsewhere in the mag.

You engage low box is by turning a dial under the heater controls, it isn’t the quickest manoeuvre and both the Ranger and D-Max have a more responsive system, but it usually engaged after a couple of attempts.

The Invincible X has a rear locker which I barely used, in fact the only time I did engage it was one of the those ‘just in case’ situations, and the Hilux simply crawled everywhere I pointed it in low-box.

The Hilux has a class-leading 310mm running ground clearance (Double Cab models), and approach and departure angles of 29 and 26º respectively, and the ability to wade through water to a depth of 700mm.

Hilux also provides Hill Start Assist Control to help negotiate uphill slopes and, on Icon grade models and above, Downhill Assist Control.

Another neat feature is that Toyota has reduced the engine’s idle speed from 850 to 680rpm that gives you much more control off the beaten track. This was noticeable as I was reversing the Hilux up a rocky gradient to get a photo!

Interior

I only have two complaints about the new Hilux’s interior, and I’ll get them out of the way first.

Firstly, the steering wheel won’t adjust high enough for my lanky legs (6ft1”), so getting in and out became quite a nuisance, especially when wearing boots. Yes, I could have lowered the driver's seat, but I prefer sitting high.

Secondly the speakers on the dash have a chrome surround that reflects badly on the windscreen, if it was my car I’d paint them black!

Other than that, behind the wheel of the new Hilux is a rather lovely place to be.

All versions of new Hilux, apart from the entrylevel Active, come with the latest Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system, with faster software and faster response to touchscreen commands.

On the Invincible X, the functionality includes SatNav. Smartphone integration is another feature, via either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, provided as standard from Icon grade upwards.

Opt for the Invincible X model and you get smart entry & start, a 220V plug socket & two 12V accessory sockets, a USB port with front & rear parking sensors and Panoramic View Monitor.

Engine ’n’ transmission

The new Hilux comes in 2 flavours, the 2.4 litre and 2.8 litre, the latter is only available with the Invincible model, and either a 6 speed manual or 6 speed automatic.

Two things are worth noting. First, the new 201bhp 2.8-litre engine is only available for the Invincible and Invincible X.

Secondly, if you opt for the 2.8-litre with a manual gearbox, you get 420 max torque, but the automatic gives you a whopping 500, which is handy.

New Hilux maintains its one-tonne payload capacity and the ability to tow (braked) loads of up to 3.5 tonnes.

There’s no doubting the Hilux’s rugged work credentials, but with steering and suspension upgrades, along with the new 2.8 litre diesel, day-to-day driving, whether that be for work or leisure, it’s a much more pleasurable experience. Overall, the Hilux remains a faithful and dependable workhorse, but now with added, and much needed umph.

Website - https://www.toyota.co.uk/new-cars/hilux price - from £31,235