When the latest Toyota Hilux went on sale at the end of 2005 there was only one real criticism – the pick-up was down on power compared to its rivals.
While Nissan and Mitsubishi were vying for the position of speediest, and therefore coolest and most ‘lifestyle’ pick-up, Toyota entered the market with a dependable 101PS 2.5-litre diesel that was slow.
Realising this, Toyota has now upgraded the 2.5 diesel to 120PS and added a 171PS 3.0-litre diesel. To capture some of the upper end of the pick-up market Toyota has twinned the 3.0-litre engine to a high-spec Invincible trim level too.
The Invincible looks the part with (powered) chrome door mirrors, chrome sill bars and large alloys, and inside its double cab there’s plenty of kit including a Lexus-style touch-screen satnav.
However, despite the larger engine the pick-up still feels sluggish against the Mitsubishi L200 Animal and the Nissan Navara Aventura – which is odd, because on paper there’s little difference between the three. The explanation comes from the torque figures that show the Toyota is down on shove.
The other area that lets the Toyota down is the on-asphalt ride. The rear suspension has a tendency to bang over bumps in the road that would be cushioned by the Nissan and the Mitsubishi.
The Toyota’s big advantage, however, is its price. At less than £19,000 (excl. VAT) it’s the least expensive of the three and this alone will score it many a fleet win.
