2021 TOYOTA HILUX LAUNCHED with new top Legend range and a 150kW 500Nm GD6 turbodiesel
The Toyota Hilux needs no introduction. It even told lockdown ‘jou ma se’… selling an incredible 4700 units in Covid-struck September. That’s just the tip of the iceberg — there are so many good reasons why SA’s favourite vehicle has long been a runaway success.
And now, as happens every year around this time, Hilux has been refreshed for 2021. The current model arrived in 2016 with an increased focus on tech, convenience and comfort. All while still retaining those epic Toyota hallmarks of toughness and durability. Now Hilux builds even stronger on that robust eighth-generation foundation architecture. And last year’s delectable 50th birthday Legend 50.
NOW TOP OF THE TDI PILE AT 150KW AND 500NM
Most importantly, there’s big news under the bonnet — The 2.8 GD-6 engine now delivers 150kW and 500Nm. It has a larger turbocharger and a new common-rail injection system. That’s a full 30kW and 80Nm stronger! Toyota engineers have also improved fuel economy.
Hilux’s six-speed automatic transmission also gets improved gear ratios for improved acceleration, especially while towing. And the 2.4 GD-6 4×4 can now tow up to 3.5 tons, matching the 2.8 GD-6 4×4.
New Hilux also brings improved ride comfort without compromising off-road performance and durability. Thanks to new spring rates, shock absorbers and suspension bushes. That means more agile handling and improved ride comfort, particularly when unladen. At the same time, Hilux maintains its renowned off-road performance, load-carrying capability, stability and body control. Even on the most corrugated dirt roads.
Also big news is a fresh for 2021 Hilux model line-up and grade strategy. Revised in keeping with evolving market trends. Workhorse S and SR models continue as before, but it’s all change in the mid-range. There, the SRX models now merge into the Raider range to open the way for a new Hilux flagship simply called Legend.
Raider models now get a large, trapezoidal front grille with broad chrome border and horizontally separated 3D grille elements. Add new boomerang fog lamp bezels and an integrated bumper guard. 2.4 GD-6 models get four-bulb Halogen headlamps, the 2.8 GD-6 Raider now Bi-LED headlamps with LED indicators.
LEGEND – A HILUX LIKE NEVER BEFORE
Now roll the drums, cue the big announcement and… let’s cut to the adverts… The big news is the new Hilux Legend flagship — a Hilux like never before.
Set apart by a black-lined trapezoidal grille integrated with the front bumper, bonnet protector and skid plate, Legend presents an imposing new look. Add dark-plated headlamp inserts and a centred chrome inlay with that bold Toyota badge. But that’s not all — an optional RS pack adds a motorised roller shutter, graphite sports bar, rubberised load bay, assisted tailgate with central-locking function and dust-defence.
Raider and Legend models get all-new 8-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mobile mirroring. Add Google Maps, Waze, Apple Music, JOOX, Spotify and SoundCloud. Wireless telephony is supported via Bluetooth with a USB input for additional media options. The floating screen 8-inch infotainment retains rotary adjustment knobs for ease of use.
Interior upgrades in the Raider include a new instrument cluster with metallic inserts, a notched outer ring and metallic bezel. Legend adds bespoke interior accents to the instrument cluster, interior trim panels, switchgear and gear lever. Add cool blue door illumination complements the perforated leather upholstery and black roof lining.
Raider models alsoget side and curtain airbags, LED fog lamps, enlarged Multi-Information Display and Park Distance Control
TOP OF THE LINE TREATS
The feature-packed Legend adds an auto-dimming rear view mirror and leather interior trim, electrically adjustable front seats, a 9-speaker audio system with dash-mounted speakers, keyless entry and push-button start. Add Toyota Safety Sense pre-collision system, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control too.
Several new wheel and tyre options are complemented by nine Hilux exterior colours including the new Oxide Bronze and Pearl White, a first for Hilux. Attitude Black is exclusively available on the 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Legend.
All Hilux models come with Toyota Connect telematics system with an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and 15Gb complimentary data, a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-services/90 000 km service plan.
2021 Toyota Hilux Pricing Single Cab 2.7 VVTI RB S 5MT R386K 2.0 VVTi S 5MT R291K 2.0 VVTi S A/C 5MT R299K 2.4 GD S 5MT R328K 2.4 GD S A/C 5MT R337K 2.4 GD-6 RB SR 6MT R414K 2.4 GD-6 4X4 SR 6MT R482K 2.4 GD-6 RB Raider 6MT R447K 2.4 GD-6 RB Raider 6AT R466K 2.4 GD-6 4X4 Raider 6MT R520K 2.4 GD-6 4X4 Raider 6AT R540K 2.8 GD-6 RB Raider 6AT R532K 2.8 GD-6 4X4 Raider 6AT R602K Xtra Cab 2.4 GD-6 RB Raider 6MT R460K 2.4 GD 6 RB Raider 6AT R478K 2.8 GD-6 RB Legend 6MT R550K 2.8 GD-6 RB Legend 6AT R574K 2.8 GD-6 4x4 Legend 6MT R622K 2.8 GD-6 4x4 Legend 6AT R647K Double Cab 2.7 VVTi RB S 5MT R440K 2.4 GD-6 RB SR 6MT R476K 2.4 GD-6 4X4 SR 6MT R549K 2.4 GD-6 RB Raider 6MT R505K 2.4 GD-6 RB Raider 6AT R521K 2.4 GD-6 4X4 Raider 6MT R583K 2.4 GD-6 4X4 Raider 6AT R609K 2.8 GD-6 RB Raider 6AT R631K 2.8 GD-6 4X4 Raider 6AT R706K 2.8 GD-6 RB Legend 6MT TBC 2.8 GD-6 RB Legend 6AT R696K 2.8 GD-6 4X4 Legend 6MT R733K 2.8 GD-6 4X4 Legend 6AT R765K 4.0 V6 4X4 Legend 6AT R765K