Bad news first.After spending a considerable amount of time in the new Ranger, the HiLux’s interior look, feel and presentation is very last decade, and the early part at that, with 2011 Camry, 2012 Corolla and 2014 RAV4 influences everywhere.There’s no escaping the narrow cabin feel, hard textures and sheeny surfaces everywhere, encompassing everything from the dated dashboard to the hollow-sounding door cards. We’re talking cheap and old looking – though rattle free, hard-wearing and sturdy too. This is a truck, after all..jpg)
For some, finding the right driving position proves elusive. Even if of average height but long legged, the steering wheel’s insufficient reach adjustment means having to bunch knees up a tad. Not comfortable over longer distances.What’s worse, over an extended period on them, the front seats lack any real support, seem too small in their frame for even medium-build drivers, and don’t offer a driver’s seat lumbar adjustment unless you pay extra for the Premium pack, which is a copout for the cash Toyota demands. And there is too much noise entering in, be it from the engine, suspension or road.Along with being from another era, the SR5 lacks enough refinement and sophistication given its price point, falling well behind the class best..jpg)
Still, there’s plenty to really like inside a HiLux, beginning with its overwhelming sense of familiarity and functional ease. That’s the flipside of using ‘proven’ components, from the wheel and switchgear to the simple, effective climate control and 4×4 systems. It’s all dead simple.Though revised for 2020, the Toyota’s instrument dials seem old-fashioned but clear (and with a handy auxiliary digital speedo to boot now), the auto gear lever is mercifully free of fly-by-wire nonsense that are laggy in engaging (hello, Ranger), and there’s ample storage in the reasonably-sized glovebox, bonus lidded shelf above, big centre console and sturdy slide-out cupholders at each end of the dash to match the pair behind the gear lever as well as the huge bottle holders in the door.And here’s a nice touch. The gap between the driver’s seat and console has a fold of fabric running the length of it, to catch keys, phones and other items from falling into an impenetrable void also known as underneath the seat. Minor but thoughtful..jpg)
Further plus points include plentiful ceiling lighting, a 220-volt household plug for appliances, a pair of 12V outlets and a USB-A outlet in the lower-dash area. Four entry-assist grab handles are fitted. The audio system quality is surprisingly good. And the touchscreen is handily sited within driver’s easy reach and eye line, which is great for watching the reverse camera. Never mind the graphics, though, which look classic-era Nokia low-fi.Moving to the rear, entry and egress is OK, and you sit much higher than the front occupants do, enabling great vision out. It isn’t dingy or dark inside, despite the charcoal trim.A folding armrest is well situated, with two cupholders, while the back doors can also accommodate a big bottle and additional storage. The windows wind all the way down, there are face-level centre air vents, two takeaway-food/bag carry hooks, overhead grab handles, handy rear-ceiling hooks mounted ahead of the back glass, and a pair of map pockets.Plus, a cord under the seat lifts the cushion up to reveal two small under-floor storage areas (and a jack), though the press stud arrangement with the shockingly flimsy rear headrests is fiddly..jpg)
Sense a big but coming though? Here it is. Like most dual-cab pick-ups, the backrest angle is too upright, there isn’t enough space for people with boots on to tuck feet beneath the front seat, and the knees-up seating position and low, unsupportive cushion spell discomfort and fatigue over longer journeys. And don’t forget, it’s noisy in there too.The HiLux also feels a tad too narrow for three burly passengers to sit across the back without feeling stuffed in, and certainly seems smaller than the Ranger, D-Max, BT-50 and some other obviously larger rivals.Finally, the tub area certainly betrays the Toyota’s age. Lifting that tailgate up is a workout, there’s no bed liner fitted as standard, and four crude aftermarket-looking handles are the only tie-downs you’ll find. No load-area illumination, 12V outlets or cubby holes can be found. And cyclists won’t be able to secure their bikes anywhere, as U-locks struggle to fit around the sports bar.Payload is 995kg, braked towing capacity is 3500kg/750kg unbraked and the SR5’s ground clearance is 216mm. More than adequate for most people then.
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