Toyota Hilux 2021 in Chile, with a mission to overthrow the reign of L200
The Japanese brand wants to consolidate the position of its best-selling van in the region and to achieve this, it has to get out of the Mitsubishi L200.
A few days ago, we published here in Autocosmos the list of the best-selling cars in different countries of the world. The Toyota Hilux is the leading model in more than 15 markets, including Argentina and Peru, so it's no wonder Toyota sees the Mitsubishi L200 as "a thorn" to be taken out, at least if they want to conquer the southern cone.
Not only that; Among the best-selling cars in each country, the vans are few and outside the Hilux, we can only find the Ford F150 in North America, the Mitsubishi L200 in some spot markets, and the Ford Ranger in New Zealand. So it is very understandable that this 2021, Toyota wanted to put its foot on the accelerator regarding its product strategy, which rather rests on the reliability of its products and the weight of the brand.
Taking the L200 out of its throne is not very easy, but in Toyota they have a lot of confidence in the changes they are introducing with this van, thinking of going to conquer the customers of the retail and more particular segment (28% of sales), offering a much more recreational and equipped model, which is where they can grow more. The remaining 72% are fleet and heavy-duty customers, a very loyal public to this van and who intend to retain at all costs. So much is the plan, they also have prices 3% lower on average, to be able to be even more competitive.
Hilux, in this current generation (which is nothing more than an intense review of the previous generation), was redesigned globally in 2017 and arrived in Chile in 2019, but we knew it was going to be short-lived, considering that more intense changes were already rumored. These changes were leaked in April, and we finally met them in June 2020, after their launch in Thailand. This is the facelift that premieres today in Chile, and we believe that it will be the last change that this eighth generation of the Hilux will receive, already on its way to a new generation.
What's new?
What jumps the most is its front, much more robust and close to what is seen in the Tacoma, with a very large grille that dominates the entire front bumper and is flanked by two slightly more compact and redesigned spotlights. The bumper, on the part of the haze-makers, carries L-shaped insets and on the lower part, there is a smaller air intake. Rear lights, like front lights, will have different technology and design depending on the version: conventional halogens and graphics for the SR and with LED technology and more modern design for the SRV.
The wheels also change, 17" with graphite paint for the SR and 18" bi-tone with diamond cut for the SRV. The result, at least, I like it very much, and I think for the moment it is the Hilux best solved aesthetically among all those who have passed through the country in recent years. Be careful, since only the SRV carries the chrome grille with black piano details, the SR wears everything in body color with opaque black plastic details.
And the DX? Toyota states that this entry version will not receive any aesthetic changes, something strange, since in Thailand it does.
Dimensions and capacities
- Length: 5.33 meters
- Width: 1.81 meters (DX versions), 1.85 meters (SR and SRV versions)
- High: 1.81 meters
- Axle spacing: 3.08 meters
- Clearance: 215 mm (DX versions), 227 mm (SR and SRV versions)
- Angle of attack: 30 degrees (DX versions), 31 degrees (SR and SRV versions)
- Output angle: 25 degrees (DX versions), 26 degrees (SR and SRV versions)
The dimensions of the van are no different from the outgoing model. Its cargo capacity ranges from 800 to 1,150 kilos depending on the version and can tow up to 750 kilos with a simple trailer and up to two tons using a trailer with brakes.
Inner
The interior has no change from the model that was already sold. It's the same design, the same materials, and even the same local installation multimedia system. The instrument cluster if you receive a review in design with updated watches and markers.
Equipment
Toyota maintains three levels of equipment, called DX, SR and SRV. DX models offer:
- Air conditioning
- Electric alzavidrios
- Remote central locking
- 12v plug
- Multi-function steering wheel (audio, cruise control) adjustable and depth
- Plastic Bedliner for the pick-up
- On-board computer
- Power mirrors with black housings
- Halogen front spotlights with height adjustable
- Black Handles
- Multimedia system with 7" touch screen
- Four speakers (two in DX single cab)
- Bluetooth
- USB
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
The SR model adds or modifies:
- Back-up camera in gate handle
- The instrument panel with the color on-board computer (4.2" TFT)
- Exterior mirrors with chrome housings and signaler
- DRL lights and Follow Me Home function
- Color handles for the body
- Operating modes (Eco, Power)
- Multimedia system with 9" touch screen
- Six Speakers
- Bluetooth
- USB
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
The SRV model adds or modifies:
- Climate
- Electric Adjustable Synthetic Leather Seats for Driver
- Two 12v sockets
- Photosensitive interior mirror
- Bi-LED auto-on front lights
- LED rear lights with double C design
- LED Hazelnuts
- Chrome Outer Handles
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Smart Key with Power Button
- Leather steering wheel
Security
It's worth noting that all the double-cab versions of Hilux have five Latin NCAP stars. In addition, blaming scandals for the problems of the ESP (VSC in Toyota language) in the elk test, Toyota has modified and recalibrated the ESP's management and system so that it can effectively pass the test. This modification was initially made for products made in Thailand and South Africa, but was also incorporated into models made in Argentina, according to the team from Toyota Chile.
All models are equipped with:
- Seven airbags (except single cab DX model, with three)
- ISOFIX anchorages (except single cab DX model)
- Traction and stability control (TSC and VSC)
- Pending Departure Wizard
- ABS brakes with electronic delivery, hydraulic assistant, and emergency braking system. It only has front disk brakes.
- Trailer roll control
Some assists are missing part of the Toyota Safety Sense package, which are being studied for incorporation, probably to the SRV version (automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor, etc.)