2018 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4 STD MT 4x4 Review

In Malaysia's pickup truck market, the Toyota Hilux is always an unavoidable choice—especially for users who need to balance cargo capacity, off-road performance, and everyday usability. Its reliability has been deeply rooted in people's minds. This time, we have obtained the 2018 Hilux Double Cab 2.4 STD MT 4x4. As a mid-tier configuration in the lineup, its core selling point lies in its "balance": the torque output of the 2.4L diesel engine, the freedom of manual 4WD control, and Toyota's consistent durability. With a price tag of RM 100,000, it maintains competitiveness within its class. Our test drive focuses on whether this vehicle can truly meet multi-purpose needs in daily commuting, light off-road, and cargo scenarios.

In terms of appearance, the 2018 Hilux continues the family’s rugged design style. The front grille uses black plastic material, with the Toyota logo embedded in the middle; the halogen headlights on both sides adopt a square shape, complemented by automatic headlight functionality, ensuring practicality; the silver skid plate below the front bumper adds a touch of off-road flair. The side lines of the body are straight, and the length of 5330mm and width of 1855mm ensure cargo bed space. The 265/65 R17 tires paired with 17-inch wheels are suitable for both paved roads and light off-road terrain. At the rear, the vertically aligned tail lights have high recognizability, rear fog lamps are standard, and the loading rail height is moderate, making daily loading and unloading of cargo relatively convenient. The overall design avoids excessive decorative elements, strictly catering to its "practical" positioning.

Sitting inside the cabin, the interior styling emphasizes simplicity. The center console is made of hard plastic material; although the texture is ordinary, the seams are evenly aligned, meeting the durability requirements of a utility vehicle. The instrument panel is a backlit analog style, clearly and intuitively displaying information like RPM, speed, and fuel levels, which remains visible even in bright light. The central control area lacks a large screen, but it comes standard with a 220V/230V power outlet, which is very practical for users needing to connect external devices. As for the seats, the driver's seat is manually adjustable. Although the adjustable range is limited, the padding is relatively thick. The rear seats support folding, which can expand storage space when folded. However, for passengers around 175cm tall, the rear legroom is just sufficient, making long-term sitting slightly cramped. The front air conditioning is manually controlled, simple to operate, and its cooling performance under Malaysia's high temperatures is acceptable.

In terms of power, this Hilux is equipped with a 2.4L naturally aspirated diesel engine, delivering a maximum power of 150PS and a peak torque that kicks in at 1600rpm—which is well-suited for diesel engines. Even when fully loaded, the torque output ensures a confident start without feeling sluggish. The manual transmission has five gear speeds, with clear shift engagements and moderate shift travel. The clutch bite point is relatively low, making it easy for beginners to adapt. When switched to 4WD mode, the vehicle's grip on muddy or gravel roads significantly improves. During our test on light off-road routes in the outskirts, the vehicle handled small slopes and bumpy terrain well. As long as the throttle and gears are controlled properly, it can smoothly handle most situations. The chassis adopts a double-wishbone independent front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension. While driving on paved roads, it filters out minor bumps reasonably but shows good support on larger bumps, without feeling overly loose. The steering wheel has a heavier feel, providing good stability at high speeds, but can be a bit strenuous when maneuvering at low speeds.

In terms of fuel consumption, we tested under mixed road conditions, and the fuel consumption was about 8.5L per 100 kilometers. For a vehicle weighing 2.05 tons, this performance is considered average. Regarding noise control, the vibration and noise of the diesel engine are quite noticeable at idle, but once in motion, wind noise and tire noise overshadow the engine noise, and the overall noise level is within an acceptable range. In terms of storage space, the front door storage compartments can hold two bottles of mineral water. The center armrest box is not very spacious but can hold some small items. Although the official data for the cargo box capacity is not provided, our actual test showed that it can hold two standard-sized suitcases, which meets daily cargo needs.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2018 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4 STD MT 4x4 lie in its "durability" and "versatility"—compared to the Ford Ranger 2.2 XL MT in the same category, its price is more affordable, and Toyota’s after-sales network is more complete in Malaysia; compared to the Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 MT, its torque output comes in earlier, making it more effortless during off-road conditions. This vehicle is suitable for users who need to balance between family use and light off-roading, such as small business owners for transporting goods, taking their family camping on weekends, or commuters frequently driving on rural roads. If you are pursuing luxury features, it might not be the best choice, but if you need a reliable and practical pickup, it is definitely a model worth considering.