2018 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4G AT 4x4 (IMP) Review

In Malaysia's pickup truck market, durability and practicality have always been the core demands of consumers. The Toyota Hilux, as a model long occupying the top sales rankings, targets families or small business owners who need a vehicle that balances daily commuting and light off-road capabilities with its 2018 Double Cab 2.4G AT 4x4 (IMP) model. The core selling points of this vehicle lie in Toyota's consistent reliability, high safety configuration with 7 airbags, and the passability brought by the 4x4 system. Additionally, its pricing of RM118,100 keeps it competitive in its class. This review will focus on evaluating its daily driving comfort, space utility, and the actual performance of its four-wheel drive system to see if it meets the diverse scenario needs of Malaysian users.

The exterior design continues the rugged style of the Hilux family. The trapezoidal front grille, paired with thick chrome trims, gives it high recognition. The body lines are simple and straight, with a waistline extending from the hood to the rear, enhancing its muscular feel. The length of 5330mm and the width of 1855mm make it look quite imposing. The rear design is conventional, with vertically arranged taillights integrated with the rear bumper. The rear fog lamp is standard, meeting the lighting needs of Southeast Asian road conditions. As for the lighting system, the headlights use halogen light sources, and the automatic headlight function improves convenience. The added front fog lights also enhance visibility in rainy and foggy weather. Overall, the exterior avoids overly fancy designs, focusing entirely on practicality, meeting pickup users' expectations for being "durable and easy to look at."

Opening the door, the interior design is primarily practical. The center console uses hard plastic materials which, although average in tactile sensation, match the durability expected in a pickup truck. A multifunctional steering wheel is standard, with a clear button layout that allows for easy control of audio and calls. The instrument panel features backlit analog displays that are straightforward and easy to read, even in strong lighting conditions. The center console area lacks a large screen, which makes it appear slightly plain but includes a 220V/230V power outlet, a highly practical feature for users requiring external devices. Regarding seating, the driver's seat supports electric adjustment, making it easy to find a comfortable sitting position. The rear seats adopt a 60:40 split folding design, enabling an expanded trunk storage space when folded. The front air conditioning is manually adjustable, with moderate knob resistance making it easy to use. However, the lack of automatic temperature control is slightly regrettable.

Space utilization is an advantage of this Double Cab model. The 3085mm wheelbase provides spacious rear legroom; a 175cm passenger sitting in the rear still has a two-fist gap between their knees and the front seat. Headroom is also sufficient, without any sense of constraint. In terms of storage capability, the front door panels can hold two 1.5L bottles of mineral water, and the central armrest box has a considerable depth for small items. The rear door panels also have storage slots, and the center features cup holders. The rear seats are equipped with ISO FIX child seat anchors, making it convenient for families to install child seats. However, a minor downside is the absence of separate rear air conditioning vents, though the front AC performs well and can quickly cool the entire cabin.

In terms of power, the 2.4L diesel engine boasts a maximum output of 150PS/3400rpm and a maximum torque that can be delivered at just 1600rpm. It is paired with an automatic transmission, providing a responsive power delivery without the typical lag of diesel vehicles during start-up. While driving in the city, the low-end torque is sufficient, making overtaking and lane changing smooth; on highways, at a speed of 100km/h, the engine runs at approximately 2000rpm, with noise well controlled, which does not affect in-car conversations. The four-wheel drive system is easy to operate, switching between 2WD and 4WD modes using a knob. On muddy roads or light off-road terrain, the 4WD mode provides ample traction, making it adaptable to rural roads or construction site conditions. The suspension system adopts a double wishbone independent front suspension and a rear leaf spring non-independent suspension. On paved roads, its filtering of minor bumps is average, and the road feel is quite direct; however, during heavy loads or off-road conditions, the advantages of the leaf spring suspension become evident, offering strong load capacity and better stability.

Fuel consumption performance meets expectations, with urban road fuel consumption around 8.5L/100km, and about 6.8L/100km on highways. The 80L fuel tank capacity allows for a range of over 800km, making it well-suited for long-distance travel. Braking performance is stable, with the brake pedal having a moderate stroke and linear braking force output. During emergency braking, the body remains stable. In terms of noise control, the engine exhibits slight vibrations at idle but drives smoothly with well-controlled wind and tire noise, enabling normal conversations in the rear seats. For seat comfort, the front seats are moderately supportive, with thick padding that prevents fatigue during long drives. The rear seat angle is appropriate, and its comfort level ranks above average among pickup trucks.

In summary, the 2018 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4G AT 4x4 (IMP) has standout strengths in reliability, spacious interior, high safety features (7 airbags), and a practical four-wheel-drive system. Compared to its class competitor, the Ford Ranger 2.2L Double Cab, it offers a more competitive price and Toyota's more comprehensive after-sales service network, with lower maintenance costs. However, the lack of a central touchscreen and automatic climate control, along with relatively hard interior materials, are its drawbacks. This vehicle is most suitable for users who need a balance between family outings and light off-roading or cargo transportation, such as small business owners who frequently travel between rural and urban areas or families who enjoy weekend trips. If you prioritize durability and practicality and do not mind a simple interior, this Hilux is a reliable choice.