2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4E AT 4X4 Review

In Malaysia's pickup truck market, durability and versatility have always been core demands of consumers—whether it's for daily goods transport, weekend off-roading, or family commuting, a pickup truck that can handle multiple scenarios is sure to secure its place. The 2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4E AT 4X4, as the core model of the Hilux family, positions itself in the mid-range market with a price tag of RM119,880. Its main selling points lie in its reliable diesel powertrain, full-time four-wheel-drive system, and well-balanced safety features. The primary purpose of this test drive is to evaluate its actual performance in urban commuting, highway cruising, and light off-road scenarios to see if it can genuinely meet local users' demand for a "one vehicle fits all" solution.

In terms of appearance, this Hilux retains the iconic rugged style of the family. The front face features a large trapezoidal grille with blacked-out horizontal trim, giving it a high level of recognition; the headlights on both sides are a combination of halogen and LED, with an automatic lighting function that can automatically illuminate in the evening or tunnels, providing decent practicality. The body side lines are straight, with a length of 5330mm and a wheelbase of 3085mm, ensuring ample interior space. The muscular design around the wheel arches enhances the off-road vibe, and with 265/65 R17 tires, the ground clearance reaches 286mm, alleviating concerns about scraping the undercarriage on uneven roads. The rear design is simple, with vertically arranged tail lights and square-shaped rear fog lights. The handles and tie-down points on the cargo bed are clearly visible, aligning with the utility nature of the pickup truck. Overall, the design is not overly fancy but remains practical and pleasing to the eye.

Stepping inside the cabin, the interior style leans towards practicality. The center console adopts a symmetrical layout with hard plastic covering the top, but the silver trim details enhance the sense of texture slightly. The instrument cluster features a backlit analog design with clear data display, making it easy to read information like fuel consumption and RPM during daily use. In terms of configuration, the keyless entry and start function eliminate the hassle of fumbling for keys. The front row is equipped with manual air conditioning, with knobs that have moderate resistance, making them easy to operate. A 220V/230V power socket is included, which is convenient for using small appliances outdoors. The seats are manually adjustable—offering decent support in the front row, so long drives won’t feel too tiring. The 60:40 split rear seats can recline slightly, offering around two fists' worth of legroom for passengers up to 175cm tall, and the center floor hump is not too high, allowing the middle seat passenger to sit somewhat comfortably for extended periods. In terms of storage space, the door pockets can hold two bottles of mineral water, the center armrest box has sufficient depth, and the front cup holders can secure large-sized bottles, making everyday use hassle-free. For safety features, it comes standard with three airbags (driver, passenger, and knee airbags), ABS, vehicle stability control, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking. While there is no reversing camera, the rear parking sensors provide adequate assistance during parking. Overall, the safety features meet mainstream levels for its class.

In terms of power, the 2.4L turbocharged diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 150PS and maximum torque output at just 1600rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The initial power response is not very rapid, but the low-end torque advantage of the diesel engine is apparent. A light press on the accelerator is enough to smoothly move the 2060kg vehicle forward. During mid-to-low-speed acceleration, the transmission's shifting logic is clear, with smooth gear changes. During overtaking, a deep press on the accelerator causes the transmission to promptly downshift, and the power output is consistent. When cruising at 120km/h on the highway, the engine revs are maintained at around 2200rpm, and the noise level remains acceptable. Two driving modes are available: Normal and Eco. In Eco mode, the throttle response becomes less sensitive, suitable for fuel-efficient highway cruising. The four-wheel-drive system is full-time, with a switch knob located below the center console. When dealing with muddy terrain or light cross-axle conditions, engaging low-range four-wheel drive provides good off-road capability. Along with the 286mm ground clearance, light off-roading is not an issue at all.

The handling and chassis performance are in line with the positioning of a pickup truck. The steering wheel is relatively heavy, and the steering precision is not very high, but stability is excellent at high speeds. The front suspension is a double wishbone independent suspension, and the rear suspension integrates leaf springs (common configuration for pickups). When dealing with city speed bumps or uneven roads, the front row absorbs shocks decently, while the rear row may experience some bouncing. However, it is much more comfortable compared to older pickup trucks. During high-speed cornering, the body lean is quite noticeable, as this is typical of pickups with a high center of gravity. Reducing speed when cornering is advisable. In terms of fuel consumption, the actual measurement under mixed conditions is about 8.5L per 100 kilometers. The low fuel consumption advantage of diesel is particularly prominent during long-distance driving. With an 80L fuel tank capacity, a full tank can achieve a cruising range of approximately 900 kilometers, making it suitable for long-distance or outdoor trips. As for noise control, the diesel engine sound at idle is quite apparent, but once in motion, the wind and tire noise are well-controlled. The 6-speaker audio system delivers decent sound quality, which helps mask some of the noise.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4E AT 4X4 lie in its reliable diesel engine, practical four-wheel-drive system, and balanced safety configurations. Compared to its rival, the Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT, it offers a more budget-friendly price and lower maintenance costs. Compared to the Isuzu D-Max 2.5 LS, it comes with better features (such as lane departure warning and active braking). This vehicle is most suitable for individuals who need to balance family commuting with light off-road driving — for instance, self-employed contractors who frequently visit work sites, families who enjoy weekend camping trips, or small business owners requiring a reliable work vehicle. It does not have any particularly significant drawbacks, but its strength lies in balance and durability. For local users seeking a multi-purpose vehicle with a limited budget, this Hilux is indeed a compelling choice.