2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4E MT 4X4 Review

In the Malaysian pickup truck market, the 2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4E MT 4X4 has always held a solid position — after all, the durability and versatility of the Hilux have long been validated by consumers. This time, we focus on the 2.4E manual 4WD version, priced at RM 117,880, which is slightly lower than the entry-level price of its automatic counterpart while retaining its robust 4WD capabilities. The core selling points are clear: reliable diesel power, a balance of cargo and passenger space, and basic yet practical configurations. In this test, our main aim is to see how this vehicle performs across daily commutes, cargo hauling, and light off-road scenarios, to determine whether it lives up to its title as the "National Pickup Truck."

At first glance, the Hilux exudes a distinct tough and rugged Japanese pickup style. The trapezoidal grille at the front, coupled with the robust chrome accents seamlessly integrated with the halogen+LED combination headlights on both sides, gives it a natural look. Automatic headlights and front fog lights are standard, adding full practicality. The silhouette of the vehicle features straight lines on the side, with a length of 5330mm and a width of 1855mm giving it a commanding presence, while the 265/65 R17 tires paired with black wheel arches enhance its off-road vibe. The rear design is relatively simple, with LED tail lights offering good visibility when lit, and the reverse radar and camera system come standard across all models, making it very beginner-friendly. The overall design avoids unnecessary fuss, focusing entirely on practicality, resulting in a timeless and appealing look.

Upon opening the door, the interior style aligns with the exterior, leaning towards practicality. The center console primarily uses hard plastic, but the seams are well-finished, and it doesn’t feel cheap to the touch. The instrument panel uses a backlit mechanical pointer design, with data clearly displayed for easy viewing of RPM and speed during daily driving. The center console area lacks a large screen but comes with the Sound Plus feature and a 6-speaker sound system, delivering average sound quality for a pickup truck. The seats are fabric material with manual adjustments. While not as convenient as electric adjustments, the support and wrap feel quite comfortable, and long drives won’t feel exhausting. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, which is handy for occasionally loading longer items. In terms of space, the 3085mm wheelbase provides ample rear seating room, with about two fists’ worth of legroom for a 175cm passenger, and headroom is sufficient without feeling cramped. Storage spaces are also abundant; the front door panels can hold two water bottles each, the center armrest box is deep enough, and the glove compartment on the passenger side can fit some small items, meeting daily usage needs with no issues.

In terms of power, the 2.4L turbocharged diesel engine delivers a maximum output of 150PS and a maximum torque of 340Nm, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. In real-world driving, the low-end torque performance is impressive, reaching maximum torque at just 1600rpm. Starting off doesn’t require frequent half-clutch operation, and a light press on the accelerator gets the vehicle moving. Gear shifts have a moderate travel, and the clutch engagement point is clear, making it easy for beginners to get the hang of it quickly. The 4WD system is a part-time 4WD. When switched to the 4H mode, it handles light off-road conditions — such as muddy or gravel roads — with ease, while the minimum ground clearance of 286mm ensures decent passability. During high-speed driving, the engine runs at about 2500rpm at 120km/h, and noise levels are well-controlled. Wind and tire noise are not particularly intrusive, and daily commuting remains acceptable.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has moderate weight with minimal play, making daily driving quite agile. The suspension consists of a front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear leaf spring non-independent suspension, tuned on the stiffer side. It feels noticeably bumpy when passing speed bumps, but the advantage is strong support when carrying loads. When fully loaded, the rear suspension performs more comfortably. Fuel consumption is pretty good, around 7.5L/100km in mixed driving conditions, and it can go down to about 6.8L on highways. With an 80L fuel tank, the range can easily exceed 1000km, which is very friendly for users who frequently travel long distances.

In terms of safety features, it is equipped with standard ABS anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking system. It comes with three airbags — driver, passenger, and knee airbags. It also supports ISO FIX child seat interfaces, meeting the mainstream safety standards for this level. As for comfort features, the manual air conditioning has a good cooling effect, the electrically folding side mirrors are very convenient, and there are rear air vents, taking care of the rear passengers' comfort.

To sum up, the 2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4E MT 4X4 has very clear core strengths: durable diesel power, a balance between passenger and cargo space, practical configurations, and decent off-road capability. Compared to competitors in the same class, its reliability and resale value are significant selling points. Although the configuration isn't luxurious, all the basic features are practical. This pickup truck is especially suitable for those who need to balance daily commuting, cargo transport, and light off-roading, such as small business owners, farmers, or families who enjoy outdoor activities. If you don't have high requirements for luxury features and prioritize durability and versatility, this Hilux is definitely worth considering.

To conclude, the 2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4E MT 4X4 remains a pickup truck with "full tool-like attributes." It doesn't have flashy design or luxurious configurations, but it performs in a well-rounded manner in terms of durability, practicality, and off-road capability. If you need a vehicle that can "handle tough jobs" while being suitable for family use, this Hilux will not disappoint you.