2023 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4V AT 4WD Review

In Malaysia's pickup market, practicality and cost-effectiveness have always been at the core of consumers' decisions. As a popular choice in this segment, the 2023 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4V AT 4WD continues to attract attention with its reputation for durability and well-balanced features. The main purpose of this test drive is to assess the vehicle's actual performance in daily commuting, family trips, and light off-road scenarios and to see if its upgraded features meet the expectation for its price of RM145,880.

First, let's look at the exterior. The design of the Hilux 2.4V continues the rugged style of pickup trucks, with bold and straight lines. The front features a large trapezoidal grille with black horizontal slats, flanked by halogen and LED combination headlights connected to the edges of the grille. The LED daytime running lights with automatic lighting function enhance convenience. The side profile has well-proportioned dimensions, with the 265/60 R18 tires filling the wheel arch gaps, and a minimum ground clearance of 286mm ensures off-road capability. The door handles and exterior rearview mirrors are designed in the same color as the body, and the mirrors support electric folding, adding practicality. At the rear, the vertically aligned taillights provide high recognition, the rear bumper is equipped with reverse radar sensors, and the standard cargo bed sports bar balances functionality with visual consistency in its design.

Entering the cabin, the interior style leans toward functionalism. The center console adopts a symmetrical layout, with hard plastic material on the top, silver accents in the middle, and soft-touch material on the bottom, delivering a tactile experience within this price range. The steering wheel has a multifunctional design, with volume adjustment and call control buttons on the left side and trip computer controls on the right side. It supports manual tilt and telescopic adjustments. The instrument cluster features traditional mechanical dials with a central monochromatic information display screen, clearly showing basic data such as RPM, speed, and fuel level. The 6.75-inch central touchscreen supports touch operations, and the Sound Plus feature paired with a 6-speaker system offers a basic audio experience. There is a notable seating configuration difference in the front row: the driver's seat supports 8-way electric adjustment, while the passenger seat has 4-way manual adjustment. The rear row features 60:40 split-folding seats with moderate cushion length, providing adequate headroom and legroom for passengers up to 175cm tall, ensuring comfort on long journeys. Regarding storage, the front door panels can hold two 500ml water bottles, the center armrest box offers good depth, and there is scattered storage space under the rear seats and on the door panels, catering to family travel needs. The air-conditioning system is a dual-zone automatic climate control system, with independent vents in the rear, allowing for quick temperature adjustments within the cabin.

In terms of power, the vehicle is equipped with a 2.4L turbocharged diesel engine, delivering a maximum power of 110.3kW (150PS) at 3400rpm and a peak torque of 400N·m at 1600rpm. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. During daily driving, the engine can reach its maximum torque at 1600rpm, offering responsive power during start-up. Lightly pressing the accelerator provides a significant thrust. At medium to high speeds, the gearbox shows clear shifting logic, with smooth upshifts and minimal jerks during downshifts. When overtaking at 80km/h, pressing the accelerator deeply allows the transmission to downshift by two gears quickly, ensuring continuous power output. The driving modes include Economy, Standard, and Sport. In Economy mode, the throttle response is slightly delayed, which is suitable for highway cruising. In Sport mode, the gear shifting timing is delayed to keep the engine in the high-torque range, catering to scenarios requiring quick acceleration.

In terms of driving performance, the steering wheel offers moderate steering force, with minimal dead zone and precise directionality. At high speeds, the steering wheel becomes slightly heavier, enhancing stability. The front suspension adopts a double-wishbone independent structure, while the rear suspension uses a leaf spring non-independent structure. This combination allows the front suspension to filter out most of the fine vibrations on bumpy roads, whereas the rear suspension transmits some road feedback. However, this is considered normal for pickup trucks. When passing speed bumps, the suspension rebounds quickly without excessive wobbling. For off-road capability, the full-time four-wheel drive system paired with 286mm ground clearance ensures minimal wheel slipping when tackling muddy roads or light cross-axle terrains. The electronic limited-slip system intervenes promptly, allowing the vehicle to handle most unpaved roads smoothly. The braking performance is stable, with the brake pedal providing moderate travel. Initial braking power is gentle, followed by a linear increase in the mid-range. During emergency braking, the vehicle maintains good body posture without significant nose-dive.

In terms of fuel consumption, based on combined testing in urban traffic, highway cruising, and country roads, the average fuel consumption is approximately 8.5L per 100 kilometers. With a fuel tank capacity of 80L, the vehicle achieves a range of about 940 kilometers on a full tank, meeting the needs for long-distance travel. The noise control performance is average. At speeds below 60 km/h, the primary noise inside the cabin comes from the tires. Once speeds exceed 80 km/h, wind noise and engine noise gradually become more noticeable, but they do not hinder normal conversation. Regarding seat comfort, the front seats are softly padded and provide adequate lumbar support, making long drives less tiring. The rear seatback angle is somewhat steep, comfortable for short trips, but may require adjusting the sitting position for longer journeys.

In summary, the 2023 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4V AT 4WD's core strengths lie in its balanced capabilities: reliable diesel powertrain, practical space, comprehensive safety features (7 airbags, vehicle stability control, lane departure assist, etc.), and exceptional off-road capability. Compared to other vehicles in the same class, its advantages include Toyota's renowned durability and the standard inclusion of safety features across all trims, while its price is mid-range among competing models, making it highly cost-effective. This vehicle is suitable for two types of users: families needing a combination of daily commuting and light off-roading, and small business owners who occasionally need to transport cargo. Overall, the Hilux 2.4V is a well-rounded and practical pickup truck without significant drawbacks, capable of meeting the diverse needs of most users.