Toyota Hilux 2023 Review

2023 Toyota Hilux Single Cab 2.4 MT 4WD is a practical pickup truck that balances cargo carrying and light off-road capabilities. With durable mechanical quality, a spacious cargo bed, reliable four-wheel drive, and high cost-performance ratio, it is precisely tailored to meet the needs of small business owners.

RM 103,880-169,080

Toyota Hilux 2023

Segment

4x4

Body Type

Pickup

Capacity(L)

2.4,2.8

Engine Power(PS)

150,204

Engine Torque(Nm)

400,500

Transmission

MT,AT

View Toyota Hilux > View Full Specs >

Review

User Review

Specs

In the local market where commercial vehicles overlap with demands for tough off-road vehicles, single-cab pickup trucks have always been the core choice for balancing cargo capacity and light off-road capabilities — and the 2023 Toyota Hilux Single Cab 2.4 MT 4WD stands out as a popular candidate in this niche market. It continues the durability reputation of the Hilux series while precisely hitting the user pain points of "stable cargo transport and off-road capability" with its manual transmission and 4WD combination. In this test drive, we focus on verifying: Is its loading practicality strong enough? Is the off-road performance of the manual 4WD robust? Can its driving comfort meet the demands of both urban and suburban commutes?

In terms of appearance, the 2023 Single Cab maintains the rugged style of the Hilux family. The front features a large trapezoidal grille paired with a sturdy black front bumper that ensures high recognizability; the body side has straight lines, and its 5325mm length and 3085mm wheelbase provide ample cargo bed space. The 225/70R17C commercial vehicle tires emphasize durability. At the rear, the vertical taillights and simple rear bumper design focus on functionality without unnecessary decorations. The lighting system comes standard with halogen headlights and daytime running lights, meeting basic lighting needs. The overall design serves its functional purpose entirely, without ornate elements.

Opening the door, the interior's "utilitarian nature" is unmistakable. The dashboard is mainly made of hard plastic, with consistent seams. The materials are in line with the price point of a commercial vehicle. The layout is simple, with physical buttons concentrated around the central control area, and the manual air conditioner dials and gear lever are conveniently placed for operation, even with gloves. In terms of features, it comes standard with keyless entry, reminders for unbuckled front seat belts, and three airbags (driver, passenger, and knee), ensuring basic safety. The seats are fabric material, with the driver's seat supporting 4-way manual adjustment and the passenger seat 2-way manual adjustment. While the seats lack strong enveloping support, the firm cushioning helps prevent sagging during long drives. For storage, door panel compartments can hold large water bottles, while the central armrest box and passenger glove box offer ample space for storing documents or tools, maximizing practicality.

Space performance is one of the core advantages of the Single Cab. The front row offers spacious seating, with at least a fist's worth of headroom and legroom for a 180cm passenger. While the official dimensions of the cargo bed are not separately specified, based on the wheelbase and proportions, it can easily carry around 1.5 tons of cargo, making it suitable for small business owners transporting equipment or building materials. The minimum ground clearance of 269mm and the 4WD system ensure it can easily navigate suburban rough roads or unpaved paths without worrying about scraping the undercarriage.

For dynamic driving, the performance of the 2.4L diesel engine exceeded expectations. With 150PS of horsepower and 400Nm of torque, maximum torque is delivered at 1600rpm. Even when carrying half a ton of cargo, there is no lack of power if the clutch is operated properly during startup. The 6-speed manual transmission has clear gears with moderate shift distance, and the engagement point is easy to master, making it quick for beginners to adapt. When switching to 4WD mode, it handles muddy roads or moderate slopes smoothly, with power output steady and no slippage, proving its robust off-road capability.

In terms of handling, the steering is relatively heavy but precise, and the vehicle remains stable at high speeds without feeling floaty. The combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear leaf spring non-independent suspension results in some bumpiness when driving over speed bumps with no load, but with a full load, the vehicle's posture is more stable, and vibration absorption feels more comfortable—typical commercial vehicle tuning logic. Regarding fuel consumption, we conducted a simple test, and under a combined urban commuting and suburban cargo transport route, the fuel consumption was about 8.5L per 100 kilometers. The 80L fuel tank capacity supports a range of nearly 900 kilometers, reducing the frequency of refueling.

In terms of driving comfort, the single-cabin structure provides better cabin noise control than expected. The idling noise of the diesel engine is not very noticeable, and while wind noise and tire noise slightly increase at high speeds, it remains within an acceptable range. The seats, though firm, offer sufficient support, ensuring no discomfort even after driving continuously for three hours. It’s worth mentioning that the manual parking brake is easy to operate, and the vehicle remains stable even when parked on slopes.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2023 Toyota Hilux Single Cab 2.4 MT 4WD are clear: durable mechanical quality, spacious cargo capacity, solid off-road performance, and a price of 103,800 RM, which is nearly 14,000 RM cheaper than the Double Cab 2.4E MT 4WD of the same series, giving it a standout price-performance ratio. Compared to competitors in the same class, its brand reputation and after-sales network are additional benefits, making it suitable for small business owners who need to balance daily cargo transport with occasional off-road requirements, or professionals frequently working in suburban construction sites.

If you need a "capable, no-nonsense, low-maintenance" work vehicle, this Hilux Single Cab is undoubtedly a choice you cannot overlook. It doesn't come with flashy configurations, but every design aspect serves a practical purpose, making it a reliable and "stable" option in this niche market.

Pros

The safety configuration is practical and reliable, with functions such as ABS, vehicle stability system, and hill start assist responding promptly.

The power performance is strong, with the 2.8T diesel engine providing ample torque, suitable for overtaking, climbing, and complex road conditions.

The space is practical and flexible, with large rear seats that can be folded, meeting both passenger and cargo needs.

Cons

Some models have insufficient airbags, such as no rear side airbags in the Rogue version and no reverse radar in the Single Cab version.

There is a large use of plastic in the interior, and some models have manually adjusted seats, lacking the convenience of electric adjustment.

Some models have missing configurations, such as the absence of a USB charging port in the Single Cab version and a relatively small central control screen in the Double Cab 2.4V.

Overall Rating

4.5

Excellent

From 5 Reviews

Section Rating

Performance

4.8 / 5

Interior Design

4.2 / 5

Safety

4.6 / 5

Exterior Design

4.6 / 5

Showing 5 reviews

4 Excellent

CRV_4WD

Owner of 2023 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4E AT 4WD

As the owner of the 2023 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4E AT 4WD, after driving in Malaysia for more than half a year, I’d like to talk most about the interior and safety aspects. I would rate the interior a 4 out of 5, overall quite satisfactory. After all, the Hilux is positioned as a utility vehicle + family car, so there are indeed many plastic parts, but fortunately, the build quality is solid, and the seams are all very uniform, unlike some cars that feel loose over time. I often take my family on long drives along the East Coast Highway, and the rear bench seat is wide enough to comfortably seat three adults without feeling cramped. Moreover, the rear seats can be folded up, which is very convenient when occasionally carrying small cargo. The manual air conditioning may not be as advanced as an automatic system, but the knob has a nice resistance to it, and in Malaysia's year-round hot weather, the cooling speed is quick, which I really appreciate. The only minor regret is that the seats are manually adjustable, which isn’t as convenient as electric adjustment, but considering the price, it’s acceptable. As for safety, I must give it a full 5 points, it really makes me feel at ease. Last month, while driving on a rural road in Selangor, a stray dog suddenly darted out and when I braked urgently, the ABS and stability control system reacted very quickly, stopping the car steadily without skidding. Another time, I was taking my wife and children to Cameron Highlands and encountered a traffic jam while climbing a hill. The hill start assist was a huge help during takeoff, preventing the car from rolling back. What reassures me the most is the seatbelt reminder for all seats. My child often forgets to buckle up while sitting in the back, but the car will beep as soon as we start driving, forcing him to buckle up properly. The knee airbag and ISOFIX anchors are also very practical. Now, when taking my kid out, the child seat can be securely fixed in just a snap, without worrying about it coming loose. In a country like Malaysia with such complex road conditions, having these safety features really makes for a much more reassuring drive.

5 Excellent

WRX_VB

Owner of 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport 2.8 AT

As the owner of a 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport 2.8 AT, after driving it for more than half a year, I truly feel that this car fits perfectly in Malaysia! First, let’s talk about the appearance— the exclusive GR Sport kit is absolutely stunning. The black honeycomb front grille with the red GR badge, coupled with the 18-inch blackened wheels and side steps, gives it a super high turn-head rate when parked in the center of KL. Even the Malay uncle at the gas station praised it, saying “Cantik sangat!” (Very beautiful). The car's lines are rugged yet sporty, making it look nothing like a typical "utility truck." When taking the family to Genting Highlands over the weekend, driving alongside other SUVs on the winding mountain roads, it carried just as much presence. Now about the performance, the 2.8T diesel engine is simply the "best teammate" for local road conditions! Malaysian highways often have large trucks, but when you step on the accelerator during overtaking, the 500N·m of torque kicks in instantly at 1600 RPM, making overtaking clean and effortless, with no lag whatsoever. Last month, we went to a jungle campsite in Pahang involving bumpy dirt roads and steep slopes. After switching to the 4WD system, it was extremely stable, and the 279mm ground clearance easily handled rock piles. Even my friends who came along were amazed, saying, "This pickup is even better than my SUV!" The fuel consumption was also surprisingly good. In city traffic, it's about 9.2L/100km, whereas highway cruising gets you around 8.3L, almost the same as the official data. With an 80L fuel tank, you won’t need frequent refueling even during a road trip around Sabah—so worry-free! In summary, whether it’s daily commuting or outdoor adventures, this car performs flawlessly on Malaysian roads. Giving full marks for appearance and performance is absolutely not an exaggeration!

5 Excellent

PajeroV9

Owner of 2023 Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue AT 4WD

As the owner of a 2023 Hilux Rogue 2.8, having driven it in Malaysia for half a year, I genuinely feel this pickup truck was the right choice! First, let's praise the performance — the 2.8T diesel engine is incredible! When driving in Kuala Lumpur's congested city streets, the acceleration isn't sluggish, and overtaking is quick. On weekends, when I take my family to Genting Highlands or the East Coast, the 500N·m of torque handles hills effortlessly. Even when the vehicle is fully loaded with 5 people and luggage, there's no strain. Last month, during a trip to Sabah, I drove on some bumpy rural dirt roads. Once I switched to 4WD mode, the rough roads were no problem at all. With a ground clearance of 286mm, there's no need to worry about scraping the undercarriage. It's much more stable than my friend's urban SUV, and it absolutely deserves a 5-star rating! The exterior also deserves full marks! The tough body lines really stand out among all the small cars on the streets of Malaysia. With 18-inch large wheels and all-terrain tires, the truck pulls in a ton of attention when parked beneath the flats. Even my neighbors asked me where I bought it. As for safety, I'll deduct one point — although it comes standard with ACC cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, which make highway driving much more relaxing, it only has 3 airbags (driver's, passenger's, and knee). There's no side airbag for the rear seats, so I feel a bit concerned when my child sits in the back. However, other active safety features are comprehensive enough, so it's still quite reassuring to drive on a daily basis. A 4-star rating seems reasonable. Overall, this vehicle is really practical for Malaysia's road conditions. It's perfect for both family use and transporting goods!

5 Excellent

PenangRacer

Owner of 2023 Toyota Hilux Single Cab 2.4 MT 4WD

As the owner of the 2023 Toyota Hilux Single Cab 2.4 MT 4WD, after driving it for over half a year, I sincerely feel that this pickup truck is perfect for Malaysia's road conditions! First, let’s talk about the exterior, it’s a solid 5 stars with no complaints - the rugged lines combined with Toyota’s classic trapezoidal grille make it look extremely "manly and durable" when I drive it to the palm plantation construction site in Sabah. The body proportions are very well-balanced, and with 17-inch tires, it gets more head-turns driving on the bumpy industrial roads in Kuala Lumpur’s suburbs than regular trucks. Even the uncle at the gas station asked me if it was modified, but it’s actually this cool straight from the factory! The interior gets a 4-star rating, mainly focusing on practicality - there’s a lot of plastic material, but it’s durable! Since I often carry tools, there’s no worry about scratching the center console if my knees rub against it. The manually adjustable seats offer good support, and even during long drives from Penang to Ipoh, my back doesn’t feel sore. However, it would be more convenient if it had a USB charging port (as of now, I have to plug in a converter myself). Overall, the layout is intuitive, the gear lever and handbrake are in just the right positions, and long drives aren’t tiring at all, which scores big points from me. Safety-wise, it also deserves 4 stars - 3 airbags (driver, passenger, and knee) are pretty decent for a pickup truck. Once, I had to brake abruptly on a rainy highway in Selangor, and the ABS kicked in promptly without skidding. However, it would be even better if it had parking sensors, as the single cab’s long body makes reversing in Kuala Lumpur’s narrow Chinatown alleys nerve-wracking, requiring me to get out and check twice before moving. That said, the factory-installed steel leaf spring rear suspension is truly stable. Even when carrying half a ton of cargo over speed bumps on the East Coast roads, the body barely shakes, which gives a strong sense of safety. Overall, this pickup truck is designed for Malaysia's "construction site + highway + rural road" trifecta; it's durable and worry-free. I regret not buying it sooner!

5 Excellent

GLC43

Owner of 2023 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4V AT 4WD

As the owner of the 2023 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4V AT 4WD, having driven it in Malaysia for over half a year, what gives me the most peace of mind is its safety features! After all, the highways in Malaysia often have unexpected situations, such as motorcycles suddenly changing lanes on the North-South Expressway or the winding mountain roads on the east coast. With 7 airbags (including knee and rear head airbags) and vehicle stability control, during an emergency brake on the LDP highway in the rain last time to avoid an obstacle, the car stayed stable without skidding, which truly gave me a sense of security. When I usually take my family to Genting Highlands, the hill-start assist is also very practical, so I don’t have to worry about the car rolling backward. This feature is incredibly important for those of us who often go on long-distance drives. As for the interior, I’d rate it 4 stars, mainly because the materials used are indeed solid. For example, the seats are made of leather, and you won’t feel stuffy even after sitting for a long time. The front row is equipped with dual-zone air conditioning with rear vents, which is quite useful in Malaysia's tropical climate, so family members sitting in the back won't complain about the heat. However, the central control screen is only 6.75 inches, which feels a bit small when looking at navigation, and the instrument panel still uses traditional mechanical dials. It would be perfect if it were replaced with a full LCD display. But overall, for a pickup, this interior is already more refined than many other models in the same class, and it’s perfectly sufficient for daily use.