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The Good: Durable, interior space
The Bad: Heavy steering, lacks some off-road kit
The Say: Balances comfort and practicality.
Go For: 3.0 G
Avoid: 2.7 G
Price Range: P580,000-P1,100,000
Our Rating: ***
Related Reviews:
None as of the Moment
Car Choices:
A general rule with pick-up trucks: head to and buy the diesels. However in the case of the Hilux, there are two diesel engines worth considering as a used purchase. First available from launch is the 163hp 3.0 4-cylinder which provides power in any rpm range and despite only available with 4WD, this is what we recommend. If you can find one, then the upgraded 2.5 which churns out 142hp is worth going if you do not need 4WD. This engine was added in September 2012 and only available in the E and G 2WD. If you can, steer clear of the 101hp 2.5 which struggles to accelerate even without load.
There exists a gasoline engine in the form of a 160hp 2.7 4-cylinder. Avoid this one since it guzzles fuel in a faster rate unless you have these three valid reasons: you are allergic to diesel, want the convenience of an automatic, and not needing 4WD.
Various updates were done in September 2008, February 2010, August 2011, and September 2012 with either cosmetic changes, equipment additions, or engine upgrades done during these dates. First in the list is the basic J which gets steel wheels, power steering, folding rear bench with under storage, fabric seats, CD player (cassette tuner for pre-September 2008 models) and added in 2010 is a driver's airbag. E adds step boards (later dropped), power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, keyless entry, alarm, dual glove box, power outlet with lighter, and alloy wheels with ABS brakes and a driver's airbag added in 2008 and USB connectivity in 2011. G 4x2 can be had with either the 2.7 gasoline (2005-September 2008) or 2.5 diesel (September 2008 and onward) plus a driver's airbag, and on board computer while step boards are added in 2008 and Bluetooth in 2011. G 4x4 gives you the 3.0 engine and dual airbags plus for September 2012 and later models, a touchscreen monitor with GPS navigation.