Toyota Hilux REVO Buyer's guide review

Japanese vehicles are renowned for their reliability, innovation, and fuel efficiency, with leading brands dominating the global market. Toyota stands out as the world's largest automobile manufacturer, known for maintaining a strong reputation for quality and durability. The year 1968 marked a significant milestone in automotive history with the introduction of the Toyota Hilux. In 2015, the company launched its 8th generation. There are several distinct models including the VIGO, REVO, ROCCO, and GR-SPORT. The Hilux lineup includes various body types such as the single cab, double cab, and hybrid or smart cab. Among them, the double cab REVO stands out as the most preferred choice. It is a perfect balance between the luxurious base model RECCO and the sporty GR-SPORT. The REVO has a perfect blend of functionality, style, and advanced features. Today, we delve into the 2019 Toyota Hilux REVO double cab that has 60 years of continuous development.

The 8th generation Hilux has a 2.4-liter, 16-valve inline-4 engine with a dual overhead cam. It delivers 148 horsepower and an impressive 400 Nm of torque. The vehicle can reach 0 to 100 km/h in about 11 seconds with a top speed of 150 km/h. Designed with a focus on low-end torque, off-road capability, and towing capacity, the REVO may not excel in speed or acceleration. While the Hilux stands for high luxury, it lacks hydraulic struts for the trunk lid. Fuel consumption range varies from 10 to 13 km per liter, depending on driving conditions and mode, with the highest efficiency achieved in urban areas when in eco mode. The amazing 80-liter fuel tank minimizes the need for frequent refueling stops, providing peace of mind on longer journeys. The design and capabilities make the REVO an excellent choice for those prioritizing power over luxury features.

From the front view, the REVO has an imposing presence, typical of modern pickups. However, when compared to Rangers, its size is relatively small. There are functional grills to efficiently cool the radiator and engine. Despite being a 2019 model, its daytime running lights (DRL) and halogen headlights lack the luxury expected for the era.

The Toyota Hilux, renowned for its modifiability, consists of 17-inch rims. The length of the pickup is the same across all the four models. However, the company offers variations in the rear bed size. With a standard ground clearance of approximately 310mm, the vehicle is well-suited for off-roading or over-landing adventures. Additionally, the ground clearance can be increased for enhanced capability. The rear double wishbone suspension system is designed to provide a comfortable ride.

The simple rear view of the vehicle has large headlights and a convenient footrest for easy entry, typical of standard pickups. It has a leaf spring suspension system, without the wishbone or double wishbone setups, making it well-suited for heavy-duty and off-road use. As a result, the ride of the REVO does not remain comfortable when the vehicle is carrying a load.

The cabin, supported by struts, has two side openings for easy loading and unloading. As with all Toyota models, the lower part of the door is solid. With approximately 1000 liters of space, the boot is ideal for a camping night. There are convenient tethering points for securing cargo. The deck can comfortably carry loads up to 450 kg, nearly half a ton, without any issues. For heavier needs, a tow hitch can be attached to handle up to 3 tons of weight at the rear.

The mid-range luxury vehicle, the REVO has a leather interior complemented by some plastics. The sized steering wheel, wrapped in leather provides easy control. It has a hydraulic power system that is found in electric vehicles to get the feeling when driving off-road. There are controls on the steering wheel for call answering, volume adjustment, and mode switching. The dashboard interface combines physical dials with a digital information display. The digital dials showcase temperature, fuel levels, RPM, and speed. Centralized within the display, additional information such as mileage, trip meter, and door status can be accessed. The key details are readily available through the settings menu allowing the driver to manage essential functions without distraction. There is an adjustable lock mechanism on the steering wheel enabling forward/backward and up/down positioning. The air conditioning vents are nicely positioned for maximum efficiency and ease of adjustment. There is a customizable space for an infotainment system. As Japanese vehicles often come with systems in Japanese, the adaptability allows owners to install user-friendly systems, ensuring seamless use of features like maps without language barriers.

The vehicle has elegant side panels on the doors and two sturdy grab handles for easy entry. It offers considerable leg space and comfortable seats. While the driver lacks a face mirror, the passenger is provided with one, but without a light. The front interior includes standard cup holders and a designated spot for a mobile phone, though it lacks wireless charging capabilities. All other control options are conveniently located below the climate control setup, with practical buttons that suit a pickup's need for balancing work and life. The front cabin is separated into two spacious parts, each accessible through its own door. Additionally, the middle of the rear seats has a cabin space equipped with a 12V power outlet and a 100W output plug. The center cabin includes a smooth, comfortable armrest with quality leather. Although the REVO is a vehicle about five years old, everything in the vehicle feels pleasant to the touch, and all necessary features are present. While pickups are not typically used for luxury experiences, the absence of some points does not negatively affect the overall experience of the vehicle.

The rear interior of the Hilux REVO, while not as spacious as an SUV, offers leg space similar to that of a car. Though it may not be the most comfortable, it is reasonable for a pickup. The rear passengers also benefit from two grab handles, solid upholstery, and a pouch on the back of the front seat. There is a convenient hook for hanging items. The climate control setup is located in the middle. All three rear seats come with headrests. When the middle seat is unoccupied, an armrest with cup holders can be found. But it is without latches or a handle. However, it is quite comfortable. Toyota has efficiently and minimally provided all necessary features. There are hidden latches for securing a baby seat. However, they are not as user-friendly as those in vehicles after 2015 because the Toyota Company is not going to update the vehicle yearly. The child seat can be attached to either of the rear two seats. There is considerable head space for passengers. Overall, the Toyota Hilux is a satisfactory vehicle, offering a comfortable ride.

The Toyota Hilux REVO offers a perfect blend of luxurious look and feel. With its manual matic system and eco mode, it gives both efficiency and power preferences. When it is in the eco mode, the speed doesn’t increase at once although the driver accelerates it. It sends the throttle response through a computer and decides how much fuel it needs to get the performance of the vehicle. Switching to the manure matic or the sports mode, the power it gives is more than decent for a 2-liter inline 4 diesel engine. According to the length of the pickup, the turning radius is at the expected manageable level. There is a mechanical hand brake that perfectly suits SUVs and pickups. The brake response may feel slightly sluggish due to its combination of disk and drum brakes. As Toyota Company is not going to update its vehicles, the 2019 Hilux delivers a driving experience similar to a vehicle of 2010. The main advantage of the Hilux REVO is its exceptional visibility of the road ahead. Because of the height and the high seating position, the driver can easily manage the gap between the front vehicles. But the rear view is not sufficient. It allows for fixing an aftermarket camera system for the vehicle. With the automobile experience of so many years, the Toyota Company has given a perfect riding experience. While the Hilux REVO may not be the most luxurious found in its counterparts, it is in the place in the heart of the mid-range category.

As of June 2024, the average Sri Lankan market price for the Toyota Hilux REVO lies around 26 million LKR depending on its condition. You can find the latest price with more details and cars of this model for sale from the following link Toyota Hilux Revo Latest Price