2025 Toyota Hilux: The Good, the Bad, and What You Need to Know
The 2025 Toyota Hilux is a modern, rugged workhorse with key updates, including a new front grille, LED headlights, and upgraded tech. The TRD Pro Edition offers enhanced suspension and crawl control for off-road enthusiasts. The hybrid option improves fuel efficiency, while the Hilux has impressive towing capacity and advanced safety features.
The 2025 Hilux is part of the eighth generation, has been updated with sharper looks, better tech, and a new 48V mild-hybrid version of the 2.8-liter diesel engine. It is available in Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Europe, with South Africa receiving the special Hilux Legend 55 edition in July 2025.
Best Suited for
The 2025 Toyota Hilux is a reliable truck for tradespeople and farmers, offering high payload capacity and reliability on rough job sites or rural roads. Its 3.5 tonne towing capacity ensures safe hauling of gear, feed, and equipment. The Hilux, with its lifted suspension, grippy tires, and 4WD capability, is favored by adventure seekers for its ease of use in various environments. The SR5 trim of the Toyota Hilux offers comfort and tech while maintaining its rugged core, making it suitable for city drivers with active lifestyles. For more off-road trucks, check out the Toyota Hilux Champ and 2024 Toyota Tacoma reviews.
Fuel Consumption & Engine
The 2025 Toyota Hilux offers a range of engine options, including diesel, turbocharged, and a 48V mild-hybrid system, with a fully electric model expected by late 2025. The 2.4L turbo diesel offers 147 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque, and 15.9 km/L in 2WD, while the 2.8L turbo diesel GR Sport variant offers 221 hp, 405 lb-ft of torque, and 11.5 km/L, with a 10% efficiency improvement. The 2.7L petrol engine, boasting 164 hp, falls short in terms of economy, with an average speed of 9-10 km/L. The Hilux outperforms competitors like Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, and Ford Ranger, offering superior power and fuel economy, but with lower output.
Interior
The 2025 Toyota Hilux offers a combination of durability and comfort, with trim levels ranging from entry-level Active to higher trims, including leather seats, air conditioning, and heated options, for tough, work-focused use. Double-cab models offer legroom, upright rear seats, and tough plastics. Higher trims feature soft-touch materials and silver accents. Standard is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Hilux offers upper trims with dual-zone climate control, rear air vents, wireless phone charging, and a premium JBL audio system. Its cabin is tough enough for work and weekend use, providing comfort and tech for long drives.
Exterior
The 2025 Toyota Hilux offers a rugged, muscular exterior with distinct updates. The Active and Icon trims have a simpler black grille, while the GR Sport and Invincible have a bold black G-mesh grille with "TOYOTA" lettering. LED headlights and fog lights are standard, with GR Sport adding black bezels for sportiness. The body shape remains boxy, with wider tracks and higher ride height. Wheel options range from 16-inch steel to 18-inch alloys. The Hilux, with its aggressive stance and Dakar-inspired GR Sport cues, stands out from rivals like Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara, with colors like Glacier White, Frosted White, Stunning Silver, Eclipse Black, and Feverish Red.
Trim Levels
The 2025 Toyota Hilux is available in five trims: Active, Icon, Invincible, Invincible X, and GR Sport. Active is a basic workhorse with a 2.4L diesel engine, air conditioning, and Toyota Safety Sense 2. Icon offers an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, 17-inch alloys, and a reversing camera. Invincible offers 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, heated seats, and a choice between 2.4L or 2.8L diesel. Invincible X offers luxury with leather seats and a 360-degree camera. GR Sport is an off-road star with rugged upgrades. The Invincible trim offers standout performance and features.
Finally
The 2025 Toyota Hilux is a reliable, rugged workhorse with a sturdy ladder-frame chassis, a 2.8-liter diesel engine, and Dakar-tested durability. Despite lacking on-road comfort like rivals like the Ford Ranger, it offers no-frills functionality and unbeatable reliability, making it a reliable partner for those who value toughness over trends. You can now check the Toyota Hilux stocklist for more available models.
