Undeniable durability and reliability, on road comfort and off road ability (Toyota Hilux Double Cab)

Member Name: sax_man_al

Product:	Toyota Hilux Double Cab
Date:	10/08/09 (140 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Economical, great off road, comfortable, reliable

Disadvantages: Useless jack, daft chrome

Whilst I don't own this vehicle I did have one for work for nearly 6 months and had to do a professional off road driving course too, which I would definately recommend.

Toyota's are legendary for their durability (see top gear!) and reliability. Their excellence is evident from their use by Arctic Trucks when they convert cars for use in extremes such as the Arctic (see also top gear) and also at the South Pole (Amundsen/Scott race 08/09 support vehicles)!

From the outside this vehicle is nice, you can get lots of chrome but I don't go for that and rather the look of mud! Ours got the nickname the big red monster and was a pleasure to use almost every day

Getting in and out is easy enough, no where near the climb you get in a Landie. The seats are comfortable, and all the controls fall to hand easily. There is room for 4 comfortably, and 5 at a squeeze. For some long drives it was a pleasant vehicle, just like driving a car but with a better view. There were even handy cup holders and plenty of cubby space.

The pickup back is spacious and the carrying capacity is impressive as is the towing ability.

The turbo diesel engine is powerful and economical, although these large vehicles are never going to win awards for fuel economy this is definately one of the best for a big 4x4. Accelerating and overtaking were nice and quick and the cabin noise at 70mph was well controlled. Handling round the corners was also good, but obviously not as planted as a car.

In 2WD only the back wheels are powered, and when unloaded it's easy to get the rear wheels to scrabble if your right foot heavy. The back end is leaf sprung for durability, and the front has springs for comfort and control, a good combination used in pretty much all of this style vehicle. Switching to 4WD can be done on the move, but if you need low ratio then you should stop. On very steep stone and gravel low ratio was a godsend, providing safe climbs and descent over some tricky ground. 4WD high was used on normal rough tracks when it was muddy and icy, and also on virgin snow mountain passes, which were thankfully uneventful. We also had a rear diff lock for when it gets really serious, but never needed it.

The only downsides are the bottle jack which is only of use on flat ground, and the spare is underneath so not accessible in some situations. Also, the towbar sticks down and out the back quite a lot and restricts what you can do but is probably something everyone will have on this machine.

Summary: Possibly the best twin cab you can get

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