October 27, 2015

Review: 2015 Toyota Hilux 4x2 G M/T

Photos by Ulysses Ang
Sometimes, you just don’t see the point of pickup trucks especially if they’re used for more than just hauling stuff. Consider this: our roads are overly crowded and then you just had to drive a five-plus meter long vehicle that offers about the same level of interior space as a compact and a versatility factor reduced by about 40 percent given the cargo bed isn’t useful in the urban jungle (unless you want your stuff getting wet or stolen). It makes you think: you should have gotten an SUV in the first place.

But times are changing and so is the pickup truck. Today, people are embracing it as something of a lifestyle choice. It’s the hipster car: a rolling proof that you enjoy backyard barbecues and quiet hikes in the great outdoors. It’s now become equal parts workhorse and equal parts family car. Understanding this phenomenon leads us to the 2015 Toyota Hilux.



Taking a complete departure from its tough-as-nails looking predecessor (and even rivals), the Hilux instead embraces a much more emotional or dare I say it, feminine design. With a chief designer being a self-proclaimed “passenger car guy”, the Hilux does look it: a raised and buffed up passenger car. It’s less angular and upright and more arrow-shaped. The thick, tapered bumper and thin set of headlights and bright work make it look more Corolla than FJ Cruiser. The blistered wheel arches and curved rear glass are reminiscent of the North American Tacoma so at least you know it’s a global thing. The lines are largely love or hate this time around, but there’s some reason behind this madness. The heavily tapered bumper and raised corners for example, allows the Hilux to traverse steep grades without fear of having its front-end getting ripped out.

While the Hilux’s exterior is polarizing, the passenger car-like cabin execution is very welcome. Hopping aboard blindfolded, you can easily mistake the interior to be something straight from a Corolla or Camry. Granted the materials used are still quite hard to the touch, at least there’s boat loads of style everywhere you look. The all-black motif is nicely brightened up by the different aluminum-like highlights as well as the piano black accents on the dashboard itself. Speaking of the dashboard, the asymmetric design works well to give it stellar ergonomics. With the exception of the AVT-sourced touchscreen; everything is operable at a glance. Single-handedly though, the best part of the cabin is the driving controls. The LED backlit instrument cluster (complete with a nifty 4.2-inch colored TFT display sandwiched in the middle) feels very upscale; the thick-rimmed four-spoke wheel is nice to hold and offer extensive adjustment thanks to the tilt/telescopic column; and the front seats are surprisingly supportive even for a whole day of crawling in urban traffic.



As with any other pickup, cargo versatility is limited unless you happen to frequent Home Depot. However, it does have one trick up its sleeve and that’s a single action 60/40 split-folding rear seat. An improvement over the previous Hilux, this system folds the seat cushion upward, perfect for loading stuff like potted plants or groceries. The under seat cubby holes are also perfect for smuggling things through checkpoints (it also reveals the toolbox and jack).

Given the extensive competition out there, Toyota has actually gone on a limb and equipped the Hilux with all-new drivetrains. Thus, you really don’t know what to expect in terms of performance and fuel efficiency. But after spending some time, it can definitely be concluded: this 2.4-liter engine is the best one fitted to a pickup yet. The 2GD-FTV won’t win in terms of outright power or torque figures: considering it tops out at 147 horsepower at 3,400 rpm and 400 Nm at 1,600 to 2,000 rpm, but it wins hands down in quietness and refinement. In other words, Toyota has traded in paper worthy numbers for actual usable performance.



There’s good tractive push at every speed and it’s especially so when felt from a standstill. This is one diesel that loves to rev and doesn’t rely simply on boost to get things going. What’s more, Toyota has introduced a selectable drive mode located in front of the shifter. It has three modes: Normal, Eco, and Power that noticeably changes the sensitivity of the throttle pedal. In Eco or Normal, it feels perfectly suited and smooth for everyday use, but it gets a bit raunchy and rough in Power Mode. Whatever the mode though, the engine is quiet and regular conversation can actually be carried out even at full throttle.

The previous-generation Hilux’s biggest weakness is the refinement of the manual gearbox, or rather, the lack of it. This time though, it’s fairing much, much better. The new 6-speed manual still has long throws, but the engagement this time is positive and crisp making it livable even when doing continuous rope-a-dope rowing action in three-hour traffic jams. The spacing between gears is much more even, particularly with the first gear being now more of a proper gear as opposed to “use only when towing”. Surprisingly enough, as you go up, the spacing gradually becomes taller and taller with sixth rarely being engaged in the urban setting. That said, even with an average speed of just 14 km/h, it does 10.20 km/L in the city climbing up to 17.86 km/L on the highway. The final average is 13.88 km/L.



The basic platform is what all other pickups are made of: Double Wishbones upfront and Leaf Springs at the back, so one can expect the same sort of ride. Surprisingly though, it does have a better-than-average low speed ride. It’s still not as plush as a typical SUV, but it manages to soak up overnight potholes very well. However, as the speeds increase, the bumps do get magnified tenfold. This is especially true when hitting small, undulating surfaces such as broken pavement or concrete ribs at 60 km/h where it tends to jar over them. In fact, the entire body seems to shimmy and rattle. In terms of handling, it’s a lot more stable and secure in tackling bends and curves. There’s still some propensity to understeer and the steering takes a couple of turns to get the body where you want it, but generally, it’s come a long way since the previous generation. Oh, and the brakes bite very well.

The Toyota Hilux’s almost car-like execution to its design and engineering is aimed squarely at people who look at pickups as more than just beasts of burden. It’s still no SUV in terms of its comfort, but it can get pretty close sometimes. More than anything, the Hilux manages to become the new breed of pickups: it’s become a true dual-purpose machine. Not only will owners want something to haul cargo occasionally, it can ferry people comfortably as well; and if needed, in a single go. In that respect, the Hilux does what it’s intended to do. It’s not the perfect choice out there (it does lack in interior toys for the price for one), but it does make up for it with the great new powertrain, surprisingly good fuel economy, and improved handling. Some will never get the reason to own a pickup truck, but for those coming from a passenger car and want to try out the lifestyle, the Hilux is certainly the right place to start.



2015 Toyota Hilux 4x2 G
Ownership 2015 Toyota Hilux 4x2 G
Year Introduced 2015
Vehicle Classification Pickup
The Basics
Body Type 4-door + 1 tailgate pickup
Seating 5
Engine / Drive F/R
Under the Hood
Displacement (liters) 2.4
Aspiration Direct Injection, Turbo
Layout / # of Cylinders I4
BHP @ rpm 147 @ 3,400
Nm @ rpm 400 @ 1,600 - 2,000
Fuel / Min. Octane Diesel
Transmission 6 MT
Cruise Control No
Dimensions and Weights
Length (mm) 5,335
Width (mm) 1,855
Height (mm) 1,815
Wheelbase (mm) 3,085
Curb Weight (kg) 1,860
Suspension and Tires
Front Suspension Independent, Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension Leaf Springs
Front Brakes Vented Disc
Rear Brakes Drum
Tires Dunlop Grandtrek AT 265/65R17 T (f & r)
Wheels Alloy
Safety Features
Airbags 3
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Yes
Traction / Stability Control No
Parking Sensors No
Exterior Features
Headlights Halogen
Fog Lamps Yes, Front
Auto Lights No
Auto Wipers No
Interior Features
Steering Wheel Adjustment Tilt/Telescopic
Steering Wheel Material Leather
Seating Adjustment Manual
Seating Surface Fabric
Folding Rear Seat Yes, 60/40
On-Board Computer Yes
Convenience Features
Power Steering Yes
Power Door Locks Yes
Power Windows Yes
Power Mirrors Yes
Climate Control Yes
Audio System Stereo
DVD
MP3
Aux
USB
Bluetooth
GPS
No. of Speakers 6
Steering Wheel Controls Yes

83 comments:

  1. ang mahal naman ng 4x2 G A/T.........

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  2. "this 2.4-liter engine is the best one fitted to a pickup yet". Na over look po yata yung spec sheet na 2.5.

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    1. Yes I did. Spec sheet corrected.

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    2. Respect lang po sana may sumagot ng ayos. Pag dating sa fuel, comportable ride, lamig ng ac, low matainance, laki ng 2nd row. Ano po nissan np300 4x2 at calibre or hilux 4x2 g at ?

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  3. A passenger car guy designing a pick up. No wonder he comes up with a feminine design. Way to go Toyota. That's why the Ford Ranger is the no.1 pick with the Colorado, Frontier and even DMax not far behind because they know the reasons why people want and buy a pick up. A pick up ought to be tough, not feminine. Perhaps the designer guy is better off designing a sedan ar a station wagon.

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    1. The No.1 status of the Ranger won't last long for 2 reasons. 1. It has matched the Hilux Pricing. 2. Upgrade of the D-max (from 2.5 to 3.0) with value pricing.

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    2. The KING is dEAd!

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    3. in australia, hilux is the king.

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    4. bakla ang designer nito

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    5. They ran out of ideas and decided to copy the all-new Celerio's front.

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    6. I dont think the king is dead... the 3.2 ranger is almost the same Torque and RPM bandwith in hilux 2.8... but look at the big diff, 5piston against 4.. 3.2 agains 2.8 yet Torque is 470 against 450.. rpm bandwidth= 1700-2700 against 1600-2600.... a horsepower is a product of rpm and torque over constant.. 200 against 178... by just looking that torque and rpm bandwidth, the two will be equalled... After 2-3yrs, that ranger will goes down... coz we know the reliability, endurance, durability of toyota.. thats what make them no.1

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  4. The engine is actually 2.4, Not 2.5. You're the one that should read the brochure, not the writer. And to all the people that says the Ranger or other pickups is better that the Hilux. If you're talking about the features or the performance figures, You're right. But Lets see in 10-15 years who really is better.

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    1. Yes it a 2.4. Apologies for that error in the spec sheet. Did the corrections already.

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  5. Hilux 4x2 g a/t vs Navara 4x2 el a/t vs etc(4x2).....
    Which do you prefer guys?
    i am planing to buy a pick up.

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    1. I choose Navara. especially with the 153K price difference vs. Hilux

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    2. Me too... Navara!

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    3. No brainer. Hilux is the only trusted name in pickup. Believe me!

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    4. if the All new BT-50 vs Hilux and navara? which do you prefer...

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    5. 1. Ranger
      2.Hilux
      3. All of the above!

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    6. Its not that I already owned a NP300 NAVARA EL Calibre 4X2.My Logical reasons why I bought one:

      1. The Price to Hilux..
      2. Engine Specs. ( Have drives Hilux 4X2)is above
      3. Ride confort

      If we say Hilux will last 15 years and NP300 only for 10 then I suppose your not keeping the Pickup that long if you have the money to buy one. We might be using water for fuel by that time. Just my opinion. Thanks.

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  6. I hope toyota leveled the specs up. Even the G variant 4X4 dosen't even have projector headlights :( You can't trick us toyota philippines you can't

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    1. Yep...I was wondering why the top of the line 4x4 2.8 G A/T doesn't have the LED DRLs like the ones issued in other countries. And the headlamps are still halogen???

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  7. Wow! Volkswagen front face.

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  8. Toyota Hilux, ang pick-up ng mga abusado sa kalsada. Mga mahilig mang-ipit at magpabilis, akala mo kung mga sino. Ugaling jeepneys din eh.

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    1. Mabilis lang po talaga ang Hilux. That's my belief then before I got hold of a Hilux and a Fortuner. They are really fast and probably they are singled out because as much as 50% of the SUV and pickup being sold are coming from Fortuner and Hilux, respectively! So marami lang talaga and Fortuner at Hilux! Matitibay kasi!

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    2. Mabilis? Eh hindi nga makaabot sa 4d56 vgt yang mga yan sa race

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    3. Yung 30 years old 4D56 na maingay at mausok? No thanks. Brand new pa lang mausok na.

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    4. Pareha lang yang makina ninyo, mga bulok at mauusok. Akala mo mga race car kuno ang minamaneho, nagpapabilis pa, grabe mag overtake, pag nabitin, bilga kang ika-cut. Barumbado lahat ng mga malalaking sasakyan, lalo na yang mga Hilux at Fortuner. I myself drive a Lancer EX 2.0L, wala naman yang sinabi kapag makikipag karera sila sa akin.

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    5. Hindi kasi yan pang karera eh, Pick up yan uLOL!

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    6. True. Daming mga leche nag-dridrive ng Fortuner at Hilux na parang mga jeepney driver. Trying hard masyado mag-drive ng mabilis pero pag nasa-highway na ang bagal nila. They're just risking lives by driving like idiots in city traffic because of too much male bravado.

      The truth is, previous gen Hilux and Fortuner use trashy old diesel engines that have poor performance and cause major pollution. They are unrefined, like majority of the people who own them. Mga hampaslupa kasi sila na concern lang nila ay kung tatagal ng 20+ years ang kotse. Cars are supposed to be replaced with newer, more efficient and environmentally friendly models every 5 or so years.

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    7. Environmentally friendly? Mas bagay sayo maglakad o magbisekleta para more efficient. Kung makapagsalita ka parang ikaw lang naman ang hampaslupa at walang pinag-aralan. Katulad mo ang dapat pinapalitan every 2 years. Haha

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    8. KAYO PALA ANG BASHERS NG TOYOTA, MITSUBISHI & CHEVROLET.

      FANS PALA KAYO NG FORD, ISUZU & MAZDA.

      KAHIT KELAN MGA BASHERS KAYO!!!

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  9. Hilux and the Strada are sisters.

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    1. Strada's are only for girls (Comfy ride and Easy carlike ride). Not for real men. Pure and built offroad/workhorses are Ranger, Hilux, Dmax and Colorado.

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  10. Is the third airbag for the knees of the driver?

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  11. i do wish toyota would go back to the design of the pick up truck in the back to the future movie, that truck really looks mean, and if no one will say it i would, this pick up kicked the hamvees and the defenders arse in a battlefield, just can't kill a toyota pick up truck, can't say that with a ranger, dmax or strada

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  12. I'd go for the Mitsubishi Strada any day. Its roomier and it's value for your money. It's the epitome of a pick-up truck with great pulling power. The rest are sissies.

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    1. the strada is the ugliest out of all the pick-ups available locally

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  13. I'd go for the Mitsubishi Strada any day. Its roomier and it's value for your money. It's the epitome of a pick-up truck with great pulling power. The rest are sissies.

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    1. Mitsubishi Strada's only for girls not for real boys. Those comfy and easy carlike ride. Unlike the pure offroad/workhorses and tough built Ranger, Hilux, Dmax and Colorado.

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  14. The latest Strada and Navara are "soft" trucks. Gone are the days of the '90s-era L200 and Frontier. D-max and Hilux are the choice of mining companies. Ford, excellent in marketing.

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    1. buy a hilux or dmax if you sell pigs and cows. Or if you sell drinking water by the gallon. Buy a strada or navara if you drive it daily. of course, we want to arrive in good shape. Hauling some goods once in a while. Why suffer the bad ride? Our car lasts more than 15 years, may it be a toyota or mitsubishi or nissan

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    2. Buy Mazda BT and Ranger if you sell charcoal

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    3. Mas ok pa magtinda ng pigs, cows and charcoal sa mga panahon na 'to kay pumasok sa opisina. Wala pera ordinaryong empleyado, sweldo mo pambayad lang ng loan. Magnegosyo kayo, para dun na kayo sa page ng LC200, 300C, Bantayga etc. nagcocomement...kasi ganun na mga dinadrive nyo.

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    4. Ayus karin eh ..I.. wag mo igeneralized ung mga empleyado. ulol

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    5. Right. It is better to sell "pigs and cows" nowadays. As for the hilux, I like the balance of refinement and toughness. When a pickup becomes too "soft" does the dna of being a pickup still present? Real pickups must have leaf spring in the same sense that real men must have balls. Just my opinion.

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    6. Yun nga eh, iba ang pick ups nung 90's, parang mas matibay non kesa ngayon. We had a mitsubishi strada before, we used it for hauling construction materials, 30 bags na cement, scaffholdings, tubular frames, etc. We had it for almost 15 years. Nagamit ko pa nung college ako sa mga baha sa labas ng ust. Nabenta ko this year. Pinag pilian ko pang palit namin strada or hilux. Para sa akin sa reputation ok siya pareho kasi may mga nakikita pa ako ngayon na mga 90's na strada and hilux. End up ko hilux kasi napansin ko sa mga montero at strada medyo bago model medyo usok na. And sa design medyo may feminine na design ang strada, which is good for ladies na gusto ng pick up.

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  15. Available pickups in the market have different personalities. Consider your intended use. What's great is that we are given choices.

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    Replies
    1. ang dami mong alam...... i list mo nalang dito ung mga personality + car which match those personalities. ..I..

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    2. said like a true fruitcake

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  16. The New Toyota Hilux looks good with the new Engine but the only thing i'd dont like is the rear passenger. How come to say riding the new hilux feel comfortable and smooth while the rear passenger sobrang sikip for adults. For me and for those family planning to buy pick up, i think no way for hilux,

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  17. For toughness ride choose Hilux, Ranger, Dmax and Colorado. For those who like daily efficient ride choose Strada and Navara. They are good in soft offroading.

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  18. soon in 3 weeks time i will have to drive my all new hilux 2.8 4x4 G.i hope hindi ako nagkamaling pumili.. hinahabol ko lang sa hilux ay ang durability na mag last for many years..at mas affordable ang mga spare parts.

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  19. Chain driven or timing belt?

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  20. Kelan ba may totoong lalake ngayon eh kung may bagong model ang hinahanap parking sensors, stability control, HID, DRL, rear camera, entertainment, comfy ride, GPS, airbags, etc etc kukunti lang yung techy when it comes to engine specs. Pa macho2x pa kayo pero halos boong buhay ng pick up nasa metropolitan area lang. I bet most of you dont know how to drive in real rough roads. So you think you need all those features?! Bakla kayong lahat. Hahahaha kakaawa kayo. Ang totoong lalake hindi kailangan ang mga kaek ekan na yan.

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    Replies
    1. Kahit owner-type jeep lang pag ang katabi mo naman ay si Priscilla Almeda

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    2. Boy! Masyado ka na matanda para sa usapan dito! Priscila Almeda mo lola na ngaun! Hahaha
      Sam Pinto, Marian Rivera at bubble gang girls na ngaun ang in... Grow up boy! ��

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    3. Pak ganern!!!! Bongga!

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  21. I just noticed, it has corduroy seats. Hahaha!

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  22. It's easy to look at and much better looking than the Strada. This Hilux is a nice and very ideal truck for interior designers, antique dealers, floral arrangers, landscape designers, and pamintas.

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  23. That cooler box was hit on spot for thirsty travelers who wants cold and hot beverages , good job Toyota

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  24. Respect lang po sana may sumagot ng ayos. Pag dating sa fuel, comportable ride, lamig ng ac, low matainance, laki ng 2nd row. Ano po nissan np300 4x2 at calibre or hilux 4x2 g at ?

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    Replies
    1. Mas mainam ang TOYOTA HILUX dahil 5.8 Kilometers per Liter, Low Maintenance cost, & Value for Money!

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  25. It's a funny coincidence that me and my friends know this guy whom we suspected to be gay bought a black Toyota Hilux. Alam na.

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  26. the ranger wildtrak is the new king hands down!

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  27. the ranger wildtrak is the new king hands down!

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  28. Dear All,

    Just stock between the Two Variants from Ford and Toyota, Just an honest Advice as which is better when it comes to Engine Durability and Comfort Ride Between the Ford Ranger 2.2 4x2 MT XLT and Toyota Hilux 2.4 G MT, Thanking in advance.

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  29. I had my Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 pickup 1997 model with 31x10.5R15 tires and still in good running condition and very reliable when it comes to offroad and difficult terrain but am planning to replace it with toyota hilux G kasi medyo luma na...

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    Replies
    1. Hindi po medyo luma... Talagang luma na yan at magdadalawang dekada na yan... Hehehe

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  30. pasensya na wala ako masyadong knowledge about cars.
    tanong lang po ano maganda bilhin Hilux 2.4 G MT or AT or Hilux 2.8 G MT or AT?
    Thanks :)

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  31. Friendly advice Buddy, Go for the Hilux 2.4 G Auto (sequential Auto or Tipronic clutchless manual) if you prefer 4x2. But If you are into 4x4 go for the 2.8 G Auto. You won't regret your purchase of the New unbreakable, Invincible HiLux. It is worth the wait of 10 years. Engine took 10 years to perfect at the Toyota Industrial Truck engine factory in Aichi Japan. Designed in Australia at Melbourne Global Design Centre by Hiroki Nakajima. Sequential Auto gearbox similar to Toyota Lexus and Highlander. Interior was inspired from the Camry. Successfully torture tested in unforgiving Australian desert and flooded, red-earth, rocky country side. Exported to 180 countries globally. You cannot go wrong, Buddy. Cheers from the Outback Master.

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  32. Hi mga sir/ car experts! Im planning to sell my 2011 Glx strada MT. Plan ko sna magpalit ng Hilux revo, kso hndi p ko dcided if 2.4G mt or auto kkunin ko, nsanay ksi ako sa manual lang. Anu po b advantage and disadvantge mga ka-carguide? Isa pang concern ko is hindi kaya ang bagal ng 2.4G? Kaya nsa option ko din ang 2.8G kaso ph300k ang diffrence eh wala naman sila pinagkaiba pagdating sa interior, sa engine lng tlga... Pls. Help me mga ka-carguide! TIA

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  33. One thing pa, may lalabas nga b new hilux design by the end of this year or early nxt yr? Sabi kasi may palabas daw na 2017 hilux.. Tnx

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  34. Lakas nyo mang lait sa strada e binibili pa rin naman ng KARAMIHAN (next to hilux and ranger) mas madami pang strada kaysa sa d-max at navara nyo. Proven vgt engine yan, value for money at hindi TINIPID sa features, palitan mo lang ng black trim yung grille nya okay na, at hindi din magpapa-iwan sa hatawan. P1,280,000(discounted SRP from Citi) for a 4x4 178hp 400nm truck?!? Di na masama �� peace!

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  35. My family really cannot decide between 2016 Hilux 4x2 G AT and 2016 Ranger Wildtrak 4x2 MT.
    I would also like to add, is the 2016 ranger as controversial in terms of reliability as compared to the 2011-2015 ranger?

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  36. Oh pano yan malapit ng ilabas ang Mivec diesel ng Strada? 2.4 lang yet mas powerful ketsa GD1. Hmmm

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  37. What's the difference between TOYOTA HILUX 4x2 E 2.4 Dsl M/T and TOYOTA HILUX 4x2 J 2.4 Dsl M/T please? Salamat sa sasagot.

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