Used Toyota Hilux for sale: everything you need to know
The Hilux name has been around since the 1970s, and Toyota’s pickup has developed a reputation for being long-lasting itself - it’s tough and reliable, as well as being practical and hard-working. In recent years, Toyota has really expanded the range of models available, so whether you need a simple work truck or an all-purpose business and family vehicle, there should be a model to suit.
Trucks offer some tax advantages for business users, but modern refinements mean the Hilux is better suited to daily duties too than some of its predecessors - you can even find more luxurious or sporty trim lines in the current range. Even if you’re not benefitting from being able to write off the VAT, buying a used model can save thousands over a new one - read on to find out more about the current Hilux.
Should you buy a Toyota Hilux?
The Toyota Hilux is one of those safe bets in the used vehicle market. You’ll probably remember that legendary Top Gear sequence where they tried to destroy an older model and it just kept working, and another episode where the trio took one to the North Pole. And while your own uses might not be quite that extreme, the truck’s legendary reputation for toughness and reliability means more sensible use should be a doddle.
There’s a wide range of models to choose from, spanning the most basic working trucks to much better-equipped and more stylish options that may tempt some buyers from conventional SUVs - though while the Hilux drives well for a pickup, it’s still nothing like as refined or good to drive as a regular SUV, so it really is at its best being used to haul heavy stuff around.
The big four-cylinder diesel engines do the job, with big torque and tough transmissions, and standard, switchable four-wheel drive means the Hilux will go places you’d struggle to take a conventional SUV. The cabin feels well-built, though you’ll need to look to some of the upper trim levels for car-like toys and refinements, as cheaper versions can feel quite basic.
The big-seller in today’s pickup market is the Ford Ranger, and it’s well worth a look if you’re considering a Hilux - particularly if you want a truck with a bit of pizzazz, since the Ranger Raptor is far more serious as a performance machine than the GR Sport version of the Hilux. Others to consider are the Nissan Navara, Mercedes X-Class, and Mitsubishi L200.
What’s the best used Toyota Hilux model to buy?
If you’ve got the budget and the option, then the 2.8-litre diesel is the one we’d choose, given the extra power it offers and, perhaps because you don’t have to work it as hard for its performance, better economy too. Automatic models are a little quicker, and easier to use, so we’d also opt for that. With trim levels, it depends how you plan to use your Hilux, though Icon gets a few more toys than the Active, and Invincible is where our preferred 2.8-litre engine starts.
Used Toyota Hilux fuel economy and performance
- Toyota Hilux 2.4 D-4D diesel: The first of only two engines in the Hilux is a 2.4-litre turbodiesel with an output of 150PS, but more importantly 400Nm of torque. 0-62mph comes up in 13.2 seconds, while economy is 29.1mpg for the manual version 30.1mpg for the automatic.
- Toyota Hilux 2.8 D-4D diesel: With a larger 2.8-litre turbodiesel you get 204PS and up to 500Nm of torque with the automatic. 0-62mph now takes only 10.1 seconds, and economy is 33.2mpg for the manual, 30mpg for the auto.
What used Toyota Hilux trim levels are available?
The Hilux range covers everything from a basic truck purely aimed at tradespeople, to more luxurious and even sporty models that serve a dual purpose, being useful as a business truck but also potentially used as a family car.
- The Toyota Hilux Active is the workhorse of the range, offered in single, extra cab and double cab formats, and while it comes with air conditioning and a radio, the spec list is otherwise fairly back-to-basics and aimed at hard work - the single and extra cab versions even get a hose-out vinyl floor.
- The Toyota Hilux Icon is probably where business buyers who also want some home comforts might start their search, with alloy wheels, more plush trim, and a touchscreen infotainment system.
- The Toyota Hilux Invincible gets a few more car-like trappings, and is the first to offer the 2.8-litre engine as well as the 2.4.
- The Toyota Hilux Invincible X has the highest level of equipment in a Hilux. It’s only available with the 2.8 engine, in both manual and automatic forms.
- The Toyota Hilux GR Sport wears Toyota’s sports badging, with different suspension settings and some visual upgrades over other models.
- The Toyota Hilux Invincible X AT35 is a collaboration with Arctic Trucks, and is significantly modified over standard, with tyres, suspension, and other features aimed at serious, mostly cold-weather use - such as the car Top Gear once took to the North Pole.
Used Toyota Hilux dimensions and boot size
The Toyota Hilux’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 5325mm
- Width: 1855mm (Invincible X: 1900mm)
- Height: 1815mm
- Ground clearance: 310mm
The Toyota Hilux Double Cab’s load bay dimensions are:
- Length: 1525mm
- Width: 1540mm
- Height: 480mm
Used Toyota Hilux road tax
As a commercial vehicle, you’ll pay £335 a year in tax as of the 2024/2025 tax year, or £175.88 if you pay in six-monthly instalments by Direct Debit.
How much is it to insure a Toyota Hilux?
As with quite a few pickups and other commercial vehicles, insurance ratings for the Hilux are quite high - the lowest models start at group 41 and you’ll find the top versions in group 45, out of a maximum group 50. Actual premiums will vary widely depending on your own circumstances and how you plan to use your pickup.
