The What Van Road Test: Toyota Hilux Invincible X (2021)

Date: Monday, August 2, 2021

Cabin

Interior and equipment

The way the digital clock and the speakers sit on top of the five-seater cab’s dashboard makes them look a bit like aftermarket afterthoughts. There is no denying the high quality of the sound emanating from the truck’s premium JBL audio system, however, or the impressive level of equipment Invincible X boasts.

For your money you get automatic air conditioning – you even get a cooled glove box – and heated front seats. Satellite navigation and a DAB radio are included in the deal, as is Bluetooth.

New to the Hilux is an 8in touch-screen, which forms part of the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with smartphone integration achieved through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Remote controls for the radio are mounted on the height-adjustable steering column.

The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable for height, reach and rake.

Front sensors are on hand to make parking that bit easier, along with reversing sensors and a rear-view camera. The steering has been redesigned with easier manoeuvrability and better handling in mind.

Electric windows are present in all four doors and the heated and electrically adjustable exterior rear-view mirrors can be folded inwards at the touch of a button on the driver’s door. Cab access is aided by steps built into the sill guards.

The dashboard boasts a USB port plus a couple of 12v sockets. What’s more, you’ll find a potentially invaluable 220v/100W power point inside the lidded box mounted between the
front seats.

A lidded and lockable glove box is fitted too. Other stowage facilities for all the items drivers carry around with them include a tray at the bottom of the dashboard and bins with a bottle holder in each of the front doors.

Also between the front seats are a small cubby hole plus a cup holder, while a sunglasses holder is positioned above the windscreen.

You will find bins in each of the rear doors, which feature privacy glass. If there are only two rear passengers then the centre of the middle seat’s back can be folded down and transformed into a table with a couple of cup holders.

Rear legroom is limited though, and shoulder room is at a premium if there are three passengers.

All Hilux models come with Toyota Safety Sense. It includes pre-collision system with pedestrian and cyclist detection to minimise the risk of injury to vulnerable road users, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and road sign assist.

Other safety systems provided include ABS, vehicle stability control, emergency brakeforce distribution, brake assist, downhill assist control, hill-start assist control and active traction control. Trailer sway control is installed as well – 4x4 pick-ups regularly haul trailers.

LED front fog lamps form part of the package. The rear lights and daytime running lights also employ LEDs – as do the headlights, which are equipped with washers.

Driver and front passenger airbags should provide some protection if everything goes pear-shaped, despite all the on-board safety devices. They are complemented by front side airbags, curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag.

Ventilated disc brakes are fitted at the front, drums at the back and the rack-and-pinion steering is hydraulically assisted. The front suspension features a double wishbone set-up, while leaf springs help support the rear.

Our Invincible X sat on 18in black alloy wheels shod with Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684 II 265/60 R18 tyres.

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