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

Date: Monday, August 2, 2021

Rear 3:4

Operating

Service intervals are set at 12 months/10,000 miles. That looks short, but Toyota’s approach is wise given the battering 4x4 pick-ups can receive if they are frequently used off-road.

Regular visits to the workshop can help ensure any damage that would not otherwise be identified is dealt with in good time, and we would see nothing wrong in arranging interim safety checks.

The Hilux is protected by a commendable five-year/100,000-mile warranty, with AA roadside assistance provided for the duration.

The paintwork and surface rust warranty lasts for three years, while the anti-corrosion perforation warranty runs for six years, reducing to three years so far as the pick-up load bed is concerned.

Pick-ups are seldom noted for exceptional fuel economy and the Hilux is no exception. Toyota cites a 32.8mpg WLTP combined figure, which is about what we achieved.

Stop/start helps keep fuel consumption down, but it can be switched off if necessary.

The wheel arches are properly protected against scratches and scrapes. We’re glad to see that a full-size spare wheel is provided, with the jack and tools located beneath the rear passenger seat.

Toyota Hilux Invincible X 2.8-litre 4x4 manual double-cab pick-up

Price (ex VAT) £32,990

Price range (ex VAT) £22,990-£53,000

Gross payload 1,015kg

Load length 1,525mm

Load width (min/max) 1,067mm/1,540mm

Load bay height 480mm

Loading height 914mm

Gross vehicle weight 3,210kg

Braked trailer towing weight 3,500kg

Residual value 36.3%

Cost per mile 59.7p

Engine size/power 2,755cc, 204hp @ 3,000-3,400rpm

Torque 420Nm @ 1,400-3,400rpm

Gearbox 6spd manual

Fuel economy 32.8mpg (combined WLTP)

Fuel tank 80 litres

CO2 225g/km

Warranty 5yrs/100,000mls

Service intervals 1yr/10,000mls

Insurance group 45D

Price as tested £33,573

* after 48 months @ 20,000mls p.a – source: KWIKcarcost

Options

Metallic paint £583

Rivals

Ford Ranger

Price (ex VAT) £21,950-£46,975

Gross payload 620-1,252kg

Braked towing weight 2,500-3,500kg

Engines 130hp, 170hp, 213hp 2.0 diesel

Verdict: The Ranger is without a doubt a dependable workhorse that should meet most requirements, with an optional 10-speed auto box that is undoubtedly worth a close look. Prospective purchasers do not lack choice, with seven different specification levels – check out the spectacular Raptor and MS-RT variants – and three different cab configurations. A comprehensive dealer network means you are never far from a Ford outlet.

Isuzu D-Max

Price (ex VAT) £20,179-£31,929

Gross payload 1,070-1,205kg

Braked towing weight 2,500-3,500kg

Engines 164hp 1.9 diesel

Verdict: Isuzu has not long revealed a revamped D-Max with external and internal restyling, and the arrival of an impressive selection of on-board safety devices. Single and extended-cab models remain available alongside the better-known double-cab version, and you can order the D-Max in 4x2 as well as 4x4 guise. The changes have certainly not dented its credibility as a tough-as-old-boots off-roader. It is surprising, however, that it is not being marketed with a more powerful engine.

SsangYong Musso

Price (ex VAT) £22,025-£30,025

Gross payload 1065-1140kg

Braked towing weight 3,200-3,500kg

Engines 181hp 2.2 diesel

Verdict: A well-equipped and well-priced package that is no slouch off-road and protected by an extra-generous warranty. The long-wheelbase Rhino variant is especially appealing given its extra load bed length. Plenty of kit is installed, but the quality of the ride is not all that it should be and a few more on-board safety devices wouldn’t come amiss. The SsangYong name still isn’t that familiar, agreed – but don’t let that deter you.

The Final Verdict

Design 8/10 – A classic 4x4 pick-up with all the kit you’re likely to need and built to last forever.

Cabin 8/10 – Well equipped, roomy and comfortable, with little to criticise.

Ride 8/10 – Suspension changes have made for smoother on-highway progress.

Refinement 6/10 – Solidly constructed with no squeaking or creaking, but some in-cab noise.

Load area 7/10 – Practical and easy to access, and towing capacity is impressive.

Handling/performance 9/10 – Both are exemplary for a vehicle of this type and size, especially off-road.

Engine/transmission 7/10 – No quarrels with the former, but the manual gear box could stand to be smoother.

Standard equipment 9/10 – Virtually every goodie a driver is likely to need is fitted, and then some.

Operating costs 7/10 – Sensible warranty package but short service intervals and potentially high fuel bills.

What Van? subjective rating 8/10 – There are one or two drawbacks, but it’s a truck that’s unlikely to disappoint.

Overall Rating = 77/100

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