Launched in India in March 2022 and updated with the Black Edition on March 7, 2025, the Toyota Hilux 2025 is a D2-segment pickup truck designed for adventure seekers, professionals, and off-road enthusiasts. Priced between ₹30.40 lakh and ₹37.90 lakh (ex-showroom), it competes with the Isuzu V-Cross and offers a blend of toughness, modern features, and reliability. Assembled at Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s plant in Bidadi, Karnataka, with 30% local components, it’s tailored for India’s diverse terrains. This review details its price, specifications, features, and performance in India as of August 31, 2025.
Robust and Stylish Design
The Toyota Hilux 2025 features a rugged, muscular design with a bold front grille, LED headlamps, and muscular body lines. It measures 5325 mm long, 1855 mm wide, 1815 mm tall, with a 3085 mm wheelbase. The Black Edition, launched at ₹37.90 lakh, sports an all-black exterior with blacked-out grille, 18-inch black alloy wheels, black ORVMs, door handles, fender garnish, and custom hub caps, giving it a menacing, stealthy vibe. Weighing 2910 kg (GVW), it offers a payload capacity of ~1000 kg and a 435-litre boot space (luggage bay). The 700mm water-wading capacity and rigid ladder-frame chassis ensure durability, but the bouncy ride when unloaded and fingerprint-prone black finish are minor drawbacks.
Functional Interior
The 5-seater double-cab cabin prioritizes utility with sturdy materials, leatherette upholstery (Black Edition), and metallic accents. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and connected car tech, paired with a 6-speaker sound system. Features include dual-zone climate control, powered driver’s seat, cruise control, push-button start, and a multi-information display. The Black Edition adds a cohesive black interior theme, enhancing sophistication. While spacious with ample legroom and storage, the interior lacks the plushness of SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner, and rear-seat comfort is basic for long drives.
Powerful Performance
Powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine (2755cc, 4-cylinder), it delivers 204 PS at 3400 rpm and 420 Nm (manual) or 500 Nm (automatic) at 1400-3400 rpm. Available with 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmissions, it supports 4×4 drivetrain (standard in Black Edition, optional in others). The Hilux excels in off-road conditions with locking differentials, hill-start assist, downhill assist, and a 29-degree approach angle (30 degrees for Black Edition). It tows up to 3500 kg (manual) or 3200 kg (automatic), ideal for heavy-duty tasks. However, the engine feels less refined than the Fortuner’s, and the 10-12 kmpl mileage (ARAI: 10 kmpl, real-world: 11-12.25 kmpl) is average.
Safety and Off-Road Features
The Hilux boasts a 5-star Global NCAP rating with 7 airbags (driver, passenger, front/rear side, curtain, knee), ABS, vehicle stability control, brake assist, hill-start assist, downhill assist, ISOFIX mounts, front/rear parking sensors, rear camera, and an anti-theft alarm. The rigid frame absorbs impacts effectively, but the absence of ADAS features (common in premium rivals) is a limitation. Off-road capabilities include a low-range gearbox, locking rear differential, and 265/65 R17 (base) or 265/60 R18 (top variants) tyres, making it ideal for rough terrains, though larger wheels reduce fuel efficiency.
Pricing and Availability
Priced from ₹30.40 lakh (STD) to ₹37.90 lakh (Black Edition, ex-showroom), on-road prices in Delhi range from ₹35.96 lakh to ₹44.50 lakh, including RTO (~₹3.80-4.74 lakh) and insurance (~₹1.20-1.50 lakh). Available in 4 variants (STD MT, High MT, High AT, Black Edition AT) and 5 colours (White Pearl Crystal Shine, Emotional Red, Attitude Black, Grey Metallic, Super White), it’s sold via Toyota dealerships, Amazon, and Flipkart. Bookings require a ₹50,000 token, with a 4-week waiting period. Offers include ₹6-8 lakh discounts on higher trims, exchange bonuses (₹2-3 lakh), and EMI options (₹58,807/month at 10.5% interest, ₹3.04 lakh down payment). Maintenance costs are ~₹11,313 for 5 years, supported by Toyota’s 300+ service centers. The warranty is 5 years or unlimited km, extendable to 7 years with timely dealer servicing.
User Feedback and Drawbacks
Users praise the reliability, off-road prowess, spacious cargo bay, safety features, and Black Edition’s bold aesthetics. The 4×4 system and towing capacity appeal to professionals and adventurers, while the roomy cabin suits families. Drawbacks include:
- No ADAS features, unlike premium SUVs.
- Bouncy ride when unloaded.
- Average fuel efficiency (10-12 kmpl).
- Basic rear-seat comfort for long drives.
- High maintenance costs compared to smaller vehicles.
Comparison with Competitors
The Hilux competes with:
- Isuzu V-Cross (₹26-27.92 lakh, 2.2L diesel, 163 PS): Cheaper, but less powerful and feature-rich.
- Toyota Fortuner (₹36.05-50.74 lakh, 2.8L diesel, 204 PS): More refined, but pricier and less cargo-focused.
- Mahindra Scorpio N (₹13.85-24.54 lakh, 2.2L diesel, 172 PS): Affordable, but not a pickup.
The Hilux excels in off-road capability and safety but lags in refinement and advanced tech compared to SUVs.
Final Thoughts
The Toyota Hilux 2025, updated with the Black Edition on March 7, 2025, offers a 2.8L turbo-diesel engine, 4×4 capability, 5-star safety, and a rugged design at ₹30.40-37.90 lakh. Ideal for off-road enthusiasts and professionals needing a reliable workhorse, it shines in durability and towing but falls short in ride refinement and advanced safety tech. Backed by Toyota’s robust service network, it’s a top pick in India’s pickup segment.
