2011 Toyota HiLux Double Cab 2.5L D-4D 5MT 4WD (144 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Facing the effects of the world’s financial crisis that started in late 2007, Toyota understood that it wasn’t the proper time to replace the seventh generation of the Hilux, so in 2011, it introduced a second facelift for it.

In 2004, the Japanese car manufacturer launched the seventh generation of the Hilux, which it refreshed in 2008. But that wasn’t enough. Customers wanted something new, more potent, and more enjoyable to drive. It was an era where pickups became more appealing to private users who bought them to go camping or into the woods. The Hilux was also reckoned as one of the toughest, most reliable vehicles. However, it was the kind of vehicle that couldn’t perform too well on pavement. It was low on power and didn’t provide much comfort for its occupants. As a result, the automaker introduced the 2011 Toyota Hilux Double Cab, especially for those who wanted to use it for private use, not to take it on construction sites or other workplaces. In addition, the refreshed version carried over some of the ideas and technologies used by the automaker to make the Land Cruiser.

For the 2011 model year, the Hilux had a completely new front side. All body panels and bodywork elements were redesigned, from the bumper to the A-pillars. Its angular-shaped headlights, slightly swept back on the sides, resembled those of other vehicles from Toyota’s lineup. Furthermore, the three-slat grille, where the brand’s badge took center stage, was new. In addition, the bumper had a fresh look, with a reversed trapezoidal air intake flanked by a pair of scoops for the available fog lamps.

From its profile, the 2011 Toyota Hilux Double Cab revealed its new front fenders with shaved corners and rounded shape. The flared wheel arches made the vehicle look more rugged but also resembled those installed on the Land Cruiser. A pair of chromed metallic side steps were available depending on the grade. Toyota even offered the option for shiny door handles instead of the standard black ones. Furthermore, the SR and the SR+ grades came with turn signal lamps integrated into the door mirrors. Thanks to the four-door cabin and the wide opening for the rear doors, ingress and egress from the rear seats were easy despite the high ground clearance. At the back, the loading area was the shortest from the Hilux family. Still, it was good enough for any camping gear and outdoor activities. At the back, Toyota installed new clear taillights that flanked the tailgate, which sported the high-mounted third brake light.

Inside, Toyota installed a fresh dashboard featuring more horizontal lines to create the image of a wider cabin. Base versions had a simple stereo on top of the center stack, while upper grades got an infotainment system with sat-nav and rearview camera. Fronting the driver was a three-dial instrument cluster with a binocular-style where the speedometer took center stage and was flanked by the speedometer and the fuel level and temperature gauges. Toyota offered the car with standard cloth upholstery, while leather was on the options list. In the back, the flip-up bench seat was wide enough for three passengers. Power windows and locks on all four doors were available.

Under the hood, the 2011 Toyota Hilux Double Cab had a choice of two turbodiesel engines with 2.4 and 3.0-liter displacement paired as standard with a five-speed manual gearbox and two-speed transfer case that could send the power to the rear or to both axles. The more potent version was also available with a five-speed automatic. As an option, customers could also get the pickup a limited-slip rear differential, depending on the market