Toyota hilux truck or car. Toyota Hilux - the legendary pickup truck in a fashionable suit

Pickup trucks are not yet popular in our country - the townspeople prefer crossovers, but the rural residents are usually not up to expensive cars. Although in the same America, pickup trucks are the main means of transportation. They not only drive pickups there, but also make, give birth and raise children. Why pickups? Because it is beautiful, comfortable, passable and inexpensive.

All these arguments can work for us. Especially the last one - now there is a situation where large SUVs are expensive, and crossovers can only jump over the curb. To understand whether a modern pickup truck can become an alternative to an SUV, we went to Sakhalin, where we took a test drive of the new generation Toyota Hilux.

Home pride

Before us is a completely new Hilux, which has nothing to do with the previous model. We will not talk about design for a long time now, but we liked the Hilux. The car looks courageous and stylish, especially when it comes to the maximum configuration with 18-inch wheels. But the main thing is different - the new model turned out to have a “passenger” interior and almost “passenger” sound insulation. You will not find soft plastic here, but both in design and in the number of "bells and whistles" Hilux has taken a big step forward compared to its predecessor. Leather interior, climate control, keyless entry system, USB connector, multimedia system with a beautiful 7-inch screen, rear view camera, comfortable seats - it's all there. Of course, in a rich version (to the delight of many customers, Toyota offers on our market a simple Hilux on a “rag” and with mechanics).

On the left is Hilux in its simplest configuration. On the right - in the richest. Move your mouse across the screen to see the difference

But the Japanese are much more proud of the engines, because they have created a completely new generation of diesel engines. The old KD series, which many fans of Toyota SUVs are familiar with, has been replaced by GD series units, which stands for global diesel (global, because they will be put on the widest range of models in all markets). Two GD engines are offered for the Hilux: 2.4 liters and 2.8 liters (on the old generation of the pickup truck, the engines were 2.5 liters and 3.0 liters). It may seem that the nature of the new units is not much different from the old ones: the rated power has increased by only 6 hp. in both cases and now is 150 hp. and 177 hp respectively. However, it is worth a ride on new cars, as all the advantages of GD become clear. For example, the maximum torque of the 2.8-liter engine has become more than that of the old 3.0-liter immediately by 90 N∙m, and the engine produces its 450 N∙m in the most running range of 1600-2400 rpm. In addition to the engine, there are also new gearboxes: the 150-horsepower 2.4 has a 6-speed manual, and the 2.8-liter engine received an automatic, also a 6-speed one.

And when driving, all this is perfectly felt - the 2.8-liter GD reacts vividly to gas, it is convenient to control traction (besides, there is a lot of it), it is now easier to overtake. And, most importantly, be quiet. It has already been said about the improved sound insulation of the cabin, but the motor is also good. If the old unit rumbled like a truck, then the new one makes quite “light-diesel” sounds. That is, it is audible, but it is not annoying.

Workhorse

Off-road, high torque from the very bottom helps. In addition, it should be emphasized that the Hilux is well prepared for off-road driving. Much better than the newfangled crossovers. Firstly, this is a frame car (moreover, the frame has become stronger than before). Secondly, the ground clearance here is 227 mm, which is 5 mm more than the old Hilux. Thirdly, an all-wheel drive system, a lowering row in a box, and, attention, a rear differential lock are already in the basic configuration. Plus, off-road tires of class A / T are installed on the cars, an active traction control system with imitation of blocking cross-axle differentials (it helps a lot on slippery surfaces or with diagonal hanging), an assistance system when descending a mountain or lifting. Moreover, unlike the old generation model, electronic assistants here work very smoothly and correctly. Well, a few numbers for those who understand: the angle of entry is 31 degrees, the exit angle is 26, the ramps are 26, the articulation of the wheels is 520 mm (on the old generation it was 433 for the left wheels and 474 for the right ones).

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And all these numbers work off-road! I drove up to a difficult section, turned on the four-wheel drive or lowered, blocked the differential and slowly but surely crawled forward. Remembering at the same time the saying "the bolder the driver, the longer it takes to follow the tractor." By and large, the only thing holding the driver back is the large front and rear overhangs. In addition, now the rear wheel chock is integrated into the bumper (previously it hung separately). And on difficult terrain, you run the risk of damaging not the hardware, but the bumper.

Controllability? Comfort? Everything is also quite worthy here, especially if you remember that you still manage commercial vehicles (in the Hilux PTS it will be written like this: “cargo-on-board”, and a little later you will understand why this is important). And according to one, and according to another indicator, a pickup truck with a rear dependent leaf spring suspension loses to “jeeps” and crossovers, but surprisingly not too much. Hilux is stable on a straight line, it turns confidently, there is even a hint of feedback on the steering wheel. The main thing is not to fly into sharp turns at high speed - although the stabilization system is already in the basic configuration here, you can’t deceive the laws of physics.

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Can Hilux be called an alternative to an SUV? The new model turned out to be noticeably more comfortable than the old one, received a decent interior and modern diesel engines, it has good sound insulation, and the suspension does not shake the soul too much on a bad road. "Kruzak" is better? Of course, and in everything. But even the Prado with the same 2.8-liter diesel engine costs from 2.5 million rubles. Hilux on a "stick" can be bought for 1.5 million, and a car in the maximum configuration will cost 2,077,000 rubles. And with such a difference in price, pickups have a chance of success.

Entry to Moscow

The declared load capacity of the Toyota Hilux is 880 kg. And this means that it does not fall under Moscow restrictions for trucks. However, this model is still not a “passenger” model - “cargo-airborne” will be recorded in the TCP. And this means that Hilux drivers in Moscow may still have certain problems. For example, formally, such a car cannot leave the so-called "cargo frame" - for example, in the Eastern District of the capital, trucks can only move along certain streets, and a fine of 5,000 rubles is provided for violation.

However, pickup drivers go to the trick - since they do not have a waybill (and cannot be - the car belongs to an individual), then it will be enough for the traffic police officer to say that you are driving a pickup truck "over there to that friend's house." After all, according to the rules, drivers are allowed to drive under the road sign 3.2 to go to the place of residence or work, as well as to serve enterprises and / or citizens located in the zone indicated by the sign.

Still, pickup truck owners are worried. It is possible that the "cargo frame" will appear in other areas of Moscow. And how the authorities will react to pickups in the future is still unclear.

Bridge to Japan, tunnel to the mainland

For a long time it was believed that Sakhalin is a peninsula. And only in 1849 the expedition under the command of G. I. Nevelsky discovered the strait between Sakhalin and the mainland (now it bears his name). And at the moment, the status of the island brings the inhabitants of Sakhalin quite a lot of problems. Almost all cargo has to be delivered here by sea - hence the high prices in stores. Yes, and just leave the island will not work. If a Sakhalin citizen decides to go by car to the “mainland”, then he needs to book a place on the ferry in advance (about a month in advance), which goes from the Sakhalin port of Kholmsk to Vanino. It costs about 20 thousand rubles, taking into account the place in a simple cabin.

Experts have long been talking about the need to build a railway bridge to Sakhalin, which will give a huge impetus to the development of the entire region. Moreover, there is already a project for such a crossing, which even involves the connection of Sakhalin with ... the Japanese island of Hokkaido. However, now Sakhalin residents should not count on project financing ...

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During a test drive on Sakhalin, we managed to see the unique "Devil's Bridge" - it was built by the Japanese in 1928 (from 1905 to 1945, the southern part of Sakhalin belonged to Japan and was called "Karafuto"). "Devil's Bridge" is a very complex technical structure. Just like that, the railway could not be turned to the left, and the Japanese built two tunnels in the hills, which led the train in a loop to the bridge. Until 1994, this building was in operation, and it did not require any major repairs. However, in 1994 the railway line was abandoned. Since then, the "Devil's Bridge" has become only a sightseeing attraction.

Meanwhile, 65 years ago in the USSR they tried to build a crossing to Sakhalin. Moreover, they planned to make ... a tunnel. This construction was so secret that until now there is practically no information about it. The Sakhalin tunnel was to become part of the railway line Komsomolsk-on-Amur - Pobedino, and its length (from Cape Pogibi on Sakhalin to Cape Lazarev on the mainland) would be about 13 km.

Of course, prisoners had to build the tunnel - in 1950 they began to arrive in the construction area. Apparently, the death rate at the construction site was huge even by the standards of the Gulag, but no one paid attention to this. Nobody spared money and people, however... In 1953, Stalin died, and work was stopped. The construction was not even frozen, but simply abandoned. In some places you can read that the tunnel was practically built, but this is not so. In fact, only two mine shafts were laid at Capes Lazarev and Pogibi. They say that when the completion of construction was announced in 1953, many prisoners remained in place and continued to work. They simply could not believe that so many human sacrifices were wasted...

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Oats are now expensive

The new Hilux 2.4 costs from 1.5 million for a version with mechanics and a fabric interior that is easy to wash (air conditioning, power accessories and steering wheel adjustment in two directions will be). The version with an automatic (and a 2.8 liter engine), leather-trimmed steering wheel, seat heating, multimedia with a 7-inch tablet, etc. is at least 1,920,000 rubles. The maximum configuration with a leather interior and all the "bells and whistles" - 2,077,000 rubles.

A year ago, any sane person would say that it is very expensive. But times are different now. And competitors do not indulge in low prices. So, the new generation Mitsubishi L200 with a 2.4-liter diesel engine (154 hp), which appeared on sale only a few days ago, costs 1,349,000 rubles in the simplest version, and a model with an automatic machine costs from 1,749,990 rubles. The car is in the maximum configuration with a 181 hp engine. - 1 939 990 rubles. Slightly cheaper than Hilux, but the difference is not that big.

You can also remember about the Nissan Navara. The model is old, but the prices for it are considerable: from 1,433,000 rubles. for the version with mechanics and diesel 2.5 (190 hp) up to 2,013,000 rubles. And this is for 2014 cars. True, the top-end Navara is equipped with a 3.0-liter diesel engine that produces 231 hp. - no competitor can offer such power. Volkswagen Amarok is even more expensive - from 1,677,821 rubles. for a car with a 140-horsepower diesel engine and a drive to the rear axle only. And the car in the maximum configuration costs ... 2,863,698 rubles.

There are cheaper (and simpler) models. For example, SsangYong Actyon Sports (from 1,239,000 rubles to 1,629,990 rubles) or the Russian UAZ Pickup (from 729 to 970 thousand). But let's be honest - in terms of build quality and reliability, UAZ and Toyota are somewhat different from each other.

The seventh generation Toyota Hilux pickup has been produced since 2005. During production, the model has experienced two restyling in 2008 and 2011. The release of the updated Toyota Hilux model started in January 2012 at the Japanese company's plant located in Thailand. In our review, we will take a closer look at the updated Japanese Toyota Hilux pickup truck of 2012-2013, available in Russia with a Double Cab, diesel engines of various capacities, all-wheel drive transmission and five configuration options. Our traditional assistants will be photo and video materials, owner reviews, comments from auto journalists and technical specialists.

A bit of history: The Toyota Hilux pickup is truly a legendary car, as proof, we offer a few facts from the glorious biography of the car:

• the first generation Toyota Hilux pick-up debuted in 1968;
• more than 13 million pickups have been produced in more than 45 years;
• the car is produced at the enterprises of the Japanese company Toyota in Argentina, Venezuela, Pakistan, Thailand, South Africa, China and the Philippines;
• cars are sold in 135 countries on four continents;
• The Toyota Hilux is the world's first mass-produced car to drive Top Gear's automotive show hosts to the Earth's magnetic north pole.

With such luggage behind us, both literally and figuratively, pick-up Hilux appears before us. Initially, the pickup truck was created as a working car with a simple appearance and an appropriate interior, but the conditions of the automotive market dictate other, more modern requirements for utility vehicles. So when you first look at the new Toyota Hilux pickup, you don’t even think about using the car for hard work. A handsome man and nothing more, it’s not a shame to drive such a car and drive to a nightclub.

Large headlights with a powerful false radiator grille richly decorated with chrome bars and framing. Sculpted and athletic front bumper with lower air intake and stylish foglights. The plateau of the monumental hood is organically complemented by a V-shaped stamping and a hill of the upper air intake, which provides air flow for the diesel engine.

Profile of a three-volume pickup truck body with a large hood, a Double Cab passenger cabin designed for five people and an open body. This type of body is difficult to make stylish and attractive, but Japanese designers managed to create a harmonious and beautiful pickup truck. Smooth lines, large vyshtampovki wheel arches, neat doorways are in harmony with the cargo compartment of the car.

Even the rear of the car looks stylish and attractive with a high rectangle tailgate, decorated with a third brake light, dimensional lighting columns and a powerful bumper (in expensive trim levels dressed in chrome). A powerful metal beam is installed at the rear to protect the body.

• Our verbal portrait will be supplemented by the figures of the outer dimensions of the body of the Toyota Hilux 2012: 5260 mm long, 1835 mm (1760 mm Standard version without wheel arch extensions) wide, 1860 mm high, 3085 mm wheelbase, 1540 mm (1510 mm for the Standard version) track dimensions front and rear.
• The pickup is equipped with an all-wheel drive transmission and the geometric characteristics of the body, of course, imply off-road driving: ground clearance (clearance) - 212 mm, approach angle - 30 degrees, exit angle -20 degrees.
• Let's not forget about the dimensions of the loading platform: 1545 mm long, 1515 mm wide, 450 mm high to the edge of the side. The load capacity of the truck reaches 700-830 kg, but according to the owners, the car is capable of carrying more than 1 ton of cargo.

To protect the metal surface of the loading platform from damage, it is possible to order a carpet covering (body mat), a plastic protective insert or an aluminum insert as an option. There is also a huge choice for Toyota Hilux of various options for accessories: a plastic roof (kung), aluminum, metal, plastic and awning trunk lids. There are a lot of tuning options provided by the manufacturer for the Toyota Hilux body: engine compartment protection, side steps, protective arches on the front and rear, in the trunk. For towing a trailer, a large selection of towbars, for transporting goods, roof racks and a bike rack. Even a very fastidious buyer is able to find any part of the external body kit of interest to his taste.

• Eight colors of enamel are used for body painting: White (white), Chilli Red (red) and Platinum metallics (silver), Stone Gray (dark gray), Silky Gold (gold), Island Blue (blue), Dark Steel (steel) and Night Sky Black (black).
• The initial version of the Toyota Hilux Standard is equipped with modest steel 16-inch steel wheels with 205/70 R16 tires, light alloy wheels of size 15 or 17 with 255/70 R15 and 265/65 R17 tires are installed on more saturated configurations.

For Russian motorists, the 2013 Toyota Hilux is offered in five trim levels: standard, comfort, elegance, prestige and prestige plus. The initial version is not very popular with domestic buyers, so let's focus on more saturated pickup truck configurations.

Landing in the cabin is convenient thanks to the wide doorways and side steps. The front of the cabin with a powerful panel, harmoniously complemented by modern equipment. A 6.1-inch Toyota Touch touch screen is available, which allows you to control the audio system (CD MP3 USB AUX iPod 6 speakers), change the settings of car systems, display a picture from the rear view camera, control the phone (Bluetooth function). Just below the control unit for air conditioning or climate control.

The front seats are heated, but with an insufficient range of adjustment and very uncomfortable, especially on long trips. The stylish multifunctional leather-wrapped steering wheel with metal-look inserts fits perfectly in your hands, but the steering column is adjustable only in height. The Optitron's three-radius deep-well instrument cluster is both informative and simply beautiful.

Three passengers in the second row will be accommodated with no less comfort than the driver and front passenger. Places in all directions with a margin, the ceiling does not press on the crown, between the knees and the backs of the front seats a lot of space.

Interior trim materials were clearly created taking into account the harsh operating conditions of the car. Hard plastics, dense fabric seat upholstery, rough leather are not able to provide comfort, while the assembly quality of the interior elements is not satisfactory, the details fit perfectly.

Specifications pickup truck Toyota Hilux 2012-2013: thanks to a strong body based on the frame, diesel engines, hard-wired all-wheel drive, independent front suspension on two wishbones, dependent rear spring suspension with an axle, the car is a real and full-fledged SUV.
Versions standard, comfort, elegans for Toyota Hilux are equipped with a diesel four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine 2KD-FTV (144 hp) with 5MKPP. All wheel drive system with disengageable front differential (ADD) and forced locking rear differential. Diesel paired with mechanics accelerates a pickup truck with curb weight from 1885 kg to 1995 kg to 100 km / h in 12.5 seconds, the maximum speed is 170 km / h. Declared fuel consumption from 7.2 litas on the highway to 10.1 liters in the city.

On the prestige and prestige plus version for the Toyota Hilux, a diesel four-cylinder 3.0-liter engine (171 hp) is installed, paired with 5 automatic transmissions. Pluggable all-wheel drive with switchable front differential (ADD). Accelerating dynamics up to 100 km / h in 11.6 seconds at a maximum speed of 175 km / h, passport fuel consumption from 7.3 liters when driving on the highway to 11.7 liters in urban conditions.

Judging by the reviews of Toyota Hilux diesel owners, they are really distinguished by high fuel efficiency, and in mixed mode they are content with 11-13 liters of diesel fuel.

Test drive Toyota Hilux. On paved roads, the Toyota Hilux pickup demonstrates the driving habits of a heavy SUV: delayed reactions to the steering wheel, large body rolls in corners, and a rigid rear spring suspension. At the same time, there are positive aspects, the chassis is practically indifferent to the quality of the road surface. For the suspension, it makes no difference what the size of the pits and potholes on the road are.

On the off-road, the pickup truck demonstrates the wonders of off-road capability and is able to drive very far. Horse-drawn suspension, frame construction, phenomenal all-wheel drive, high-torque diesel engine, what else does a real SUV need, which is the Toyota Hilux pickup.
There are legends about the reliability and survivability of Japanese cars, and Toyota Hilux is a vivid example of a reliable, legendary car that can withstand the most difficult operating conditions.
At the beginning of the review, we talked about Top Gear journalists who made their way to the Server Pole behind the wheel of a serial and albeit prepared version of the Toyota Hilux, but there is another example. For several broadcasts, British journalists mocked the Japanese pickup truck as best they could. As a result, the car was placed on the roof of a building prepared for demolition, and now the pickup truck, having fallen from the height of a nine-story building after the explosion, was seriously damaged, but the mechanics were able to start the engine and the car was even able to move.

How much does it cost to sell the legend of the Japanese automobile industry Toyota Hilux 2012-2013 in Russia: you can buy Toyota Hilux for a price of 1.126 million rubles for the initial Hilux Standard equipment. A richly equipped version of the Hilux Prestige Plus with a leather interior costs from 1.561 million rubles. The starting price will be significantly increased by the cost of additional equipment and accessories for tuning, in terms of the number of which Toyota Hilux occupies one of the first places in the world.

There is no water in Uglegorsk for three days, and on the whole of Sakhalin there is no fish, normal coffee and, with rare exceptions, asphalt. But there are plenty of Toyotas here, and we would be very organic if left-hand drive do not give out strangers in us. For local residents, a test drive of eighth-generation Toyota Hilux pickups, for which a whole tent camp was built in Tikhaya Bay, caused a stir comparable to the arrival of Aerosmith in Moscow. But if no one in the capital tried to buy Steve Tyler at a reasonable price, then the islanders were ready to pick up tents and new Japanese "double cabs" for cash. Still - the first Hilux did not surrender its powers for a long nine years.

Both tents and pickup trucks looked elegant and modern - alien concepts for an island where the roads are covered with a gravel mixture, exploding with clouds of matte impenetrable dust when it comes into contact with the wheels of a car. The usual situation here, when an oncoming vehicle flying in a frontal attack emerges from the veil, made it possible to find that the Hilux is desperately lacking in steering sharpness - one of the few symptoms that it has remained itself, a solid and intractable frame truck. Commercial vehicles, with 30% corporate sales.

As I always thought, there could be only two reasons for the universe to put me behind the wheel of a pickup truck, especially after five years ago with the UAZ Pickup, at the sight of which compassionate Muscovites showed me the nearest subway entrance. The first is if I suddenly wake up like a Texas redneck, throw a gun in the back and go campaign for Bush Jr. The second is if I really want a large frame SUV, but I don’t have money for it. As it turned out, there is a third, the most banal - my work. A business trip to Sakhalin, apparently, by analogy with local roads, was covered with a veil of secrecy. We did not know for sure either the purpose of the trip or the destination - only that it was more than eight hours to fly from Moscow. And here, by and large, I ended up by accident, since I am neither a “jeeper” nor an experienced pick-up artist. Maybe it’s for the best, because the Japanese were so eager to make the Hilux not only an attractive option for its loyal customers, but also a “normal car” in the understanding of a new audience that could not even imagine buying a pickup truck before. Here's a new audience, arrived. Impress.

Hilux looks convincing. As you know, a pickup truck is good-looking only if Matthew McConaughey agrees to ride in it, and here Toyota worked effectively: an aggressive front end to match the American Tacoma, LED headlights (dipped beam - in expensive trim levels, LED running lights - in simple ones), chrome trim of exterior elements. If in the past generation direct stamping triumphed, and plastic expanders were blown away for the visual volume, now everything is for real - convex wheel arches, embossed doors, a massive front bumper. Improved and such trifles as the location of the rear view camera. Previously, the “peephole” was embedded somewhere away from the tailgate handle and gave the impression of a “garage tuning”, but now it is integrated right into it. Of course, not only for beauty - the design of the car should be an expression of its functionality. In this case, the centering of the element helped achieve a more comfortable viewing angle.

Inside, the pickup is also modern and in some ways even goes beyond its class. For example, a screen on the dashboard, between the speedometer and tachometer, color - no one else in the segment has this. Instead of a slot for the ignition key, there is a start / stop button to the right of the steering wheel, and the key itself, heavy and imposing, does not look ashamed. The transfer lever was replaced by a round switch, located right there, under the engine start button. Leather seats, leather steering wheel upholstery - otherwise plastic rules the ball, but everything is done soundly and neatly, the interior is drawn and executed with high quality. The shape of the front seats and their functionality have also changed - the allowable seating height has increased by a centimeter, the range of its adjustment has also increased, and the seat cushion has become longer. Lateral support is somewhat lacking, but this is rather the cost of the segment. It has become more spacious in the back row, which is important for a “double cab”, and the seats here do not fold down, but up - to the cabin wall and cling to the hinges there. Hilux has increased in width (+20 mm to 1855 mm) and in length (+70 mm to 5330 mm), while compared to the previous generation it is lower (-35 mm to 1815 mm), but the wheelbase has not changed - 3085 millimeters. Due to the increase in size, the Toyota pickup truck now has the longest loading platform in the class - 1569 millimeters.

The role of touchscreens in the global automotive industry and in pickups should be said separately, since the fashion for them has come to trucks as well - a bright 7-inch touch screen now protrudes from the Hilux center console, to the left and right of which are lined up touch menu navigation keys. So, this, of course, is a tempting wrapper for potential buyers and an undoubtedly convenient option for switching the radio station at a traffic light in Maryino, but on the whole of Sakhalin there was about one place where it was possible to get to the desired button from the drawn buttons the first time - this is, in fact, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, where there are smooth roads with asphalt. At the same time, the Japanese can be understood - again, the desire to attract a new audience and make the Hilax a completely “passenger” interior, like the incredibly popular crossovers of this decade. And all the necessary functionality is duplicated on the steering wheel.

The interior is an important difference between the eighth generation Hilux and its predecessor, which at one time also looked quite bright on the outside, but depressing inside, and perhaps this is the best interior in the segment. But the most powerful advantage of Hilux for those who have not met him before is the suspension. Flying along the Sakhalin gravel road at a speed of over 100 km / h, not noticing the potholes, pits and steps that mark the transition to a rare piece of asphalt and back, is a childish delight, supported by excellent sound insulation. And this despite the fact that the test took place on A / T off-road tires, which are now installed by default in the Standard and Comfort versions. The Prestige package is unlikely to be bought exclusively for hunting and fishing, Toyota reasonably suggested and installed civilian rubber on it.

The creators of the new Hilux have strengthened the frame, which, due to thicker cross members, redesigned brackets and the use of new materials, has become 20% stiffer. The attachment points of the springs and shock absorbers have also been changed, and the springs themselves have been increased in length by 100 millimeters. Front, as before, independent suspension on double wishbones. The Japanese faced a difficult task - to make Hilux competitive in comparison with neighboring segments both in terms of handling and comfort, without losing its main advantages - carrying capacity, cross-country ability and, most importantly, indestructibility. At first glance, they succeeded. By default, rear-wheel drive is here, on a dry road you can only use it, since the front is connected rigidly, but the pickup tenaciously holds the trajectory and never made us regret that the test was not held in winter - on a slippery road, thanks to the new front differential temperature overheating sensor, 4H mode is also acceptable. The springs do not make unnecessary sounds, even with an empty body, the Hilux does not “goat” excessively, and the complete absence of breakdowns inspires a feeling of absolute fearlessness. Although this Hilux has not yet blown up Jeremy Clarkson.

Along with the new Hilux, new diesel engines also came to the Russian market. Instead of the KD family, the GD (Global Diesel) series will now be installed on Toyota SUVs. In the case of the Hilux, two options are available - 2.4 liters and 2.8 liters. The first option is available only with “mechanics” and we didn’t have it on the test, and the second one with a 6-speed automatic transmission, also new for Toyota. At first glance, the 2.8-liter engine is not far behind its three-liter predecessor in terms of power (+ 6 hp to 177 hp), but the maximum torque has increased to 450 Nm at 1600-2400 rpm, which is 90 Nm more than the KD-series. The number of fuel injection stages has increased from three to five, making it not so hard to work, and the design of the turbine has also been changed. Again, to reliability - a timing chain is used here. In addition to greater efficiency, the new engine is also much quieter - it sounds like a city, and not like in a truck stop, there are much less diesel vibrations. But miracles don't happen. Overtaking, typical for the track at high speed, is difficult for the heavy Hilux with a 177-horsepower engine. Yes, and it’s not his job - it’s much more fun not to bypass the boring string of trucks, but to cut the road. Through the forest.

It is important that Hilux, in an effort to enter into other sectors of society, has not forgotten about its roots. Sooner or later, the day will come when someone important will say: “Hey, all the fords have long since dried up and the beavers have fled. Here's a box-body pickup truck with an electric motor and eight bike racks,” but the world hasn't completely gone mad yet. This is still the same frame SUV, and its off-road performance has also evolved. Firstly, the already high ground clearance has become even greater - from 222 to 227 millimeters. Secondly, the Hilux now has a hard-lock rear differential available by default. The underride bar is now located higher, just behind the bumper, and the articulation of the wheels has been increased - on the left by 20%, on the right - by 10% - and now the same, 520 mm, on both sides. Finally, the underbody protection has been reinforced. In addition to the A-TRC active traction control system, which distributes the torque between the wheels if necessary, there are also hill-descent and hill-descent assistance systems.

A narrow path, muddy after the rains and turned into a muddy mess with a knee-deep track, with several fords on the way, is a familiar road to the dacha for the locals, and when we drove past another garden, we were surprised to see a parked Toyota car there. Most likely, its owner drove there on dry land and, since the weather on Sakhalin changes almost every day, he was held hostage by the mudslide. For the Hilux, however, the only problem on this stretch was the optional towbar, which scooped up some Sakhalin land on a steep climb, but as we drove through another mud bath, thoughts about the winch exercise and how to be with the touch screen did not let go.

For hardcore offroaders, fishermen and hunters, much of what the new Hilux offers is still useless. Toyota offers them the most affordable equipment, with a 2.4-liter diesel engine and a manual gearbox, the cost of which starts from 1.5 million rubles. The maximum version, "Prestige" with a 2.8-liter diesel engine and automatic transmission, already costs 2 million rubles, but it's still cheaper than ordinary SUVs. But do not forget that any pickup truck is, first of all, a constructor. Kungs, mounts, liners in the body, protective pipes - 90% of Hilux pickups are bought with accessories.

In the Hilux registration certificate, everything is still written as “cargo-on-board”. A carrying capacity of up to 1 ton allows the Hilax to cross the Third Transport Ring, but entering the “cargo frame”, which is now being tested in the Eastern Administrative District of Moscow, threatens its owner with a fine of 5 thousand rubles. Unlike the Moscow mayor's office, it turned out to be much easier to convince me that the Hilux is quite a passenger car. Or a truck, but “normal” according to those who previously refused to perceive pickups as vehicles for life and family. Normal cargo.

And the fish will return to Sakhalin. It's all about bad weather, locals say.

Updated Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

“So, it’s good ... Be careful, there is a step behind the ford, take it to the left ... Passed ... Gaza! Gaza! Gaza! - the leader of the column bursts into the walkie-talkie. We storm the old Japanese road, which in some places looks like a real jungle, on the updated Toyota Land Cruiser Prado - the second reason we were invited to Sakhalin.

Outwardly, Prado has not changed - the update consists in a new, the same as that of the Hilux, a 2.8-horsepower diesel engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Prado also gets RCTA Parking Assist, which warns the driver of cars in blind spots, and a new dark brown leather interior option.

Not enough to upgrade? We also thought so, and then looked at the reaction of the Sakhalin people and were forced to take back our words. The updated Prado riveted almost more attention of the locals than the Hilux, and the interest was quite substantive - when it goes on sale, how much it costs, where to buy it. This is all the more surprising, since many people here still prefer to bring cars from Japan. By the way, Prado will now be transported from the same place - its production in Vladivostok has been curtailed.

Alexey Butenko
Photo: Toyota

The main technical characteristics of the 7th generation Toyota Hilux pickup truck, produced from 2005 to the present day.

Pickup Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2015

The car was produced in three versions: 4-door, 2-door, 2-door Extended Cab.

Toyota Hilux was equipped with one of four power units, in total 8 modifications were developed:

• 2.5TD MT AWD;
• 2.5TD AT AWD;
• 2.5 TD MT AWD (supercharged);
• 2.7AT AWD;
• 2.7MT AWD;
• 3.0TDMT;
• 4.0MT AWD.

Now you can buy two versions: with 2.5 and 3 liter diesel engine with Double Cab.

For review, we will take the best option - a 2.5-liter engine with a manual transmission 2.5 TD MT AWD, after restyling in 2014.

Main characteristics of Toyota Hilux 2.5 MT (144 hp)

Vehicle Performance

The volume of the fuel tank is 80 liters. Refueled with diesel fuel.

The motor is capable of accelerating a pickup truck to 100 kilometers in 13.3 seconds (with a 2.5 MT engine). The maximum speed limit is 170 km / h.

These are the data declared by the manufacturer, in reality, the consumption for the combined cycle is 11-13 liters.

Engine and transmission

This is a 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a volume of 2494 cm 3. The diameter of each cylinder is 92 millimeters. The location is row. Distributive injection is installed on the engine, there is no intercooler. The piston stroke is 93.8 millimeters. The motor has the following characteristics:

• Power - 144 horsepower;
• Peak torque - 343 N * m;
• Turnovers at maximum power - from 3400 rpm;
• Turnovers at maximum torque - from 1600 to 2800 rpm.

The engine is available in 5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic. The dynamics indicated above refer to the modification with a manual gearbox. Regardless of the type of gearbox, the pickup truck has a full drive, or rather a plug-in full drive with the front differential off.

Dimensions of Toyota Hilux

Pickup truck dimensions: height, width, wheelbase and length of the Hilux.

Main settings
Length	5260 mm
Width	1760 mm
Height	1860 mm
rear track	1510 mm
front track	1510 mm
Ground clearance (clearance)	212 mm
Wheelbase	3085 mm
Cargo compartment (LxWxH)	1545x1515x450 mm
exit angle	22°
Entry angle	30°
Front tires
Tire diameter	15 mm
Profile height	70 mm
Profile width	255 mm
Rear tires
Tire diameter	15 mm
Profile height	70 mm
Profile width	255 mm
Disks
Rim diameter	R15
Rim width	10

Volume and mass

• Payload on the trailer (carrying capacity) - 695 kg;
• Curb weight 1885 kg;
• Gross weight 2690 kg.

Trunk volume 1053 liters. The maximum weight of a towed trailer equipped with brakes is 2500 kg, without brakes 750 kg.

Suspension and brakes

The front of the Toyota Hilux VII generation has an independent torsion bar suspension. The design has a stabilizer bar and is mounted on double wishbones. Behind there is a spring dependent suspension of the "bridge" type. Turning radius 9.6 meters.

As for the brakes, drum brakes are provided for the rear wheels. The front wheels are equipped with standard ventilated disc brakes.

Pickups are very popular among motorists who appreciate the practicality and affordability of this vehicle. In fact, such a machine is car and truck modification, and in this regard, many motorists are confused and do not know how to properly count on pickups.

In this up-to-date article, you will find out what tax rates exist for the most popular pickup truck models in different regions of the country.

Why are pickups considered trucks?

Most owners of these SUVs have, therefore, by law, it is considered that they drive a passenger car. This is how category “B” is described in paragraph 1 of Art. 25 of Federal Law No. 196 of December 10, 1995 “On Road Safety:

1. In the Russian Federation, the following categories and subcategories of vehicles included in them are established, to drive which a special right is granted (hereinafter referred to as the right to drive vehicles):
   • category "B" - cars (with the exception of vehicles of category "A"), the permissible maximum weight of which does not exceed 3500 kilograms and the number of seats of which, in addition to the driver's seat, does not exceed eight; motor vehicles of category "B" coupled with a trailer, the maximum authorized mass of which does not exceed 750 kilograms; motor vehicles of category "B" coupled to a trailer whose maximum authorized mass exceeds 750 kilograms, but does not exceed the unladen mass of the vehicle, provided that the total authorized maximum mass of such a combination of vehicles does not exceed 3,500 kilograms.

However, the type of car is correctly determined not by a driver's license, but by a vehicle passport (PTS). Most pickups have a PTS, which spells out type "cargo, airborne", which means it's legal consider it a truck. The make and model of the car is encrypted in a numeric and alphabetic code, which can be viewed in the second line of the passport. If the second digit in the code is 3, then this indicates a cargo type of car or pickup truck.

If the tax authority classifies a pickup truck with a certain engine power as a truck, then transport tax on it will be considered at different rates than for passenger cars with the same horsepower. Sometimes these rates can be higher, which is fair, because trucks cause more damage to the roadway than cars. But in some regions, on the contrary, it is more profitable to have a heavy truck than a passenger car, due to lower rates.

How to calculate pickup truck tax

As with all cars, the tax base for calculating transport tax is engine power in special units of measurement - horsepower, according to Clause 1 of Article 359 of the Tax Code. Knowing this value, any taxpayer will be able to independently calculate the amount of tax, because the calculation formula is very simple. It looks like the product of the tax base and the rate in accordance with Clause 2 of Art. 362 NK.

Sometimes a coefficient is used in the calculation, provided for paragraph 3 of Art. 362 NK. It takes into account the incomplete period of car ownership. This happens if the owner purchased the car during the year or sold it.

Tax rates for pickup trucks in different regions

The best-selling pickup truck models on the Russian market in 2016 were:

• Toyota Hilux;
• Mitsubishi L200;
• Volkswagen Amarok;
• UAZ Pickup.

For comparison, here are the technical characteristics of these cars and types of vehicles:

car brand	Engine power, h.p.	vehicle type
Toyota Hilux 2011	144	Cargo onboard
Mitsubishi L200	168	Cargo onboard
Volkswagen Amarok 2011	180	Cargo onboard
UAZ Pickup	135	Cargo onboard

Let's take a choice of three regions of the country, and see how the transport tax rates in rubles will differ for cars and trucks with the same engine power.

	Moscow (in accordance with the Law of Moscow No. 33 “On transport tax” dated 09.07.2008)	Krasnodar ("On transport tax on the territory of the Krasnodar Territory" No. 639-KZ dated November 26, 2003)	Khabarovsk (in accordance with Decree No. 308 “On regional taxes and tax incentives in the Khabarovsk Territory” dated November 10, 2005)
UAZ Pickup, 135 HP cargo	26	30	40
Opel Mokka, 140 HP passenger car	35	25	16
Volkswagen Amarok, 180 HP cargo	38	50	50
Skoda Octavia, 180 hp passenger car	50	50	30

Thus, it is seen that in Moscow, cars are more expensive than pickup trucks. The annual tax for a Skoda Octavia will be 180 hp. × 50 = 9000 rubles, and for a Volkswagen Amarok truck - 180 hp × 38 = 6840 rubles.

In Krasnodar the situation is reversed. Trucks are taxed heavily: UAZ Pickup will cost 4,050 rubles, and Opel Mokka - 3,500 rubles. In Khabarovsk, tax rates for both types of cars differ even more. Tax for Volkswagen Amarok will be 9000 rubles, and for Skoda Octavia - 5400 rubles.

Cars such as pickups are especially loved by fishermen, hunters, and owners of country cottages. If a pickup truck is used for its intended purpose, that is, not only for transporting people, but also for transporting goods, then it fully justifies itself as a practical vehicle.

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