Production Models

Toyota Motor Philippines rolled out the 2020 update of the Hilux in the final months of the year as authorities continued to ease community quarantine restrictions.

It arrived with a look that accentuated Toyota's reputation for quality, durability and reliability. Neither garish nor loud but rugged in a handsome kind of way.

Headlining the made-over Hilux is the Conquest 2.8 4x4 Automatic. At 5325 millimeters long, 1900mm wide and 1845mm tall with the roof ornament, the Hilux Conquest makes an impressive presence in both urban and rural setting.

The thick frame and solid horizontal slats of the large grille, wide overfenders with garnish, the 18-inch Gloss Black Alloy wheels wrapped by 265/60 R18 tires all add to the ruggedly handsome vibe.

The Conquest 2.8 4x4 Automatic also gets all the exterior upgrades from the Bi-Beam LED Auto-Leveling Headlamps, Daytime Running Lights, Front Fog Lamps, Rear LED Combination Lamps with Line Guide and LED Deck Lamp to the Power Adjusting and Folding Side View Mirrors, Tailgate Assist, and Intermittent Windshield Wipers with Time Adjust.

It also comes with Bedliner, Sports Bar, Roof Ornament, and the unobtrusive Conquest Decals on the side.

The Conquest 2.8 4x4 Automatic also gets all the interior upgrades for comfort and convenience.

These include Smart Entry and Push Start System, Power Window Auto Up and Down Function and Jam Protection, Speed-Sensing Door Locks, Cruise Control, and Automatic Climate Control.

The driver's seat gets 6-way manual adjust function, the front passenger seat adjusts four ways.

The rear seats separate 60:40 which allows flexibility for cargo.

The Multi-Information Display features easy to read dials plus a 4.2-inch TFT to provide all information needed by driver.

The Conquest cabin features leather door trims, interior illumination, and a leather-wrapped steering with controls and switches for audio, phone, and the MID.

These include controls for the infotainment system that features an 8-inch display audio with AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, Smart Device Link, Miracast, compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Audio, and playing through six speakers.

There are more than enough cupholders and bottle holders for all occupants, as well as two 12-volt accessory outlets.

Pickup trucks are no longer unwieldy or difficult to drive as before.

This is true with the Conquest 2.8 4x4 Automatic. Power steering with variable flow control, a 6-speed automatic transmission make driving a breeze.

What also makes the Conquest 2.8 4x4 Automatic fun to drive is the 2755cc, 4-cylinder intercooled and turbocharged diesel engine mated to the 6-speed Automatic Transmission that generates 204 PS at 3,400 revolutions per minute and 500 Newton-meters of torque at 1,600 to 2,800 rpm.

The adequate powertrain plus the 4-wheel drive capability make the Conquest a fun and practical pickup to own and drive around.

The suspension system uses double wishbones in front and Leaf Spring Rigid Axle in the rear to allow for solid but comfortable ride and handling and the safe carriage of heavy loads.

The brake system uses front ventilated and rear drums and is complemented by Anti-Lock Brake System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution for added safety.

Also helping keep driver and passengers safe are driver assist technologies that include Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist Control, and Downhill Assist Control.

Rear cameras and sonars at all corners of the Conquest make parking such a huge vehicle easier.

Adding to safety in the Hilux Conquest 2.8 4x4 Automatic are dual airbags, ISOFix, Tether Anchors, 3-point ELR seatbelts for five, with driver and front passenger getting pretensioners and force limiters.

Finally, also standard in the Hilux is the Toyota Vehicle Security System which comes with alarm and immobilizer.

The Toyota Hilux has been around for decades now, leading pickup sales locally for majority of those years. With more competitors in the market, Toyota has to do more to stay ahead of the competition.