Toyota Could Take The Isuzu D-Max Route And Offer Its Upcoming Pickup In Two Versions

• Toyota had trademarked the names Hilux and Hilux Revo in India.

• The pickup will be launched by Diwali 2021.

• It could utilise the Fortuner or Innova Crysta’s diesel powertrains.

• It could be priced like the Isuzu D-Max from Rs 17.05 lakh to Rs 24.60 lakh.

• If offered in two iterations, one could be more premium than the other.

Toyota is planning on introducing the Hilux in India, probably by Diwali 2021. With the segment gaining traction in India due to the launch of the new D-Max V-Cross, this seems like the right time for other carmakers to bring in their pickups. The Hilux pickup could be offered in two trims: Hilux and Hilux Revo.

The Japanese carmaker trademarked the name Hilux Revo in 2016. This is also the name of choice for the pickup in Thailand. The Hilux name, on the other hand, has already been trademarked since the 1980s and is valid till 2030. It remains to be seen whether Toyota uses both the names or not, but we believe the Hilux will get two trims, just like rival Isuzu D-Max (Hi-Lander and V-Cross).

The differences between the Hilux and Hilux Revo could be similar to the D-Max Hi-Lander and V-Cross. The Hi-Lander is the more affordable version of the two, stripped down to the bare minimum when it comes to features, styling, and comfort. It comes with a single manual gearbox and a 2WD drivetrain, as opposed to the V-Cross’ 4WD drivetrain and automatic gearbox options. The V-Cross also comes loaded with features such as cruise control, powered driver’s seat, auto AC, touchscreen infotainment system, and bi-LED headlamps.

Since the Hilux shares its underpinnings with the domestically manufactured Innova Crysta and Fortuner, we can expect the pickup to utilise their powertrains. Both the Innova Crysta’s 150PS 2.4-litre diesel unit and the Fortuner’s 204PS 2.8-litre diesel unit come with manual and automatic transmissions. The Fortuner gets a 4WD drivetrain as well, which seems more apt for the Hilux.

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Toyota could take the fight straight to Isuzu by pricing the Hilux in the same range as the D-Max, between Rs 17.05 lakh and Rs 24.60 lakh (ex-showroom). If offered in two iterations, the Hilux could retail from Rs 18 lakh to Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom).