Toyota Hilux - A better vehicle than the Landcruiser?

OK fine, the Landcrusier is a better Ute, but the Hilux has the ability at being so much more than that. For a very long time I couldn’t understand why people would purchase such a thing over a Cruiser. It wasn’t until recently did I take a step back and look at the Hilux as a vehicle, rather than an alternative living in the Cruiser’s shadow.

Pricing is one of the biggest factors for obvious reasons, because although they are both Toyota Utes, the Hilux blows the Landcruiser out of the water in regards to affordability to the average consumer. A 4x4 Workmate Hilux will only set you back about $36,000, which is also quite competitive with other Utes it contends with (Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Holden Colorado). This cheap price also makes it a popular choice among companies looking for fleet vehicles, as well as the durability that comes with being a Toyota and the seemingly endless availability of parts.

The Hilux is a Jack of all trades, not only can it be your rugged Ute, but it can be your daily driver, long distance runner as well as a fun bus for the weekend. Yes, the Cruiser “CAN” be all of these, but have fun driving from Sydney to Melbourne in a cab design that hasn’t changed much since the late 80’s (don’t even start about their fuel economy).

The Hilux can be viewed as a car/Ute hybrid, which makes it much more of a peoples car than the Cruiser will ever be. Would I prefer a Landcrusier? Yes. Yes I would. However, the Hilux achieves so much more than the Cruiser, and for that, it earns my respect.

Take a look at what I think about Australia’s “Pickup” - Toyota Landcruiser Ute
https://www.carthrottle.com/post/wbvq466/