The Hilux is powered by a 2.8-litre, four-cylinder, inline turbodiesel engine producing 204 PS at 3,000 to 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm. Toyota has discontinued the previous generation’s manual, pairing the motor exclusively with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic.

For off-roading, 4x4 variants get a low-range transfer case, electronic differential lock, active traction control, and downhill assist.

Drivers also get the ability to toggle between Eco, Normal, and Sport modes.

Toyota has not published an official ARAI-certified figure for the ninth-generation Hilux at the time of launch. The previous generation was typically claimed at around 10 kmpl, with real-world figures ranging from roughly 8-13 kmpl depending on conditions.

Given the vehicle's weight and 2.8-litre engine, real-world city figures are expected to be closer to 7 to 9 kmpl.

You can also read why petrol and diesel cars feel risky to buy right now.

The ninth-generation Hilux gets a completely redesigned cabin. Up front sits a redesigned three-spoke wheel with Toyota lettermark, alongside a 7-inch instrument cluster. The real centerpiece, though, is the new 12.3-inch touchscreen, which finally brings wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker setup to the pickup.

Everyday conveniences like a wireless charger, cooled glovebox, and a PM 2.5 air filter come standard across the range.

That said, cabin comfort depends much on the variants. The top-tier VX gets leatherette upholstery, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, and a padded armrest, plus a power-adjustable, ventilated driver’s seat.

While the base GX features plain fabric seats and a basic single-zone manual air conditioner.

Rear seating is a 60:40 split configuration. The bench folds upward rather than flat, which limits cargo flexibility compared to the Isuzu V-Cross.

The ninth-generation Hilux adopts a more upright and angular front end. Slim, swept-back LED headlamps with integrated DRLs are connected by a thick gloss-black strip carrying embossed TOYOTA lettering, replacing the conventional badge.

The trapezoidal grille features a honeycomb pattern in a body colour finish. Below it, the front bumper features two quadrangle-shaped black air intakes flanking a silver skid plate and twin LED fog lamps.

On the sides, the roofline and overall silhouette are unchanged, but the Hilux picks up black wheel-arch cladding, side roll bars, a footboard step, and electrically retractable ORVMs with integrated turn signals. A shark-fin antenna sits at the rear of the roof.

Around back, the bold TOYOTA lettering makes a second appearance across the full width of the tailgate, flanked by vertically stacked LED tail lamps with distinct C-shaped light signatures.

Down low, a re-sculpted rear bumper incorporates a dedicated step, a simple, practical touch that makes clambering into the cargo bed a whole lot easier.

The ninth-generation Hilux carries a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating. This safety rating is reinforced by seven airbags as standard across every single variant, along with whiplash-reducing WIL Concept front seats, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, and a built-in anti-theft alarm.

We have also detailed unsafe cars in India so you can avoid those models and choose safer alternatives.

The truck also comes with Vehicle Stability Control with Brake Assist, ABS, Hill Assist Control, a tire pressure monitor, and emergency brake signals.

Parking the massive pickup is made easier thanks to standard front and rear sensors with display feedback, plus speed auto-locking doors for peace of mind on the move.

The India-spec model however does not get the ADAS suite available on global markets.

The Hilux closely competes only with the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross in its segment. The car has a 10 mm longer wheelbase and offers flat-folding rear seats for more cargo flexibility.

The Hilux counters with a considerably more powerful engine, 204 PS versus 163 PS, a more premium cabin, dual-zone climate control on the top trim, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen.

Toyota's wider service network is also a practical advantage.