Toyota Hilux Adventure (with so very many accessories) review: got the life

The Hilux Adventure starts here. Because, you know, that's what this one is called: the Toyota Hilux Adventure.

"Adventure" is a new specification for the latest 'Lux, essentially replacing the SR5 Cruiser (the SR5 and SR5 Limited continue, though) as the top-of-the-line model with more of an emphasis on image and the private/lifestyle market.

This new generation also means goodbye to the "wide body" SR5 Cruiser and the more 4x4-extreme Hilux GR Sport. At least for now. The Adventure is mechanically identical to other Hilux mild-hybrid automatics.

The new name also aligns it with other similarly configured Toyotas like the RAV4 Adventure and Land Cruiser Prado Adventure. Clearly, this is going to be a thing.

Know what else is a thing? Toyota New Zealand is very keen on showcasing all the fancy new accessories it has for the new-gen Hilux, which is why this particular example is absolutely dripping in them.

The MHEV turbo-diesel is still serving Hilux well, especially now that Ford has stepped back from its Ranger biturbo engine to a single-turbo making a lot less than the Toyota.

We get it, but we're also a bit perplexed at choosing the Adventure as a showcase for 4x4-themed extras, given it's probably the most likely model in the range to be used as primarily an on-road machine. Case in point: at $63,990, the Adventure is only $1k more than the SR5 Limited. It really is more of an image thing.

On the outside: what are the Toyota Hilux Adventure's main design features?

The ninth-generation Hilux sports what Toyota calls a "Cyber Sumo" design theme, which does look pretty striking. And we'd have to say those high-set squinty headlights and angular crease lines look a lot more appealing in the metal than they do in photographs.

Our Adventure is modelling Toyota's Premium Steel Bullbar, which gives the Hilux the visual aspect of a vehicle ready to take on some kind of zombie apocalypse.

On the outside, the Adventure is distinguished by matte-black 18-inch alloys, a slightly different front bumper design (not evident here for reasons which you can clearly see) and two exclusive colours, Frosted White and Sulphur; neither of which are featured here, because this example is finished in a colour called Ash.

Now, about some of those accessories. Up front, our Adventure is modelling Toyota's Premium Steel Bullbar ($4708), which rather takes over the frontal styling and gives the Hilux the visual aspect of a vehicle ready to take on some kind of zombie apocalypse.

Under the sills there are rock rails ($2257) and on the driver's side it wears a Ram Head Snorkel ($863). Our Adventure is also riding on Maxxis Razr AT-S tyres: not as aggressive as a full all-terrain (AT) tread pattern, but still a lot more chunky than the Dunlop Grandtreks we've seen fitted as standard on showroom models.

Our test vehicle also had a roller-lid on the tray ($3753), which is kind of the Hilux's answer to the Ford Ranger Wildtrak's tray cover (let's face it, the Hilux Adventure is pretty much Toyota's answer to the Wildtrak anyway), but it's manually operated rather than powered. Looks good in black.

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the Toyota Hilux Adventure cabin like?

The redesign of the Hilux's cabin is even more comprehensive than the exterior. It's gone from incredibly dated to prefectly aligned with the rest of Toyota's new-generation SUV and 4x4 models, full of flat surfaces and chunky design detail. 

The Hilux cabin is a much nicer place to be than ever before, although bearing in mind the broader market for the Adventure, the back seats are still nothing special.

It's still durable and quite functional, but the cabin is also now as a stylistically appealing as anything in the class. Never thought we'd say that about a Hilux.

Toyota has upped the luxury of Hilux generally. All models have a 12.3-inch infotainment display and wireless phone charger. The SR5 and above have the likes of heated steering wheel and seats, plus a glove compartment that doubles as a coolbox.

The SR5 Limited gains leather-accented seats, power-adjustable driver's seat and a JBL sound system. That's really the base for the Adventure, which adds full leather upholstery.

The Hilux cabin is a much nicer place to be than ever before, although bearing in mind the broader market for the Adventure, the back seats are still nothing special. Fine for short trips, but a bit too pew-like for a longer journey.

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the Toyota Hilux Adventure like to drive?

Here's where it gets bit tricky for our test vehicle, because while the addition of the lumpier AT-S tyres makes Hilux even more capable off-tarmac (it's already a hugely capable 4x4 already, of course), it also makes it very hard to assess on-road driving characteristics.

The steering has moved from hydraulic to electric, and the rear suspension of the higher-grade models now sports a more comfort-oriented state of tune.

Shame, because while Toyota NZ is pretty upfront about this being a major reskin on top (and inside) but very much same Hilux underneath, there have been some signficant detail changes to the mechanical package. 

The steering has moved from hydraulic to electric, and the rear suspension of the higher-grade models now sports a more comfort-oriented state of tune that trades off a little articulation and 4x4 toughness for a better on-road ride (never a strength of previous models). The Hilux also now has disc brakes all-round.

Chunky tyres are no friend to steering, handling and ride on-road. Toyota says improved on-road refinement was a focus for this major update model... so yeah.

But for what it's worth, the steering and ride of our test vehicle felt reasonably well-sorted in the context of Hiluxes past. The steering in particular, although we'd be very surprised if the dynamic package matched the rival Ranger. Neither does the price, of course.

The 2.8-litre diesel with 48-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) system for automatic Hiluxes is essentially carried over. As we write this we're testing a non-hybrid Hilux manual (before you ask, that one's on even chunkier rubber), and it's clear to see the driveability benefits of that little boost you get from the MHEV system, even if it doesn't bring a massive improvement in fuel economy (8.3l/100km for the Adventure, 8.2l/100km for an SR5 Limited non-MHEV manual).

It's strong enough that the carryover 6-speed automatic isn't a huge downside. The MHEV boost fills in the gaps lower down and makes the most of the transmission's ratios.

We reckon Toyota's done some good work in noise supression, too. The previous model was a pretty clattery thing, and while you'd never mistake this one for anything other than compression-ignition, the harsness has gone out of the soundtrack in the mid-range, replaced by more of an urgent gurgle. It's quite appealing, actually.

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the Toyota Hilux Adventure warranty and servicing situation?

The vehicle is covered for 3 years/100,000km, but extended to 5 years/150,000 ("Platinum Warranty") is servicing is carried out at an authorised outlet.

Servicing is required every 12 months/15,000km.

On the whole: what do we think of the Toyota Hilux Adventure?

We really do have to reserve judgement on the changes made to steering and suspension until we can get our hands on a Hilux with conventional road tyres (honestly, we thought the Adventure would be a good model to start with for that reason), but were pretty impressed with the wacky new exterior styling, SUV-like interior design and luxury equipment.

The MHEV turbo-diesel is still serving Hilux well, especially now that Ford has stepped back from its Ranger biturbo engine to a single-turbo making a lot less than the Toyota (150kW/500Nm plays 125kW/405Nm). Nor does Ford NZ currently offer a 4-cylinder version of the latest Wildtrak anyway, although we're a little unclear on the status of that. It might be coming.

From a lifestyley point of view, would we go for the top Hilux Adventure? Given you're really just paying $1000 over an SR5 Limited for full leather and a couple of unique colour choices, we'd say yes.

Toyota Hilux Adventure FAQs

What kind of car is the Toyota Hilux Adventure?

A double-cab wellside ute.

Does the Toyota Hilux Adventure have hybrid or EV technology?

It's a mild hybrid (MHEV).

What’s the fuel economy of the Toyota Hilux Adventure?

The Adventure returns 8.3l/100km in NZ's 3P-WLTP test cycle.

Is the Toyota Hilux Adventure safe?

Hilux has a 5-star ANCAP rating (valid until December 2031).

What safety and assistance features does the Toyota Hilux Adventure have?

What are the Toyota Hilux Adventure's main rivals?

• Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 ($85,990): You can't currently buy a 4-cylinder Wildtrak. So V6 it is.
• Nissan Navara Pro-4X ($59,990): Special price for Nissan's fanciest Navara until the end of September.
• Mitsubishi Triton VRX ($59,990): Not as dressy as sister Navara, but Triton is a bigger seller.
• Riddara RD6 ($69,990): How lifestyley do you want to get? Pure-electric, mighty 360kW, tows 3 tonnes.
• Toyota RAV4 Adventure ($62,990): If you're really not going off-road or towing a lot, consider this for the same money.