Toyota Motor Philippines seems to be on a roll when it comes to launching new cars during these special times. Over the past three months, the country’s triple-crown holder for the last 17 years has unveiled three new models: the refreshed Wigo, the face-lifted Vios, and the all-new Corolla Cross. And TMP is at it again. This time, it’s waging battle in the pickup segment with the new Hilux.

We all know how tough Hiluxes are. But Toyota believes that it has to look the part. And so the truck sports a new face, starting from an aggressive-looking hexagonal front grille, as well as redesigned headlamps and front bumper. The sides have mostly retained its muscular form, save for better-looking 17-inch rims. The rear end also boasts a new taillight assembly. The already beefy Conquest models get beefed up even more with tougher-looking front fascia with bi-beam LED headlamps and fog lights, 18-inch alloys, sports bar with LED lighting, new tailgate garnish, tailgate assist and LED combination lamps. Overall, these changes give the truck a more imposing and intimidating look.

The Hilux’s interior largely remains unchanged save for the updated gauge cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel (G grade and up) and leather door trims with illumination (Conquest variants). But this truck isn’t just all about looks as comes loaded with tech stuff too. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Smart Device Link are standard on E variants and higher. The Hilux is easier to drive as well with G models now having rear parking sensors. The range-topping Conquest has two front proximity sensors, four backing-up sensors and a reverse camera.

But the Hilux isn’t just all show and no go. While the 2.4-liter turbodiesel retains its output and torque figures of 148hp and 400Nm, it’s the 2.8-liter mill that gets a bit of an upgrade. Now packing 201hp and 500Nm of muscle (with the six-speed automatic gearbox), the revised 1GD-FTV engine gives the new Hilux performance figures that roughly match that of the Ford Ranger Raptor. Driver aids standard on all Hilux variants include antilock brakes, stability control and hill-start assist while Conquest 4×4 models also get hill-descent control. Rounding up the list of safety features are driver, front passenger, and knee airbags with the Conquest getting additional curtain airbags.

Here are the prices of the new Hilux:

• 2.8 4×4 Conquest AT – P1,830,000
• 2.8 4×4 Conquest MT – P1,755,000
• 2.4 4×2 Conquest AT – P1,455,000
• 2.4 4×2 Conquest MT – P1,380,000
• 2.4 4×2 G AT – P1,295,000
• 2.4 4×2 G MT – P1,220,000
• 2.4 4×2 E MT – P1,113,000

All Conquest models are available in Emotional Red, the new Hilux’s halo color. This paint job costs an additional P20,000.

With better looks, improved performance, smarter tech, improved safety and, more importantly, Toyota reliability, is there a better proposition than the new Hilux?