Toyota launched a revised version of its Hilux at the end of 2021, adding some new colours and specification upgrades. Since then, Toyota has added a few new derivatives to the range. Today we answer the question of which engine option is better, petrol or diesel?
Related: Everything you need to know about the Toyota Hilux (8th Gen)
The latest range model line-up has been revised, with a switch of focus on some of the traditional names to give them new status regarding model grading. There are many reasons why the bakkie is South Africa's favourite vehicle, and you can see that when you drive a Hilux. But before we get into the details, remember that if you are searching for new or used Toyota Hilux models, you can do it here on AutoTrader. You can also sell your car quickly and easily in just a few simple steps here.
At the bottom end of the range, the S and SR trim levels remain. The new mid-line trim is now pegged as the Raider, which was once a model name used for upper-level Hilux models. Effectively, the new Raider replaces the SRX trim name.
As a result of this, the new flagship trim level is now the Legend, a name previously given to limited-series models in the Hilux range. An optional accessory package, denoted as the “RS”, is available for the Legends, which consists of a roller shutter load bed cover, rubberised load bed and highly-styled sports bar mounted alongside the rear of the cabin. Here are our first impressions of the current-gen Hilux.
The engine line-up
The engine line-up for the Hilux range still consists of three petrol engines and three diesel motors. These are as follows:
Toyota Hilux Petrol
The 2.0 S engine is a 1 998 cc naturally-aspirated petrol 4-cylinder producing 102 kW and 183 Nm of torque. This engine is only available in single cab pick-up form in the S trim.
The 2.7 S engine is a naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder displacing 2 6944 cc and producing 122 kW and 245 Nm of torque. This engine is available in single-cab and double-cab form, both in an S trim level.
The 4.0 V6. This old-school performance petrol engine is naturally aspirated and displaces 3 956 cc. It produces 175 kW and 376 Nm of torque. It is only available in Legend trim with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Toyota Hilux Diesel
The 2.4 GD engine is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, developing 110 kW and 343 Nm of torque. It is available only in single-cab form.
The 2.4 GD-6 motor is a 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, dimensionally similar to the GD engine, with a displacement of 2 393 cc. It also produced 110 kW but has a higher peak torque rating of 400 Nm. This engine is used across a variety of Hilux derivatives and is available in single-cab, Xtra Cab and double-cab forms and SR and Raider trim levels. It is also available with both manual, automatic and 4X4 transmissions.
The 2.8 GD-6 engine is the top engine in the diesel range and has just been upgraded to 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque when used with an automatic transmission. Prior to this latest model, the figures for the 2.8 GD-6 were 130 kW and 450 Nm of torque for automatic models. The 2.8 GD-6 engine paired with a manual transmission gearbox also produces 150 kW, but torque is limited to 420 Nm.
Toyota offers this top engine with an extensive range of Hilux models. These include the single-cab, Xtra cab and double-cab in Legend trim. We had the 2.8 GD-6 4x4 Double Cab Raider Dakar on the test; check it out here.
Which Hilux engine is best?
We rate all Hilux engines as being excellent units. Whether you go for petrol or diesel largely depends on whether you are prepared to pay extra costs for a diesel model to achieve better fuel consumption. The 2.0-litre petrol used in the base model is noted for its ability to be driven all day in its commercial application and continues to be reliable. But, there again, all these Toyota engines have excellent reliability records.
Our choice would be the latest 2.8 GD-6 diesel used in the automatic Legend models. The increased torque of 500 Nm has made this model competitive with the top double-cab rivals in the class. We also like that it has been fitted with an additional balance shaft, which dampens engine vibrations to an admirable degree. We also enjoy that at 2.8-litre capacity, it is still a relatively under-stressed engine, as most rival manufacturers use smaller-capacity engines to achieve these kinds of figures.
If you are considering a Hilux model, you can check the latest Hilux offerings on AutoTrader here. You can also try our Instant Offer tool here to sell your current car easily and quickly.
