Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4x4 Legend RS AT (2021) Review

Not just a double-cab bakkie, a fierce mom-mobile too

 

Most of the other moms in the school parking lot are behind the wheel of hatchbacks, people-movers or big-name SUVs. Occasionally, a bakkie-driving mom crosses my path, but judging from the snorkel and the off-road kit, it's easy to assume that she's married to a 4x4-enthusiast who also employs the bakkie for his gardening service side-job. I'm an off-road enthusiast myself, but even if I did own a 4x4, I would probably take it easy with the bundu-bashing accoutrement anyway.

When the updated flagship Hilux Legend landed in my driveway, I was quickly reminded how broad its skillset is, and wondered to myself why bakkies aren't more popular with well-heeled womenfolk who have families / dogs and a keen sense of adventure.

 

Styling

 

The facelifted Hilux Legend looks the part with its sexy wraparound headlamps, imposing trapezoid grille and just a smidgen of chrome on either side of the Toyota emblem. The bonnet protector, skid-plate, and perfectly-placed fog lamp housings that merge into the plastic cladding of the wheel arches, satisfy my visual OCD. At the rear, the taillamps have been revised with a light hand, and the light signature looks striking.

 

 

Two-tone 18-inch alloys with darkened centre caps underline the Hilux's tough-guy attitude. The Legend model is also fitted with a sleek graphite-coloured sports bar for a more streamlined and athletic silhouette.

 

 

Interior 

 

What does a R876 800 bakkie look like on the inside? Like it should: Durable, practical, stylish, and spacious, with a top-notch sound system and a large infotainment touchscreen as well as on-board Wifi, with the latest Toyota telematics system. The cabin is swathed in luxurious black leather with smatterings of glossy piano black trim. The black roof lining is standard for grubby fingerprint protection. Ambient blue lighting in the doors is a luxurious touch that is only to be found in the Legend models.

 

Space, and comfort features

 

Thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the driver can use his or her favourite apps hands-free, and all occupants can connect to Toyota's Wi-Fi. You get 15GB once-off and can top up the data as needed for connectivity on the go.

There is one USB port and 2 x 12V power sockets up front if you need to plug in an additional multi-USB hub to power the whole family's devices, and the instant access buttons on either side of the touchscreen negate the need for delving into menu upon menu on the screen. The driver has satellite buttons on the steering wheel as well, of course, and voice control to access the various systems.

 

 

The Legend model's 9-speaker JBL sound system delighted all passengers as we took turns to listen to everyone's playlists on Apple Music. Toyota's engineers did a great job with the sound insulation of the Hilux, because there was minimal aural intrusion into the cabin from the engine bay and the road below.

The second row has ample space and sufficient legroom for everyone, even taller passengers. The driver's seat is electronically adjustable — a feature found only on Legend variants. Toyota also added an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror (the glass darkens when exposed to light), to reduce visual glare at night.

 

 

As the name suggests, our test model was equipped with the RS package, which has nothing to do with speed or racing, but is an acronym for roller shutter, and an automated one at that. With the help of an assisted tailgate, the kids' could store their enormous school bags without the help of a grownup, and the bags stayed their original colour thanks to the Legend's dust-defense kit. The loading bay is rubberized as standard. 

 

Safety

 

Being the flagship Hilux, the expectation of semi-self-driving features is not a tall order, and Toyota was happy to oblige by bestowing the Legend 4x4 with Toyota's Safety Sense, an umbrella term that includes the marque's Pre-collision system, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control. (This uses a combination of a cameras and radar to maintain a safe, set distance behind the car in front.)

I am not a big fan of most semi-autonomous systems and mostly prefer relying on my own eyes and senses, but Toyota's tech is effective enough, and I regularly utilized the adaptive cruise control on the busy N2 from Cape Town, but still kept my hands on the wheel at all times. Just bear in mind that it's only effective from 50 km/h.

With these systems lending a helping hand, I almost felt too relaxed behind the wheel to get angry at other road users. If commuting is a regular occurrence in your life, the 6-speed auto-'box and adaptive cruise control are a winning combination.

Other safety features include traction and stability control, hill-descent and hill-start assist, seven airbags, embedded navigation, auto-dim interior mirrors and a rearview camera as well as parking sensors.

 

The drive, power, and performance

 

We already know how capable the 4x4 Hilux and Fortuner models are off-road, so in our week with the Hilux, we only subjected it to (sub)urban duties, which included about nine school runs and two trips to Canal Walk and Access Park to fulfil a teenager's order of fashion necessities. Driving and parking in crowded parking lots are made easy by the Hilux's variable steering, which adjusts to whatever speed you're going. Therefore, Hilux is quite maneuverable and tight spaces are navigated easily, considering its dimensions. (The rock sliders also enable easy access and exit from the cabin for the vertically challenged.)

 

 

The 2.8-litre Hilux has received a welcome power boost from 130kW and 450Nm to 150 kW and 500Nm, for better acceleration and added pulling prowess, and yet fuel economy remains excellent for the segment, returning around 8.2 litres per 100 km on the combined cycle. While driving on tar is a fuss-free affair, it's on gravel where the Hilux is outstanding, as we re-discovered on a scenic detour to avoid unrest near Grabouw on the N2. Toyota's added new spring rates, shock absorbers and suspension bushes for a more comfortable, yet surefooted feeling, especially when the loading bay is devoid of anything to settle that rear axle down. The dirt road to my favourite shoot location also proved to be an entertaining drive - when you're in a Hilux, it's difficult to quell the desire to 'give it horns', and even more so now that the kiloWatt count has gone up! 

 

Price

 

The Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 Double Cab 4x4 Legend RS auto retails for R876 800 and yes, it's pricey, but you do get your money's worth. It's up against some stiff competition from the Ford Ranger 2.0 Bi-Turbo double cab 4x4 Thunder at R829 900 and the Ford Ranger Raptor at R920 300. The Isuzu D-MAX 300 3.0TD double cab 4x4 LX Arctic Truck is priced at R906 900, while the VW Amarok 3.0 V6 TDI double Highline 4MOTION will set you back R936 700.

The Dakar-ready Raptor has heated seats and both Fords have a few more tech features such as park assist. Towing capacity for each model is 3500 kg, but the Raptor's towing capacity falls slightly shorter at 2500 kg. With all this taken into consideration, the Hilux still offers good value, but the more affordable Thunder also delivers the goods, offering a 4-year/120 000 km warranty vs. Toyota's 3-year/120 000 km. Toyota offers a standard service plan of 9 services up to 90 000 km, with 10 000 km service intervals. Ford offers a 6-year/90 000 km service plan with 15 000 km intervals.

 

Verdict

 

The updated Hilux with its semi-autonomous technology, a more-potent powerplant and luxurious interior is worthy of wearing SA's best-selling bakkie crown. With the added convenience of a motorized roller shutter and rubberized drop-in bedliner, there's no need to splurge on a massive SUV that will end up towing a trailer come the December holidays, anyway. The Hilux is an excellent family lifestyle vehicle for every day of the week.