2008 TRD HiLux 4000SL Road Test Review

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Mountains of torque, limited slip diff and a crawling low range, posed no problems for the TRD on the steeper pinches; it becomes just a matter of picking the line and scrabbling over. And with little water in the headwaters of the Aberfeldy River, there were no challenges to be had with the planned water crossing – you could have crossed it in a pedal car.

In this terrain, out where you can “lose yourself”, far from the work-day building sites, this is what the TRD HiLux is all about. It can scramble up nearly any fire-trail, get to places other cars can’t get and deal with ruts that would swallow a lesser rig. And lay serious kilowatts on the tarmac in getting there.

Fact is of course, off road, it’s no better than its SR5 diesel bro’. But the stripes, the supercharger, the TRD badge, and the ball-tearing grunt are to signal something: it’s the same signal, ironically, that the Maloo and XR8 give. It’s a signal that the person behind this wheel wants, and can afford, the premium product. Wants a mountain of grunt, because ‘grunt is good’; and wants versatility – wants to put the bikes in the back and hit the hills - because the car is both part of work and part of the lifestyle.

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That’s why it’s got a low range. That’s why it goes like shyte off a shovel. And that’s why it’s not for everyone.

There are very good reasons why the HiLux range is king of the heap in its sector and one of Australia’s best-selling cars, full-stop. But would I buy the TRD HiLux? Not yet. I’d lean to the SR5 4X4 dual-cab diesel. It’s just as good, perhaps better, up a fire trail, it’s not significantly shaded for its ‘on road’ dynamics, and – it’s a personal thing - I don’t feel it’s necessary to win the traffic-light derby at the wheel of a ‘sport truck’.

Mostly though, at $51,080 (plus on-roads) for the SR5 diesel, I’d be swayed because it’s around ten grand cheaper than the TRD.

One last thing: the TRD doesn’t mind a drink when it’s under a bit of load. We managed a reasonable 14.0 l/100km with some enthusiastic mixed driving on the first tank, close enough to Toyota’s claims of 12.9 l/100km. That figure however dropped to a measured 18.2 l/100km on our trip ‘over the top’, but a good part of the way was spent in ‘4-low’.

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But stick to the mission Toyota. If the TRD HiLux could be had with a slick-shifting manual box, then… now yes, that might change things.

The Insider’s Big Statement

 

Toyota Racing Development, with a string of off-road racing successes behind them, have given us ‘one tough truck’ in the TRD HiLux. It’s not for everyone but is a worthy contender and an original ‘take’ on the iconic Aussie ute. It’s ideal for the keen driver who wants or needs 4X4 capability, off-road ground clearance and low-range versatility, but also demands stonkin’ supercharged V6 power under the toe.

 

insider-likes

  • The ‘grunt-laden’ supercharged V6 donk
  • On-road and off-road versatility
  • Bilstein suspension (brilliant on rough gravel roads)
  • It’s like a better-handling SR5 only meaner and faster

insider-dislikes

  • The limp-sounding exhaust
  • Patchy interior, it’s robust and practical, but lacking for the price
  • Vague steering and jiggly highway road-feel
  • The price, and no manual available

Gallery

Specifications

Engine: V6 DOHC (chain driven) 24-valve VVTi Capacity: 3956cc Power: 225kW @ 5,400rpm Torque: 453Nm @ 2,800rpm Induction: Eaton M90 Supercharger Transmission: Five-speed auto (with selectable low range transfer case) Performance: 0-100kmh 7.2 seconds (claimed) Differential: 3.58:1 (LSD) Brakes: Front: Ventilated discs, 338mm

Rear: Drum, ABS

Wheels: 17 x 7.5 inch alloys Tyres: 265/65 R17 Bridgestone all terrain Towing capacity: 2,250kg (braked), 750kg (unbraked) Kerb weight: 1,850kg Fuel Consumption: 12.9 l/100km (claimed combined cycle) Price: $59,990 S

$64,990 SL

GALLERY: trd-hilux_review

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Comments

  • Mark Bedford [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    7.2 seconds to 100, loads of usable torque with its low drive engaged and all for reasonable money too, a great package it seems from your view.

    P.S LOVE the photos, what a trip!
  • alec [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    You say the TRD Hilux shares the 'donk' with the Aurion, and the Hilux has been tuned for less KW.
    However the Aurion is a 3.5 and the Hilux a 4.0.
    I thought they were different motors?
  • Kezza [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    Finally someone noticed that the TRD HiLux isn't actually a competitor to the V8 Ford and Holden utes! I do like the aggressive look of the Lux and with that kind of power and torque the mix becomes irresistable, however for the money the interior needs work and lots of it, sure you get pretty seats and a nice wheel and gear knob but they don't even match the rest of the standard HiLux trim, but I suppose this first model is just a toe in the water for now.

    Oh and Alec, to anser your question the Hilux is a 4.0 liter and the Aurion a 3.5, but they are both from the 'GR' family of engines and are basiacally the same unit in a different size, the basic powerplant also sees duty in Tarago, RAV 4, Prado, and all the 6 cylinder Lexus cars.
  • alec [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    Kezza,
    I know the Tarago, Rav6, Tarago, Aurion, Kluger and many Lexus models share the 3.5
    The same is true with the 4.0 in the Prado and Hilux.

    However what are the similarities between these 2 motors besides engine codes as I thought they were different?
    Do they share the same blocks?
  • alec [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    Thanks Tony, thats about what I thought the differences were. Does this mean Toyota could play mix'n'match with the heads and produce a high output n/a 4 litre with good low down torque?
  • Kezza [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    Alec, it looks like Tony has beaten me to it, but yes there is a large degree of inter-compatability between 1GR, 2GR and 3GR engines so what you've proposed is feasable, although personally I like the TRD approach of slapping on a supercharger!
  • Morgasshk [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    What is everyone's opbsession with Manual's???

    Holden went with the EXACT same supercharger set-up on their commies in late 90'2, early 00's, NO manual option... Toyota boxes are pretty darn tough, but like hell would the factory want to start coughing up parts, clutches, boxes etc under warranty because a bunch of hoons sat their Lux's on redline 24/7.... ;)

    Ok, wouldn't be across the board, but we all know it WOULD happen to a number of vehicles, and Toyota would cop the cost...

    @ Kezza - FYI: I believe the newer TRD Luxos will have the steering wheel controls and better wheel bearings now also. :)
  • Shane T. [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    I must say, i really like the TRD duo (Aurion and Hilux) from Toyota and the 'F' series from Lexus as they are all good cars with good donks.

    Good to see Toyota and Lexus moving in the right direction with some sporty options.

    WELL DONE !!
  • Ryan Ong [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    Spot on for the reason why the TRD don't sell in Australia. All the elements' there, but just not right for Oz consumer.
  • Shane T. [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    Driven both offerings from TRD and can honstly say i would easily park one of each on my garage if i had the $$$ ... good effort - same about cancelling the brand, would have good in the extended term.
  • Glen Woodforde [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    Just Bought one!!!!!! Still on it's way here by boat but can't wait to get it now. Love that supercharger moan too!
  • Shane [reply]
    12 months ago 0 points
    Seen a black TRD Aurion and a black TRD Hilux on the Sunshine Coast last week and must say ... they both looked the part, very nice !!
  • Mal Wright [reply]
    11 months ago 0 points
    Just bought a TRD HiLux pick it up next week. On test drive I dislike the supercharger whine noise and researching sound reduction methods as I think the whine is annoyning. I spend a lot of time on the road and test drived the deisel SR5 seemed too much like a truck. Going from a SS Holden crewman because I live on the beach and would like to utilize beach fishing and surfing the off road spots; also the Crewman rear seats too squashy for the kids. Can you or anyone advise siutable ways of halving the supercharger cabin noise?
  • Peter Sherlock [reply]
    11 months ago 0 points
    It is refreshing to see a clean slate review of the Hilux TRD. It has been a while coming and we are all getting a bit sick of the TRD V V8 Ford or Holden ute comparisons.
    I bought a SL TRD Hilux back in October 08 and sold a Porsche Cayenne S. The Hilux definately has its flaws - it can be a handful in the wet, particularly with no traction control but it does teach you to remember your basic driving skills that I fear we all are losing in this electronically controlled world.
    It also has a very average sound system and we put the full Sat Nav touch screen in. The main problem was the speakers which have now been replaced and the sound is perfectly fine. 4 wheel discs would have been nice, but I haven't missed them. Over the Porsche, it is nice to be able to plug in my iPod and connect my phone via bluetooth.
    On a recent drive from Melbourne to the Flinders Ranges and back, which consisted of fastish (120 - 130km/h) highway running and some lesser sand dune work on a friends station we averaged 8.4l/100km so I am not sure where all these fuel figures come from - even around town and having fun at the traffic lights I am still averaging around 12l/100. I would suggest this more than acceptable.
    Make no mistake, the TRD is still an agricutlural ute, but as our second car, with the ability to throw some gear in the back and still enjoy the drive, without losing the 4WD ability, I think it delivers a pretty good experience.
    It is a shame they have stopped being made as I was looking forward to the Series 2, but if Toyota are selling bugger all of them, then I can't blame them for the decision. Cheers Peter
  • Mal Wright [reply]
    10 months ago 0 points
    Have had the TRD over 1 week and find the car grows on you. I had the door sticker striping removed and just left the ute sides looks much better.I also found the sterio lame and replaced with a navigation system combined sterio, still wanting to change the speakers and the factory model inaequate antenna which is rediculous and cuts out reception even in the city. The car has since had exhaust modifications and sound proofing which has made a huge differance to the whiney annoying sounds of the super charger with some grunt sounds extruding from a straight through exhaust system. The car goes great in 4x4 on the beach and thats what the car was purchased for. Im averaging 11.1 KM/per 100KM which is not bad for a 4x4. Complaints are the interior doesnt match as the leather seats and steering wheel is non matching to the cheap plastic dash, console and door inserts all which mark easy. The ingition has to be on the use the electic windows (should have a 1 minute usable time after the ignigtion is turned off), the lights only have an week sounding alarm if left on and do not automatically turn off once the vehicle is locked. The lights are also weak and there is after market upgrades available apparaently common for Toyota's.
    The key control buttons are easily bumped whilst in ones pocket unlocking and locking the car unwantedly. The car oversteers with no traction control making adult fun a new meaning. the rear child restaraints connections left and right rear seats hard to attach as too small a area to operate the looped catches. Question how many TRD Hilux's were made? I was told 351 is that right? Mine is numbered 724 I was told no thats the TRD range numbering system not just the Hilux.
  • Mal Wright [reply]
    10 months ago 0 points
    Had the car 3 weeks now and had the exhaust modified much better more flow, better performance and more power again, sounds better and deadens the supercharger whine, as whistles out its *** now had the projectopr lights fitted looks much better wiyth more light. The aftermarket navigation system installed, slight badging changes and now needs the door trims to match the seating (comming). I really like this car it whistles under the supercharged power instead of whining like an ex wife. LOl
    Now I know only 351 made this car will deffinately be a collectable Im up to $74,0000.00 so far including purchase and would love to be able to attach a photo as now looks like a racing development vehicle and goes the same. I dragged off a Ford V8 with much to his amazement a 4x4 beat him as he didnt respect the Hilux TRD as one now should.
  • Andrew Batge [reply]
    10 months ago 0 points
    Sounds good Mal, mine is 681 and still standard. Does your exhaust have a muffler fitted or is it straight through from the tee junction.. What size is the new exhaust system.
    Does anybody know of disabling the "Ï Agree" button on start up of the sat nav a bit annoying after a while.
    My fuel economy is pretty good though giving 9.9lt 100km average city / hwy.
    Only one more complaint no auto up on drivers window.
  • Mal Wright [reply]
    10 months ago 0 points
    LOl agree get a auto electrican to fix that on the drivers window only he can hard wire directly to the battery full time its much better. The exhausts come standard with stainless stell suopeer thin thats why they sound tinny. Just change the muffler only to the largest tri-flow that will fit much better. My email is malwright@mysoul.com.au send me an email and send some pics, the head lights wass the best thing I did to the car looks so much better and added a TRD bage off the net to the front grill. Looks magic and now gets attention as a sports cab ute rather than what most people to think a over standard Hilux. Basically there a Hilux on steroids poorly finished for the money you pay.

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