Does a 2009 Hilux 3.0D SR cut the mustard offroad and towing

Hi, you will be dissapointed in the off road capabilities compared to the patrol.


I have had 2 x D4D hiluxs for work.
They perform quite well for a diesel but the V6 would kill it every day of the week.
They are a little lacking in the low down torque dept but a chip will improve that. they are much more comfortable than the old torsionbar IFS model up to early 05.

Depends on whether you go fair dinkum 4x4ing or mainly off road driving ??

The 3ltr Patrol has the same grunt as the 4.2...just at diff rev range !!

Will it last as long ?? Who knows ??

I think the Hi lux ( and many other dual cabs ) will do the job pretty well.....put on some decent tyres, a 2" lift and if you really do want to go "off" road....whack a locker or two in..

Hi John,

I don't think you would have a problem with that vehicle.

Although I don't have personal experience with Hilux, I have an '07 Triton dual cab 3.2 did and it handles my 2.2 tonne caravan with ease and quite economically.

Offroad it works well but the lack of ground clearance lets it down a bit. Not hard to fix though.

What sold me on the Triton was the extra room for rear seat passengers, the back doors and rear leg room are better than anything in its class.

Regards

Neil

It always gets me when people say you will be disappointed in the off road abilities.

Yes in extreme 4x4ing where the Patrol would be better but for most 4x4ing including hard and difficult off roading you will be more then happy.

On our last trip we towed our Ultimate camper with our D4D Hilux through the Northern Simpson in areas that is very hard on the vehicle and at speeds of less then 10 Kph for hours on end.

We made it over all the many sand dunes, hundreds of 500+mm tall Spinifex bushes and dense scrub with no problems except three destroyed tyres.

We weighed 4500Kg all up.

All other places we have been we have never not made it through, it comes down to experience, tyre choice and suspension.

So if you want to go rock hopping get something else but if you want a good tourer with good off road abilities the Hilux will suit you fine.

Put some good tyres on it and a suspension lift and your in business.

http://www.newhilux.net/phpbb/search.php?search_id=newposts&sid=8be6127187523e7ed58367e13d732d91

I had a Navara STR with the 3L T/D. Towed a trailer at 1.3 tonnes 40,000 km around Oz in 2006. I beefed the suspecsion up to cope with the towing and rough roads. Went well. I think the Toyota would be the same. I drive the 3L T/D patrol and it's a great car but it's a lot more weight than the Navara (or toyota) and the same sized motor. Just tripped over a good Hi Lux for sale in the Trader section.

Hilux in the Exploroz Trader

Cheers Mick

Hi John_f

I like the Hilux dual cab and would choose the diesel over the petrol ( I like the low down torque that diesel are renowned for).

I am looking at one myself and I believe with a 2" suspension lift good, quality tyres, winch and a couple of air lockers, It should be a more then capable tourer.

The only downside to the Hilux is the price. I dont think they up 15k better then the competition.

Hi John F

The D4D will have plenty of low down grunt to pull your boat trailer, i looked at buying one last year but thought they were a little bit rough for general road work compared to my old 03 rodeo diesel. So i bought a D4D Prado instead i dont know how they do it but for the same engine as the hilux it has heaps more torque 410 compared to 345, when i priced up the hilux with all the extras tub liner canopy long range fuel tank etc it was only $2000 cheaper than the Prado so i thought that was a better option, more comfort as well, kids dont complain sitting in the back, 5 speed auto 17" wheels, but you will have to have the dog in the car the only let down, pick your upholstery the same colour as the dog thats what we did.

I use a 2008 Hilux for work purposes and it gets hammered off road,mostly sand dunes and mud tracks and it goes very well.

All depends on what you are using it for, if you are talking areas were you are likely to be climbing over rocks etc, forget it.

If driving along beaches and sand tracks with some mud and water thrown in then no dramas.

I often have to get to remote areas to help tourists who are stuck and this does the job well.

I have never got in a position that this truck could not handle.

Now for the bad news, the hilux is getting changed over to a colorado due to the cheaper costs at the end of the lease.

Think that pretty soon i will be the one calling for help