Why is no one buying this popular Toyota car

Toyota cars generally sell like hotcakes in the Indian market. People are ready to even shell out Rs 50 lakh for the Fortuner. However, not all Toyota cars are enjoying the same popularity. One such car that has a lot of potential, but is struggling is the Hilux. Being a pickup based on the Fortuner, it was expected to revolutionise this segment. That hasn’t happened, so why is no one buying the Toyota Hilux? Let’s find out. 
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Sales figures

Toyota dispatched 289 units of the Hilux in January. In the last 6 months, the Hilux has averaged around this 200 to 300 unit mark. Considering Pickups have such a niche audience in the country, the numbers are fairly decent. However, Toyota would have expected better sales numbers when it launched the car in 2022. 

Brighter future?

Though the Hilux is just averaging 200 to 300 units, it is much better than a few months back when the brand was finding it hard even to sell 100 units. The pickup segment is slowly growing in the country, and the Hilux could greatly benefit from it. Toyota probably could also launch the mild-hybrid Hilux facelift in India that it unveiled globally. This mild-hybrid setup is also expected to come on the Fortuner facelift. 

Also read – Toyota Hilux facelift unveiled! Fortuner next?

Toyota Hilux as a product

Toyota is bringing the Hilux through the CKD route in India. Also, the Hilux shares a lot of components with the Fortuner. Dimension-wise, the Hilux is 5325mm in length, 1855mm in width and 1865mm in height. It sits on a wheelbase of 3085mm and has a ground clearance of 279mm. Under the hood, it comes with a 2.8-litre diesel engine, the same engine we see on the Fortuner. This engine is capable of producing 201bhp and 420Nm of torque (500Nm with automatic configuration). Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. Pricing of the Hilux starts from Rs 37.07 lakh and goes to Rs 46.04 lakh (on-road, Mumbai).

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