Indian Army adds Toyota Hilux 4×4 pickup trucks to its fleet

In a significant development, the Indian Army has announced the addition of the Toyota Hilux 4×4 luxury pickup truck to its esteemed fleet. The decision was made after a rigorous selection process conducted by the Army’s Technical Evaluation Committee, which compared various potential vehicles. The new Toyota Hilux 4×4 pickup truck will join the already existing fleet of Tata Safari Storme, Mahindra Scorpio Classic, and other 4×4 SUVs.

Just in : Among other rugged and abuse friendly vehicles, the Indian Army will now use a fleet of @Toyota_India Hilux 4x4s as well.

The Hilux pick ups were picked post a rigorous selection process amongst other potential vehicles by the Army’s Technical Evaluation Committee!… pic.twitter.com/d5JXdl5n5y

— Bunny Punia (@BunnyPunia) July 19, 2023

A recent tweet by Bunny Punia has created a buzz among automobile enthusiasts and military observers alike. The tweet stated, “Just in: Among other rugged and abuse-friendly vehicles, the Indian Army will now use a fleet of @Toyota_India Hilux 4x4s as well. The Hilux pickups were chosen after a rigorous selection process among other potential vehicles by the Army’s Technical Evaluation Committee!”

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According to reports, the Army’s Technical Evaluation Committee undertook a meticulous evaluation process to ensure that the chosen vehicle met the demanding requirements of the Indian Army. The Toyota Hilux emerged victorious after a comprehensive assessment that tested various parameters such as performance, durability, versatility, and overall suitability for military operations.

The Toyota Hilux occupies a unique position within the lifestyle pickup segment, which has seen limited popularity and acceptance in the Indian market. In fact, the Isuzu V-Cross is the only other lifestyle pickup currently available in India, featuring a smaller 1.9-liter 150 PS diesel engine and a price tag approximately Rs 5 lakh lower than that of the Hilux.

Loaded with an array of features, the all-new Toyota Hilux offers a luxurious driving experience. The top-end variant boasts automatic headlamps, integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs), LED tail lamps, a chrome bar on the rear bumper, a chrome beltline, 18-inch alloy wheels, and power foldable outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs), among other features. Inside the cabin, the Hilux pickup truck treats occupants to leather seats, an 8-way adjustable powered driver seat, a dual-zone climate control system, second-row AC vents, an 8.0-inch infotainment system, a TFT multi-function display, UV cut glass, and more. Additionally, it includes electrochromatic mirrors and various other creature comforts.

Under the hood, the all-new Hilux is equipped with a single 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, capable of producing a maximum power output of 204 PS and peak torque of 420 Nm with the manual transmission, or 500 Nm with the automatic transmission. This engine option is identical to the one powering the Toyota Fortuner. Built on the same platform as the Fortuner, the Hilux comes standard with 4×4 capability. It features a high and low-range transfer case, as well as Toyota’s A-TRAC traction control system. Additional off-road features include downhill assist control, ensuring enhanced performance and control in challenging terrains.

In terms of safety, the Hilux is equipped with seven airbags as standard. It also comes with vehicle stability control and switchable traction control. The vehicle offers two drive modes that adjust the steering settings accordingly. With a 700mm water-wading capability and Limited Slip Differential, the Hilux is well-prepared for various off-road situations. The Hilux for Extreme off-roading also includes an electronic differential lock and a rear differential lock.

In other Indian Army news, the army recently placed an order for an additional 1,850 units of the Mahindra Scorpio Classic SUV. This new order follows a previous purchase of 1,470 units earlier this year, highlighting the continued preference for this rugged SUV in the Army. The army-specific Mahindra Scorpio Classic comes in an Olive green shade and was seen parked in the stockyard a while ago.

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