Automobile
Toyota Hilux Gets an Adventure Upgrade… But the Latest Update Also Removes Several Popular Features
Toyota’s lifestyle pickup now offers a premium camper conversion for overlanding enthusiasts, while the updated model quietly drops multiple comfort features and the manual gearbox option.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has refreshed the Toyota Hilux in India with a new focus on adventure and outdoor travel. While the pickup truck now supports a fully equipped camper conversion for buyers who enjoy long road trips and off-grid camping, the latest update also brings several equipment changes that may disappoint some customers.
Alongside the feature revisions, Toyota has also showcased an all-electric Hilux BEV overseas, hinting at the future direction of the iconic pickup.
Camper Conversion Turns Hilux Into a Mobile Home
The biggest highlight of the update is the introduction of a dedicated camper conversion option.
Camper Dynamics, a Bengaluru-based company specialising in overlanding solutions, has developed the Basecamp Kit for the Toyota Hilux.
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Priced at ₹15.8 lakh, the conversion transforms the pickup into a compact mobile home designed for adventure travel. The setup is aimed at customers who enjoy camping, cross-country road trips, and off-road expeditions without relying on hotels or permanent accommodation.
The camper kit is designed to provide a self-sufficient travel experience, making the Hilux a more attractive option for India’s growing overlanding community.
Several Comfort Features Have Been Removed
While the camper option adds a new dimension to the Hilux, the updated model also loses several premium features.
According to the latest update, Toyota has removed:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Powered driver’s seat
- Leatherette seat upholstery
- Rear AC vents
- Manual transmission option
These changes simplify the feature list and leave buyers with fewer premium comfort options than before.
The removal of the manual gearbox also means the Hilux is now available only with an automatic transmission in the updated lineup.
Hilux Continues to Target Lifestyle Buyers
The Toyota Hilux has built a reputation globally for its durability, reliability, and off-road capability.
In India, it is positioned more as a lifestyle pickup than a commercial workhorse, attracting buyers interested in adventure travel, off-road driving, and premium utility vehicles.
The addition of a factory-compatible camper solution further strengthens its appeal among outdoor enthusiasts looking for a versatile vehicle capable of handling both highways and challenging terrain.
Toyota Also Showcases Hilux Electric Prototype
Looking beyond the current update, Toyota has also unveiled the Hilux BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) in Indonesia.
The electric pickup features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, a claimed driving range of approximately 315 kilometres, and support for fast charging.
While the unveiling demonstrates Toyota’s progress in electrifying its pickup lineup, the company has not announced any timeline for launching the Hilux BEV in India.
Adventure Focus Remains Strong
Despite losing several convenience features, the updated Hilux continues to target customers who prioritise capability, ruggedness, and long-distance touring.
The availability of the Basecamp camper conversion offers buyers a unique way to customise the pickup for extended travel, while the electric Hilux concept highlights Toyota’s long-term vision for sustainable mobility.
For adventure enthusiasts, the Hilux remains one of the most capable pickup trucks available in India, even as its latest update introduces a mix of exciting additions and notable omissions.
