2016 Toyota Hilux interior revealed

The reveal of the highly anticipated 2016 Toyota Hilux took place about two months ago already and since then it’s been the biggest news in the LCV segment. But now the Japanese firm has revealed more pics and details about the Hilux’s interior. And even the most ardent Toyota Hilux fans are in for a surprise because it’s pretty ‘posh’ and filled with tons of creature comforts.

It appears the Hilux is going upmarket in a hope of snagging those buyers who’ll consider a double-cab bakkie as an everyday family conveyance and an alternative to a high riding SUV. Toyota even describe it as having an ‘SUV-like cabin (with) a more comfortable driving position, increased front head and shoulder room, an expanded range for seat-height adjustment, and tilt-and-telescopic steering’.

To this end the new Hilux also features two top-tether anchors and ISOFIX child-seat attachment points for the rear seat.Â?Of course there will still be entry-level variants with black fabric seats, while higher-up models will get power-operated leather-accented seats. The double-cab variants will get split-folds 60/40 rear seats with a storable armrest and air-conditioned cubby for cooling bottles as big as 600ml bottles.Furthermore, interior tech across the range includes air-conditioning, cruise control, headlamp levelling, 12-volt accessory socket, intermittent wipers, a centre console box and power operated windows, mirrors and doors.

The tablet-style touchscreen in the centre of the dash is like the one you’ll find on the new Toyota Auris, as are the multi-function buttons on the steering wheel and smartphone and voice recognition connectivity. Top spec double cab variants get a seven-inch touchscreen – up from the standard 6.1-inch and a 4.2-inch full-colour display on the instrument panel in front of the driver, keyless entry and start as well as a 220V connector and a second 12V socket.

The standard audio system includes AM/FM radio, CD player, AUX/USB input, Bluetooth. There is also a standard-fit reverse camera. Other safety tech will include seven airbags, stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes.Although not finalised as yet, when the next Toyota Hilux range goes on sale we expect there will be with no less than 30 variants on offer: featuring two new turbo-diesel engines, two petrol engines, three transmissions, 4×2 and 4×4 drive, three body styles and various equipment levels.

These details follow the earlier release of an interior view specific to Thailand (where it was revealed in May) but, as expected, South Africa’s Hilux will boast a largely identical interior to that already shown (although, as mentioned, specific South African spec details are not finalised as yet).