The Toyota Hilux has long been the go-to choice for those who believe their vehicles should be as indestructible as their morning filter coffee. But Toyota, in its infinite wisdom, has now decided that the one thing missing from this rugged pick-up was a dose of absolute darkness. Enter the Hilux Black Edition, priced at Rs 37.90 lakh (ex-showroom), which, to the untrained eye, might look like an ordinary Hilux that has spent a bit too much time brooding in a dark alley.
What’s New? Well, It’s Black.
Toyota has taken the standard Hilux High diesel-AT variant and drenched it in black. The grille, wing mirrors, door handles, alloy wheels, wheel arch cladding, and even the front skid plate have been blacked out. Essentially, everything that used to be chrome or silver is now stealthy and ominous, which is excellent news for those who dislike reflections.
Inside, not much has changed because Toyota had already thought ahead and given the regular Hilux a black dashboard and black leather upholstery. So, rather conveniently, there was no need to paint the seats in midnight hues.
Features: Still the Same, But You’ll Feel Cooler Using Them
Despite its newly discovered gothic persona, the Hilux Black Edition retains all the features from the standard High trim. That means you still get an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control (because even dark souls need comfort), LED headlights, a powered driver’s seat, cruise control, parking sensors, and seven airbags. All very sensible.
Under the Hood: Power Meets Practicality
Toyota hasn’t touched the mechanicals, which is absolutely fine because the 2.8-litre diesel engine is already quite the powerhouse. With 204 bhp and 500 Nm of torque on tap, it has more than enough grunt to drag you and whatever questionable cargo you might be hauling over just about anything. The 6-speed automatic gearbox sends power to all four wheels, aided by an electronic differential lock and an automatic limited-slip differential, making it just as capable off-road as its less dramatic siblings.
Why Black Editions? Because Black Is Always Cool
If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that Black Editions are all the rage. The Hilux now joins a growing list of vehicles such as the Mahindra Scorpio N, Tata Harrier, Safari, and even the MG Comet that have received the all-black treatment. The recipe is simple: take an existing car, make everything black, and suddenly, it feels like it has been recruited into some kind of elite tactical unit.
The Toyota Hilux Black Edition, then, is perfect for those who appreciate a no-nonsense, dependable workhorse but also want to look like they belong in a high-stakes action movie. At Rs 37.90 lakh, you’re essentially paying for the privilege of looking that much cooler while doing the same things a regular Hilux does. But honestly, isn’t that the point?
