Toyota Hilux Surf 2.7 i (163 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Toyota Hilux:

The Toyota Hilux , stylised as HiLux and historically as Hi-Lux, is a series of pickup trucks produced and marketed by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. The majority of these vehicles are sold as a pickup truck or cab chassis, although they could be configured in a variety of body styles.
The pickup truck was sold with the Hilux name in most markets, but in North America, the Hilux name was retired in 1976 in favor of Truck, Pickup Truck, or Compact Truck. In North America, the popular option package, the SR5 , was colloquially used as a model name for the truck, even though the option package was also used on other Toyota models, like the 1972 to 1979 Corolla. In 1984, the Trekker, the wagon version of the Hilux, was renamed the 4Runner in Venezuela, Australia, and North America, and the Hilux Surf in Japan. In 1992, Toyota introduced a newer pickup model, the full-size T100 in North America, necessitating distinct names for each vehicle other than Truck and Pickup Truck. Since 1995, the 4Runner is a standalone SUV, while in the same year Toyota introduced the Tacoma to replace the Hilux pickup in North America....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Surf Overview:

Toyota Hilux (Surf). Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A vehicle with an open cargo bed at the back, suitable for transporting goods. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The 1996-2002 Toyota Hilux Surf (3rd Gen 4Runner) was not tested by Euro NCAP. Safety features are basic for its era, focusing on robust construction rather than advanced electronic aids.

2.7 i (163 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

An updated version of the 3RZ-FE, this 163hp variant offers a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and acceleration, making it a more enjoyable daily driver without sacrificing reliability.

Fuel Economy

Similar to the 152hp version, perhaps slightly worse if driven hard, but still a good balance for a petrol SUV of this size, 16-19 MPG (US).

Best Use Case: Daily driver, Light off-road, Reliability-focused

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional off-road capability
  • • Legendary Toyota reliability and durability
  • • Strong resale value
  • • Spacious interior for its class
  • • Robust chassis and drivetrain
  • • Good aftermarket support

Cons:

  • • Fuel economy can be poor (especially petrol V6s)
  • • Ride quality can be firm on-road
  • • Interior dated by modern standards
  • • Limited safety features compared to newer vehicles
  • • Rust can be an issue in some climates
  • • Some engines are underpowered for the vehicle's weight

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Pick Up: 1991 - 1997).

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:Hilux
Generation:Surf
Modification (Engine):2.7 i (163 Hp)
Start of production:1996
End of production:2002
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Pick-up
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:163 Hp Same horsepower
Engine Model/Code:3RZ-FE More details about the engine 3RZ-FE
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4.7 l
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Size:
Length:4770 mm [335mm more]
Width:1875 mm [185mm more]
Height:1790 mm [40mm more]
Wheelbase:2790 mm [140mm more]
Front track:1575 mm
Rear (Back) track:1575 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive

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