Toyota Hilux Surf 3.4 i (185 Hp)
Overall Rating
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 starting in the 1976 model year in favor of Pickup, and later as Truck in the 1984 model year. 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 Americas, Australia, and the Middle East, and the Hilux Surf in Japan. In 1992, Toyota introduced a newer pickup model, the mid-size T100 in North America, and the Grandlux in the Middle East, necessitating distinct names for each vehicle other than Truck. Since 1995, the 4Runner is a standalone SUV, while in the same year Toyota introduced the Tacoma to replace the Hilux in North America while the latter remains in the market in the rest of the world....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Surf Overview:
Toyota Hilux (Surf). With 294 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. 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.
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.
3.4 i (185 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 5VZ-FE V6 offers strong, smooth power delivery, making it capable for highway cruising, towing, and off-road adventures. It's the most popular petrol choice for its excellent balance.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is moderate for its class, typically ranging from 15-18 MPG (US) depending on driving conditions and transmission.
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 - 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Toyota |
| Model: | Hilux |
| Generation: | Surf |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.4 i (185 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Pick-up |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 185 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 54.8 Hp/l [335mm more] |
| Torque: | 294 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 5VZ-FE More details about the engine 5VZ-FE |
| Engine displacement: | 3378 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.2 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 93.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4770 mm mm [335mm more] |
| Width: | 1875 mm mm [185mm more] |
| Height: | 1790 mm mm [40mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2790 mm mm [140mm more] |
| Front track: | 1575 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1575 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |



















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