The Hilux Z is powered by the familiar 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, but here it produces a substantial 204 PS and 500 Nm. That torque figure is the important one.
You do not drive a Hilux by screaming the engine toward the redline. You lean on the torque, let the six-speed automatic find the appropriate gear and allow the truck to get on with the job.
In Dhaka, the automatic transmission is a blessing. Stop-start traffic becomes considerably less tiring, while the commanding driving position makes it easier to anticipate what the surrounding traffic is doing.
On highways, the 500 Nm engine gives the Hilux strong overtaking ability, particularly when carrying passengers or cargo. It is not a sports car, obviously. Anyone expecting GR86 behaviour from a pickup has misunderstood both physics and the concept of a pickup.
The suspension remains designed around durability and load carrying. That means the unloaded ride can feel firm, particularly over broken roads and sharp speed breakers. Add some weight to the cargo bed and the character becomes more settled.
The 4WD system gives the Hilux genuine ability when Bangladesh roads become muddy, flooded or badly broken. It is particularly useful for rural travel, construction work and long-distance journeys away from major highways.
The steering and chassis have also been modernised, making the new Hilux easier to live with on paved roads.
Ultimately, the driving experience is about effortless torque, confidence and durability rather than outright speed.
