Toyota Hilux VIII (AN120/AN130) (2015 – 2020)

Reliability score : 8.8/10

The eighth-generation Toyota Hilux (AN120/AN130 series), launched in 2015, perpetuates the model's reputation for indestructibility. Resting on a reinforced ladder frame chassis, it significantly improves ride comfort and technological equipment compared to the previous generation. Although the European market is almost exclusively dominated by diesel engines (2.4 and 2.8 D-4D), the Hilux is a global vehicle whose petrol engines (2.0, 2.7 and 4.0 V6) are extremely popular in the Middle East, Asia, South America, and Australia for their foolproof reliability. These petrol blocks, although thirsty, offer absolute peace of mind and exceptional tolerance to poor quality fuels and extreme conditions. Overall generation rating: 8.5/10 (penalized only by DPF/FAP issues on the diesels and the fuel

✅ Strengths

Monumental reliability of the petrol engines (2.7 and 4.0 V6)
Off-road capabilities and robustness of the ladder frame chassis
Exceptional resale value in all markets
Tolerance to extreme conditions (heat, dust, poor quality fuel)
Payload capacity (up to 1 ton) and towing capacity (up to 3.5 tons)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Very high fuel consumption on petrol versions
Petrol engines impossible to find on the European market (import mandatory)
Recurring DPF/FAP issues on diesels (2015-2019) in urban use
Firm comfort when unladen (rear leaf suspension designed for load)
Dated and slow infotainment system

🎯 Verdict

The 8th generation Toyota Hilux is a highly recommended purchase, particularly in its petrol versions (2.7L and 4.0L V6) which offer absolute mechanical reliability, free from modern emission control constraints (DPF/FAP, AdBlue) that affect diesels. If you live in a region where these models are available (or if you are considering an import), the only real deterrent will be the fuel budget. For European buyers restricted to diesel, favor models from late 2018/2019 onwards, where the DPF/FAP clogging issues were largely resolved by Toyota via the addition of a manual regeneration button and software updates.

Common issues

Défaillance du capteur d'oxygène (sonde lambda) Low

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 200 – 400 €

Surveiller la consommation et le voyant moteur; remplacement préventif peut éviter des problèmes.

Fuites du joint de cache-culbuteurs Low

🔧 150 000 – 250 000 km

💶 150 – 300 €

Vérifier régulièrement le niveau d'huile et l'absence de taches sous le véhicule.

Usure des composants de suspension (silentblocs, amortisseurs) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km (selon usage)

💶 500 – 1 200 €

Inspecter la suspension lors des entretiens, surtout si usage intensif ou tout-terrain.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing chain	£850 – 1 700
Clutch	£750 – 1 300
Complete brakes	£280 – 550
Estimated annual budget	£450 – 950

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.