BHPian rm2099 recently shared this with other enthusiasts: Hi all, Looking for some help deciding between two pickup trucks – the Toyota Hilux STD and the Isuzu V-Cross (pre-facelift, no Prestige variant). I’ve test-driven both, and while they felt quite similar overall, the Hilux does pack a tad more punch in terms of driving feel.The Dilemma:Thanks to ongoing discounts and dealer-level offers, I’m getting both at roughly the same price (ex-showroom), and both are MT 4×4 variants.Hilux STD – Feels more rugged, solid Toyota badge, known for reliability. But the cabin feels too basic, especially with manual A/C controls and no rear A/C vents. That said, its raw utilitarian charm has its own appeal.Isuzu V-Cross (pre-facelift) – Better interiors (dashboard looks more car-like), feels slightly more premium inside and the cabin did feel slightly more spacious, especially in rear row. Though, I didn’t think there was too much of a difference.My Concerns, if Hilux:Cabin Comfort – especially A/C performance in summers:North India summers are brutal. The Hilux STD lacks rear A/C vents – for a double cab that might get warm in the rear, especially when carrying family.Anyone using the Hilux STD variant – is this an actual issue on-ground in hot weather?Does the compact cabin size + front blower suffice?Hilux High variant is ~7L more: Not sure if it’s worth it just for some cosmetic and feature upgrades (leather seats, alloys, auto A/C, etc.). From a pure utility standpoint, is the High worth the 7L jump? Especially since I don’t need creature comforts per se.Use Case:This is largely an impulse buy. I:Don’t carry cargo, don’t own a farm, and haven’t yet participated in off-road events.Have done multiple Spiti/Ladakh/Uttarakhand/Nepal trips in my old non-4×4 XUV500 over the past few years.Expect similar usewith this truck:70% city commuting (Chandigarh-based)20% highway runs (e.g., Chandigarh-Jaipur)10% mountain/offbeat trips, 2-3 times a yearFamily Travel Pattern:City/Highway: Mostly me, wife, toddler, and occasionally my elderly parents.Hills: Me, wife, toddler + brother’s family (he, wife, toddler) – so 4 adults, 2 kids.What I Need Help With: Hilux STD vs Isuzu V-Cross- which would be your suggestion based on your experience?Isuzu owners- how’s the after-sales in North India these days? Here, in Chandigarh tricity, there is just one dealership!Hilux STD owners- real-world feedback on:Cabin comfort in summersAny regrets with the basic interiors?Any must-do mods?Thanks in advance! Look forward to inputs from those who’ve been using these machines in the real world, especially in similar conditions. Here’s what BHPian .anshuman contribute to the discussion:Between the Hilux and V-Cross its a no brainer, pick up the Hilux for the reasons: -Hilux on an average has been sold with discounts of around Rs.13 lakhs whole of last year. So go for top end AT variant, it good value for money. -Hilux is one and a half generation newer. Isuzu is still stuck with last generation car for India while in other markets they sell the newer generation car. -Hilux has superior Toyota support with most engine and drivetrain parts shared with the popular Fortuner, Isuzu service centers are super limited -The 205hp, 500nm 2.8 Engine comes in a better spec, in comparison Isuzu gets a bigger engine 3.0 in other markets but for India they have always sold the lower output 2.5 and now 1.9 engines. But there is a major downside to Hilux. Its uncomfortable, the V-Cross even on stock suspension is very softly tuned and is super comfortable especially for expedition use where no roads exist. Also the rear seat is more comfortable. Some of my friends have increased the recline on the Hilux rear seat at the expense of some legroom, it gets more comfortable but still not as good as the Isuzu. Also keep in mind with both the cars you will need to spend a lot of many to make them live able or your taste. I’d keep a budget of at least 3-7 lakhs for Suspension upgrades, rear lid cover, storage solutions. I drove this Hilux, a friend’s car, in a Desert racing competition few months back(and we won our category!). This car has super awesome King suspension which costs upwards of 5 lakhs, with Parabolic leaf springs from another brand, a nice ECU tune. With these upgrades this car is super awesome and nothing else is even close. But in stock form its bumpy, harsh and definitely a big compromise for family use. I own a 2016 Isuzu V-Cross prepared to my taste.Check outBHPian commentsfor more insights and information.
