2005 Toyota Hilux Double Cab Photos, engines & full specs

Toyota unveiled the seventh generation of the Hilux nameplate in the summer of 2004, and it was one of the most significant evolutions in the model’s history.

The Japanese automaker introduced the Hilux in its lineup in 1968. At first, it was a humble utility vehicle that could barely fit a three-person couch in its bed. Over the following five generations, the pickup’s dimensions grew from 4.2 to 4.7 meters or 13.8 ft to 15.4 ft, respectively. In the meantime, it evolved from being a rear-wheel drive utility vehicle to becoming a family hauler, excellent for getaway adventures in nature or saving people from remote, difficult-to-access areas. With the seventh generation, the well-known pickup entered a new era, when cabin comfort started to matter more, but without sacrificing the utilitarian aspect of the vehicle. In Europe, the seventh generation of the Hilux was considered the sixth since the first generation, produced between 1968 and 1972, was sold as the Toyota Truck.

Unlike any of its predecessors, the seventh generation of the Hilux featured rounded shapes, which concealed the rugged character of the vehicle. Its headlights were swept back and featured organic shapes with rounded edges and integrated the corner-mounted turn signal lamps. Between them, Toyota placed a redesigned grille featuring a thick horizontal slat where the badge took center stage. Below, the automaker installed a body-colored bumper featuring an additional rectangular air intake flanked by round fog lamps.

From its profile, the 2005 Toyota Hilux double cab boasted its long wheelbase and provided a roomy enough cabin for five adult-sized occupants. Thanks to the high ground clearance and the wide doors, it was suitable for many tasks, including rescue services or as a family vehicle. Toyota made the Hilux in a traditional way, with a body-on-frame structure, which allowed the automaker to use the same ladder frame for more applications. Behind the cabin, but completely separated, the automaker placed a large bed that could be optioned with a sliding cover. It is worth noticing that even if it was a utility vehicle, it still featured body-colored door mirror caps and handles, while other upscale cars didn’t. At the back, the tailgate could be lowered by 90 degrees or even more with the side retainers removed. Underneath the bed, the Hilux carried the spare wheel.

The 2005 Toyota Hilux Double Cab cabin offered something for anyone. For lower grades, the automaker prepared a hard-plastic dashboard featuring a center console with a stereo. On the other end of the scale, the top trim level featured an infotainment system with a touch-sensitive display. The large dials of the HVAC control panel allowed users to turn them with gloved hands. Fronting the driver was a simple and efficient instrument cluster where the speedometer took center stage and was flanked on the left by the rev counter. On the right, the automaker placed the gauges for engine temperature and the fuel level. Between the front passengers, on the center console, Toyota put the gear stick and the lever for the transfer box. The front seats were flat and were available with cloth or vinyl upholstery. At the same time, the bench seat in the back could accommodate three occupants.

Under its skin, the seventh generation of the Hilux featured a double-wishbone front suspension that improved passengers’ comfort but without ruining the vehicle’s well-known off-road abilities. Toyota didn’t bother to provide a wide choice of engines for this model and offered it with just a 2.4-liter turbodiesel that sent its power to the rear or all four wheels via a five-speed manual and a two-speed transfer box.