How many liters does a Toyota Hilux use per km?
A Toyota Hilux typically uses about 0.06–0.09 liters per kilometer (6–9 L/100 km) in mixed driving. The exact figure depends on the engine, driveline, payload, and terrain.
In this article, we break down why those numbers vary, how to interpret official figures, and how to estimate your own Hilux consumption based on configuration and driving conditions.
Understanding what drives Hilux fuel use
Fuel consumption is not a fixed number. It shifts with the engine size and type, whether the vehicle is two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, how much weight it carries, and the terrain or driving style. The following factors are the main levers that affect real-world fuel use.
- Engine type and displacement (diesel vs petrol; 2.4–2.8 L diesels vs around 2.7 L petrol in some markets).
- Drivetrain configuration (2WD vs 4x4) and used payload or towing.
- Driving conditions (highway cruising vs urban stop-and-go, hills and altitude).
- Tire size and pressure, aerodynamics, and accessory load (roof racks, bumper guards, etc.).
- Maintenance and driving style (acceleration patterns, idling, and climate control use).
Considering these variables helps explain why two Hiluxes with different specs or driven in different conditions can show noticeably different fuel-use numbers.
Typical consumption ranges by configuration
The ranges below reflect common market versions and typical mixed driving. Real-world numbers vary by country, model year, and test cycle.
- Diesel variants (2.4–2.8 L): roughly 6.0–7.5 L/100 km for 2WD; 7.0–9.0 L/100 km for 4x4 with normal payload.
- Petrol variants (2.7 L): approximately 9–12 L/100 km.
To convert these figures to liters per kilometer, divide the liters per 100 kilometers by 100. For example, 8 L/100 km equals 0.08 L/km. Official figures from manufacturers or regional test cycles (WLTC, EPA equivalents) can differ by market and year, so use those sources for precise numbers in your region.
How to estimate your own Hilux consumption
Use a simple, repeatable method based on real fueling data to gauge your vehicle’s actual efficiency.
- Reset the trip odometer or note the starting kilometer reading when you refuel.
- Record the amount of fuel added and the distance driven since the last fill.
- Calculate consumption: (fuel used in liters) ÷ (kilometers driven) × 100 to get L/100 km; divide by 100 to get L/km.
- Repeat over several tanks to average out short-term variations.
- Annotate driving conditions for each period (highway vs city, payload, terrain, climate control use) to interpret fluctuations.
In practice, the best estimate comes from averaging multiple fills under similar conditions, rather than relying on a single tank.
Tips to reduce Hilux fuel consumption
Small, consistent adjustments can yield meaningful improvements in real-world fuel use. Consider the following:
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure to reduce rolling resistance.
- Limit unnecessary weight and remove roof racks or other aero-drag features when not in use.
- Drive smoothly: steady accelerator input, gradual braking, and use cruise control on highways when appropriate.
- Plan trips to minimize idling and combine errands to reduce overall distance driven.
- Maintain your vehicle: timely oil changes, clean air filters, and proper wheel alignment help efficiency.
Adopting these practices can lead to measurable improvements over time, especially for daily driving or long highway commutes.
Summary
The Toyota Hilux’s fuel use per kilometer varies with engine choice, drivetrain, payload, and driving habits. Broadly, diesel variants typically fall around 0.06–0.09 L/km (6–9 L/100 km) and petrol variants around 0.09–0.12 L/km (9–12 L/100 km) under mixed conditions. For the most accurate figure, consult the specific regional specs for your model year and configuration, and use your own driving data to tailor estimates to your use.
