First of all, I just want to say a massive thank you to Toyota and the entire Toyota team for the amazing experience in Namibia. I had the opportunity to spend three days driving the all new Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6, and honestly, it was an experience I won’t forget.

From the moment I got into the Hilux, it just felt right. It’s one of those vehicles where you don’t need much time to get used to it. Within a few minutes, it already felt familiar, almost like I had been driving it for months.

Most of our driving was on gravel roads, and this is where the Hilux really impressed me. The suspension is honestly one of the biggest highlights. We drove over so many bumps and rough sections, and the Hilux just handled everything so well. I probably went over more than 30 bumps, and every single time it stayed comfortable and controlled. There was never a moment where I felt like I was losing control of the vehicle.

The confidence you get behind the wheel is probably what impressed me the most. Even driving over 100 km/h on gravel roads, the Hilux felt stable and planted. The traction is excellent, the handling is really good, and the brakes and accelerator respond exactly how you want them to.

I also had the chance to drive it at night, and that was another thing that stood out to me. The headlights are really impressive and light up the road properly. When you’re driving on gravel roads at night, being able to see clearly makes a huge difference. It gives you confidence, and you genuinely feel safe because the Hilux feels like it was built for these types of roads.

The power from the 2.8 GD-6 engine is also something you notice immediately. There is always enough power when you need it, whether you’re overtaking, climbing hills, or just cruising. It never feels like the engine is struggling, and that makes the driving experience even better.

Inside, the Hilux is also a really comfortable place to be. There is plenty of space, and I never had any issues with legroom or headroom. Everything is laid out nicely and feels easy to use.

One thing I really like is that Toyota found a good balance between modern technology and keeping things practical. The screen looks modern, but you still have proper buttons for important things like the air conditioning, switching between 2H and 4H, and adjusting the volume. It’s simple, it works, and you don’t have to fight with a touchscreen while driving.

The instrument cluster is also something I liked. It’s clean, easy to read, and gives you the information you actually need without distracting you.

After spending three days with the new Hilux, I can honestly say Toyota has done an amazing job. It handles gravel roads extremely well, feels comfortable on tar roads, has plenty of power, and gives you a lot of confidence behind the wheel.

The biggest thing for me is that the Hilux doesn’t just feel like a vehicle that can handle tough conditions, it feels like a vehicle that makes you want to explore and go further.

Toyota has taken everything people already love about the Hilux and improved it even more. It’s practical, capable, comfortable, and honestly just a pleasure to drive.

If you’re looking for a bakkie that can handle everyday driving but also take you places where the roads get challenging, the new Hilux 2.8 GD-6 is definitely worth considering.

Thomas Warmback — Proudly representing CHANGECARS