The tough all-terrain qualities of the Toyota Hilux are taken to another level in a new authorised version developed by extreme engineering specialists Arctic Trucks. The Toyota Hilux Arctic Trucks AT35, based on the recently launched 2.8-litre Invincible X Double Cab, features extensive chassis, suspension, handling and styling upgrades that deliver even greater off-road capabilities and amplify its powerful looks.
Established for 30 years, Arctic Trucks has world-leading experience in its field, true to its slogan “Explore Without Limits.” Its many formidable achievements include the first vehicle to be driven to the Magnetic North Pole (the Hilux featured in BBC Top Gear’s famous expedition) and the first passenger vehicle to cross Antarctica.
The new Hilux AT35 benefits from many new and updated features, including changes that increase its running ground clearance (by 65mm) and its approach and departure angles (+9 and +3 degrees). Key elements include re-engineering of the vehicle’s frame, inner arches and bodywork and the fitting of 17-inch Arctic Trucks alloys with 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tyres. The Arctic Trucks Bilstein performance suspension system, featuring front springs and dampers, anti-roll bar adjustment and rear dampers with extended shackles, has been updated, producing an extra 40mm of front and 20mm of rear suspension lift. Torque and drivability are optimised with re-gearing of the front and rear differentials.
The benefits include an elevated driving position, superior mobility from the wider front and rear tracks, wider tyres and a larger, “lighter” footprint for more secure driving over soft and delicate terrain. The larger tyres provide an increased suspension effect, giving a smoother and faster ride over rough surfaces. They also have a greater range and flexibility for using lower pressures to gain better traction in challenging conditions. The new 201bhp 2.8-litre diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission are carried over from the standard Hilux Invincible X, making this most capable Arctic Trucks Hilux yet to be offered through the Toyota retailer network.
Extra practicality is provided by a rear height bar with an integrated two-inch receiver hitch for quick and easy deployment of tow balls, winches, steps, gear carriers or other accessories.
The Arctic Trucks styling features include the company’s signature flare package for the front and rear wings, extended-profile side steps, AT35 badging and a 30th anniversary decal. Each vehicle comes with an individual Arctic Trucks certificate of authenticity.
A range of fully fitted Arctic Trucks options is also available, including full underbody armour, Vision X grille-mounted light bar and Truxedo low-profile load cover. The tyre specification can be upgraded to BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tyres and an on-board inflation/deflation kit can be installed, with a 12V performance compressor mounted in the engine bay.
All conversion features are carried out by Arctic Trucks technicians to original manufacturer standards, maintaining Toyota’s five-year/100,000-mile new vehicle warranty. The model is fully type approved and retains commercial vehicle status, with no compromise in payload or towing capacity.
The Arctic Trucks Hilux AT35 is available to order from Toyota retailers now as a conversion for the new Invincible X Double Cab automatic model, priced at £18,780 plus VAT.
Toyota Hilux Arctic Trucks AT35 key specifications
| POWERTRAIN | |
| Engine | 2.8-litre diesel |
| Type | 4-cylinder in-line |
| Valve mechanism | 16-valve DOHC |
| Displacement (cc) | 2,755 |
| Max. power (bhp/DIN hp/Kw @ rpm) | 201/204/150 @ 3,000 – 3,400 |
| Max. torque (Nm @ rpm) | 500 @ 1,600 – 2,800 (6AT) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone with Arctic Trucks Bilstein performance package |
| Rear suspension | Leaf springs and rigid axle with Arctic Trucks Bilstein performance package and rear shackles |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Overall length (mm) | 5,325 (no change) |
| Overall width (mm) | 1,990 (+90) |
| Overall height (mm) | 1,905 (+90) |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3,085 (no change) |
| Front track (mm) | 1,650 (+110) |
| Rear track (mm) | 1,660 (+110) |
| OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE | |
| Approach angle (deg) | 38 (+9) |
| Departure angle (deg) | 29 (+3) |
| Min. running ground clearance (mm) | 375 (+65) |
| WEIGHTS | |
| Gross vehicle weight (kg) | 3,325 (+115) |
| Kerb weight (kg) | 2,272 (+72) |
| Payload (kg) | 1,053 (+43) |
| Towing capacity – braked (kg) | 3,500 (no change) |
| Towing capacity – unbraked (kg) | 750 (no change) |
| WHEELS AND TYRES | |
| Wheels | 17×10 ET-25 Arctic Trucks alloy |
| Tyres | 35in LT315/70 R17 BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain |
ENDS