Toyota Hilux AT35 Is The Toughest Hilux Yet

Thanks to Arctic Trucks, the Hilux AT35 is ready to take the fight to the Ford Ranger Raptor

When it comes to taking the capability of a pickup truck to the next level, Arctic Trucks is no stranger. The Icelandic off-road specialists have been reengineering four-wheel-drive vehicles for over 30 years and for the latest project, they have teamed up with Toyota UK to develop the Hilux AT35.

Based on the Invincible X Double Cab 2.8 variant, which is pretty much the equivalent of our Hilux Rogue, the Hilux AT35 features several chassis tweaks that make it even more menacing off the beaten path.

First up, the chassis and inner arches has been reworked to accommodate 17-inch Arctic Trucks alloys with 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tyres, while the stock suspension has been swapped with Bilstein units, which feature new anti-roll bar and rear dampers with extended shackles.

All of these result in an increased ground clearance by 65 mm, and improved approach and departure angles by 9 degrees and 3 degrees respectively. There’s also an extra 40mm of front and 20mm of rear suspension lift.

While the 2.8-litre turbodiesel mill has been left untouched, torque delivery has been improved thanks to retuned the gearing of the front and rear differentials.

Mechanical upgrades aside, the Hilux AT35 also comes with flared front and rear fenders, extended side steps, AT35 badging and a 30th anniversary decal. Each vehicle comes with an individual Arctic Trucks certificate of authenticity, making it even more exclusive.

Check out the press release for more information:

PRESS RELEASE

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