More than two decades ago, the Toyota Hilux gained legendary status after proving indestructible in the face of extreme Top Gear tests.
In 2003, the TV show subjected a Hilux pickup to a series of durability challenges. These ranged from being submerged in the sea to being placed atop a 23-storey tower block that was subsequently demolished.
The Hilux somehow survived all of these assualts, along with having a caravan dropped onto it from height.
So, when it came to demonstrating just how strong its new electric Hilux is, Toyota knew what it needed to do.
It turned to the power of the internet, and gave the Reddit community a choice between hitting a new Hilux with a one-tonne wrecking ball or subjecting it to a caravan drop.
Not a caravan of love
Hundreds of Reddit users voted, and recreating the caravan stunt from Top Gear emerged as the clear winner.
A trip to Bentwaters airfield in Suffolk followed, with a 760kg caravan hoisted some 30 feet above the new Hilux. It was then dropped directly onto the pickup truck.
Once the debris had settled, a team of engineers was called upon to thoroughly inspect the Hilux and assess the level of damage caused.
Somewhat predictably, the Hilux emerged with only modest bodywork scars and scratches after the caravan impact.
Living up to the legend of its predecessors, the electric Hilux could be powered up immediately after the stunt, then was driven off to fight another day.
It means the ‘indestructible’ reputation of the Hilux remains intact, although new tests are being prepared by the Top Gear team.
A hard-hitting Hilux
Chris Hayes, director of products and services at Toyota GB, said: “Hilux has earned its reputation as the world’s toughest pick-up. Following on from our launch of the ninth-generation model earlier this year, we wanted to honour that legacy and demonstrate how Hilux is still as impressive as it was decades ago, even when it’s powered by electricity.
“Dropping a caravan on it wasn’t just about repeating the famous TV stunt, it was our way of showing how Hilux’s core toughness remains intact.”
The latest ninth-generation Toyota Hilux was revealed in 2025. More than 27 million examples of the pickup truck have previously been sold.
Available with a choice of battery electric or diesel power, the latest Hilux can carry payloads of up to 1,065kg, and tow a braked trailer weighing up to 3,500kg.
Most importantly, the Hilux is apparently still capable of taking whatever the internet chooses to throw at it…
ALSO READ:
Young drivers can now tackle the famous Top Gear test track
Very Top Gear
Can’t just leave it at that! They’ve got to do the rest of the trials.
I have viewed this Toyota advert and I feel that it has sustained more damage then you claim, for a start the chassis bent, near side corner is broken, and the roof caved in, not good on a off road roll…I’d like to see it for myself….or even have the said vehicle… Regards Pete Ellis
What a False test would have been a different outcome if caravan landed on Truck Axle side first..upside down landed with a Cushion of air first to take low impact ..JOKE ..
This ia not a true reoeat kf the Morris Marina drop with a grand piano.
This appears to be a oanel caravan and upside dkqn so the imlact cusioned bg rhe caravan roof.
Do the piano drop and dhwn make yojr claims.
Can’t see an electric version starting after it’s been in the sea some how ….. But would be a laugh to watch lol
I was loving this article until I came across the word “electric” Big groan followed, it’s not a Hilux, it’s a modified mobility scooter
I assume that’s a joke , they have more or less done the easiest and least destructive test .
The hilux looks very bent in one picture, in the other a broken windscreen and the odd dent, complete bullshit.
Dropping an upside-down caravan onto a modern EV truck is pure marketing theatre—visually dramatic for social media, but structurally unremarkable for any modern vehicle designed to survive a high-speed rollover.