In any given month in Australia, there's a good chance the HiLux ute will be our country's best-selling vehicle.
The robustness of this particular Toyota seems to make it the car of the moment, with a broad appeal as a work vehicle, a recreational vehicle, and even a multi-purpose car for family hauling duties. But with more variants than ever and more on the way - how do you make sense of its imposing range?
To clear things up, we've explained the whole range below.
The five HiLux variants include the entry-level WorkMate, the mid-spec SR, the upper mid-spec SR5, as well as the more expensive and lifestyle-oriented Rogue and GR-Sport.
These variants are then further subdivided into either a cab chassis or a 'pick-up' in single-cab, extra-cab, and double-cab body styles, as well as the choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains.
Not all variants can be chosen in all body styles or with every drivetrain option.
The SR5 is historically the most popular HiLux variant.
The WorkMate can be chosen in any body-style. The base 4x2 low-rider model can only be had with a 2.7-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine in single-cab,dual-cab, or extra cab body styles as a cab-chassis (no matching tray) or as a dual-cab with a matching tray. It can be chosen with either a manual or automatic transmission.
The WorkMate can also be chosen in the same body styles with a 2.4-litre diesel engine in 4x2 format, but only as a manual high-rider.
4x4 WorkMates are high-rider only, and ship with the 2.4-litre diesel engine. They can be chosen only as a manual when the single cab-chassis bodystyle is selected, but only as an automatic when the dual-cab or extra-cab chassis is selected. When the dual-cab pick-up variant is selected, there is the choice of manual or automatic.
Next up, the mid-grade SR is only available as a high-rider with the larger 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine. It can be chosen in any body format with the choice of automatic transmission or manual gearbox, except for the extra-cab pick-up which is only available as an automatic in 4x2 form. All other body styles are 4x4 only, with the exception of the dual-cab which can also be chosen as a 4x2 in auto only.
The Rogue is only available as a dual-cab pick-up with the 2.8-litre diesel engine and automatic transmission.
The SR5 is historically the most popular HiLux variant, and is only available as a dual-cab, a dual-cab chassis, or extra-cab. It can also only be chosen with the 2.8-litre engine, and as an automatic, with the dual-cab pick-up model the only version available as a 4x2 with an automatic transmission. It is also the only version of the SR5 which can be chosen as a 4x4 with a manual transmission.
Next up is the more lifestyle-focused Rogue. The Rogue is only available as a dual-cab pick-up with the 2.8-litre diesel engine and automatic transmission. The Rogue used to be available alongside Rugged and Rugged X variants, however these have now been discontinued.
Finally, an ultimate HiLux GR Sport variant will launch in the second half of 2023. It offers an even more powerful version of the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, which produces 165kW/550Nm, as well as a sportier tune for the automatic transmission. It will only be available as a 4x4 dual-cab pick-up.
How much does the HiLux cost?
Toyota HiLux prices currently range from just $25,375, before on-road costs, for the entry-point WorkMate 4x2 petrol manual, and stretch to $70,200 for the Rogue. Expect the GR Sport variant to push this envelope further when its price-tag is announced later this year.
To check-in on pricing for the entire range, see our table at the end of this story.
Is the Toyota HiLux powerful?
When the top-spec GR Sport launches it will be the most powerful diesel HiLux ever built, adding a fourth engine option to the ute's line-up.
Starting with the WorkMate, though, the entry engine is a 2.7-litre petrol non-turbo four-cylinder (2TR-FE) producing 122kW/245Nm. It is mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
The 2.8-litre diesel engine, produces 150kW/500Nm. (image credit: Mark Oastler)
The entry-level diesel engine, also available on the WorkMate, is a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (1GD-FTV) producing 110kW/400Nm. It can be chosen with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.
Next up is the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine (1GD-FTV). The most common engine in the HiLux range, this unit produces 150kW/500Nm when mated with a six-speed automatic transmission (with torque limited to 420Nm for the six-speed manual).
Finally, the GR-Sport will ship with an uprated version of the 2.8-litre engine (1GD-FTV (Hi)) producing 165kW/550Nm. It will only be mated to a specially-tuned six-speed automatic transmission.
What standard features does the HiLux come with?
Standard features on base HiLux WorkMate models include halogen headlights, 16-inch steel wheels on low-riding variants, or 17-inch steel wheels on hi-riding variants, fabric seat trim, a 4.2-inch information display, an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, manual air conditioning, as well as basic cruise control and turn-key ignition.
The SR adds 17-inch alloy wheels, colour-matching bodywork, side-steps, premium fabric interior trim, improved seats, additional drive modes, a rear differential lock, additional speakers for the audio system, and an air conditioned cooler box.
The SR5 is a significant upgrade, adding chrome step rear bumpers, LED headlights and DRLs, privacy glass, 18-inch alloy wheels in a two-tone finish, a stainless steel sports bar, premium trim for the steering wheel and shift-lever, keyless entry and push-start ignition, sat-nav, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, additional power sockets, rear disc brakes, parking sensors and a panoramic camera, a tow bar receiver, and additional safety systems.
The SR5 comes with 18-inch alloy wheels (with a full-sized spare). (image: Tung Nguyen)
The Rogue adds 18-inch wheels in a different design, Rogue-specific body colour options and contrasting trim items, a 'wide-track' over fenders, rear stabilizer bar, a 'marine-grade' tub liner and motorised roller cover, resin-finished sports bar, LED lighting for the tray, standard leather interior trim, heated front seats, and an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat.
Full specifications of the GR Sport HiLux are yet to be locked-in, but it has been confirmed to include a wider track extended by 140mm in the front and 150mm in the rear, re-designed suspension with monotube shock absorbers, unique styling points both inside and out, unique black 17-inch alloy wheels, sports seats in leather trim, red GR Sport touches for the inside, and a GR Sport tub liner.
More expected equipment includes the standard array of stability, traction, and brake controls, as well as hill start assist and an array of seven airbags.
Further up the range, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a panoramic rear vision camera, and parking sensors become standard on the SR5 and Rogue.
What are the dimensions and capacities of the Toyota HiLux?
The dimensions of the HiLux vary slightly depending on the body style chosen. A single-cab WorkMate for example, has dimensions of 5265mm long, 1800mm wide, and 1750mm tall.
Meanwhile, a Rogue 4x4 dual-cab stretches to 5325mm long, 2020mm wide, and 1870mm tall. The GR Sport has unique dimensions at 5320mm long, 2020mm wide and 1880mm tall. All HiLuxes have a wheelbase of 3085mm regardless of body style or variant.
Towing capacity for 4x2 versions is 750kg without brakes regardless of variant. Petrol variants can tow 2500kg braked, while diesel variants can tow 2800kg braked.
A Rogue 4x4 dual-cab stretches to 5325mm long, 2020mm wide, and 1870mm tall. (image credit: Mark Oastler)
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) for 4x2 versions is 2700kg for the petrol WorkMate single cab chassis, 2780kg for the WorkMate petrol dual-cab, 2900kg for the WorkMate diesel cab chassis, 3100kg for the WorkMate dual cab, 3050kg for the SR extra-cab, 2980kg for the SR and SR5 dual-cabs.
Gross Combined Mass (GCM) for 4x2 versions is 5200kg for the petrol WorkMate single cab chassis, 5250kg for the WorkMate petrol dual-cab, and 5650kg for the WorkMate diesel cab chassis, WorkMate dual cab, SR extra-cab, SR or SR5 dual-cabs.
The 4x4 versions of the HiLux are more straightforward. Towing capacity is set at 750kg with no brakes, or 3500 with brakes. All versions have a GVM of 3050kg aside from the SR and SR5 extra cabs, which have a GVM of 3100kg. All 4x4 HiLuxes have a GCM of 5850kg.
How to check if you've been caught by a speed...
Comments