2026 Toyota HiLux review

The countdown to the ninth-generationToyota HiLuxis on.

The curtain rises later this year on the next-generation model, with local roads welcoming the first deliveries in 2026. As for the current HiLux? Picture this: a victory lap under a setting sun.

First introduced in 2015, the current HiLux has carried the historical success of the nameplate to new heights.

Down Under, the Toyota pickup reigns supreme. From 2016 to 2022, it wasn’t just a vehicle; it was an Australian icon, topping sales charts for seven straight years.

The Aussie love affair with the HiLux continues, but times are changing faster than a V8 ute off the line. Is this ten-year-old workhorse ready for 2025, or is it time to park your cash and wait for the next-gen beast? Buckle up, because we’re about to find out.

How much does the Toyota HiLux cost?

For this review, we wrestled the HiLux SR, tricked out with V-Active Technology. This off-road beast is exclusively available in the dual-cab configuration, starting with the SR trim and ascending from there.

4×4 dual-cab chassis

|Model|Price before on-road costs| | — | — | | 2025 Toyota HiLux Workmate 2.4TD 6AT | $48,735 | | 2025 Toyota HiLux SR 2.8TD 6MT | $50,955 | | 2025 Toyota HiLux SR 2.8TD 6AT | $53,105 | | 2025 Toyota HiLux SR 2.8TD 6AT with V-Active | $54,130 | | 2025 Toyota HiLux SR5 2.8TD 6AT with V-Active | $60,580 |

HiLux 4×4 dual-cab pickup

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2025 Toyota HiLux Workmate 2.4TD 6MT | $48,420 | | 2025 Toyota HiLux Workmate 2.4TD 6AT | $50,420 | | 2025 Toyota HiLux SR 2.8TD 6MT | $52,640 | | 2025 Toyota HiLux SR 2.8TD 6AT | $55,190 | |2025 Toyota HiLux SR 2.8TD 6AT with V-Active|$56,210| | 2025 Toyota HiLux SR5 2.8TD 6MT | $60,670 | | 2025 Toyota HiLux SR5 2.8TD 6AT with V-Active | $63,260 | | 2025 Toyota HiLux Rogue 2.8TD 6AT with V-Active | $71,530 | | 2025 Toyota HiLux GR Sport 2.8TD 6AT | $74,310 |

If you want to see how the Toyota HiLux lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

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What is the Toyota HiLux like on the inside?

Certainly a throwback, that’s for sure.

Stepping inside is like teleporting back to the mid-2010s, the cabin’s design frozen in time since this model’s launch, a decade virtually untouched by progress.

Forget shimmering screens and space-age synthetics. This HiLux SR throws you back to basics, a raw, unadulterated workhorse where function reigns supreme.

The technology suite consists of a functional 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a skinny digital display sandwiched between old-school analogue gauges.

Ditch the clunky USB-A cable! While smartphone mirroring is an option, Apple CarPlay blows Toyota’s bare-bones system out of the water. Let’s face it, beyond tunes and calls, that factory interface leaves you stranded.

Toyota offers a nod to user-friendliness with physical shortcut buttons flanking the screen, providing quick access to smartphone mirroring and other functions. However, the system’s appeal diminishes beyond this practical touch, as the graphics lack crispness, and responsiveness leaves much to be desired.

It lacks bells and whistles, sure, but that laser focus means you’ll never get lost in a maze of features when hunting for that crucial file. Plus, those handy shortcut buttons flanking the screen? Pure genius for speed and simplicity.

The climate controls, blessedly straightforward, prioritize function over flashy innovation a welcome relief in a world often chasing novelty for novelty’s sake.

However, stepping inside the HiLux SR at this price reveals a starkly utilitarian landscape. Gone are soft-touch illusions, replaced by a sea of unforgiving, hard-wearing black plastic that dominates nearly every surface. Only a meager patch of padded cloth on the door cards offers a fleeting respite from the austere environment. Even the steering wheel, a constant point of contact, is rendered in the same robust, yet unyielding, plastic. It’s a reminder that, despite its price tag, the SR remains firmly rooted in its workhorse origins.

"The ute market’s sweet spot – that $55-60k range – is overflowing with options that offer more than just rugged practicality. While we appreciate a ute that can take a beating, rivals like the Ford Ranger and the upcoming Kia Tasman prove you can have resilienceandrefinement. Then there’s the BYD Shark 6, diving headfirst into luxury territory, showing that ‘ute’ doesn’t have to mean ‘utilitarian’."

Forget the scratchy plastics – sink into the HiLux SR’s surprisingly comfortable seats. Upholstered in durable black cloth, the front seats offer a welcome respite, boasting a generous range of manual adjustments to tailor your driving position. Thankfully, the steering wheel follows suit, ensuring a custom fit for any driver.

The HiLux: where storage solutions meet rugged capability. Forget scrambling for space – this ute’s interior is an organizer’s dream. Beyond the expected stash spots, Toyota throws in a secret agent-worthy hidden dash compartment. Thirsty? Pop-out cupholders emerge, ready to cradle your beverage. And for those sun-soaked days, a dedicated sunglasses holder keeps your shades safe and stylish. It’s storage that’s as clever as it is convenient.

The front row may come off a little bare bones, but the second row takes that to another level.

"Imagine squeezing into a space barely big enough for one, let alone two. Then, picture a long, stuffy journey with no escape from the heat and a dead phone battery to top it off. Welcome to our ‘premium’ seating experience, where basic comforts are apparently a luxury, not a standard."

<strong > Option 2 (Emphasis on missing features):</strong >

"It’s a double whammy of disappointment. Not only does this socalled ‘spacious’ area feel more like a sardine can for two, but they’ve also forgotten the little things that make travel bearable – like, you know, fresh air and a way to charge your devices. Seriously?"

<strong > Option 3 (Sarcastic tone):</strong >

"Oh, the joys of modern travel! We’ve managed to cram two adults into a space that would make a contortionist uncomfortable. And in a stroke of pure genius, someone decided air vents and USB outlets were optional extras. Prepare for a hot, unplugged adventure!"

Cramped. That’s the only word for it. At six-foot-one, wedging myself behind the wheel felt less like settling in and more like a contortion act. My knees staged a constant protest against the unforgiving seat back, while my hair performed a delicate dance with the headliner above. Upright? I felt like I was sitting at attention, perpetually poised for inspection, never quite finding that sweet spot of comfortable command.

Forget sprawling luxury – storage is a scavenger hunt. You get map pockets thinner than a supermodel, door bins built for breath mints, and a center armrest clinging desperately to two cupholders. Let’s be honest, though, you’d trade it all for a seat in the back of a Ranger, a Shark, or even (dare we say it?) a Nissan Navara.

The HiLux SR V-Active’s tub: a spacious promise, somewhat betrayed. While it boasts generous dimensions, its payload capacity of just 915kg casts a long shadow, dictating exactly what you can – and, more importantly, can’t – load into its ample bed. Think carefully before you fill it up.

Forget the tape measure for a second. This tub? It’s… underwhelming. Think bare-bones basic. You won’t find any clever tie-down points to wrangle your cargo, and a bedliner? Nope. You’re looking at scratched paint in its future. The saving grace? Gas struts that gently lower the tailgate, preventing that teeth-jarring clang.

| Dimensions | Toyota HiLux SR V-Active | | — | — | | Length | 5325mm | | Width | 1855mm | | Height | 1865mm | | Wheelbase | 3085mm | | Tub volume | 1270L (approx.) | | Tub length | 1570mm | | Tub width | 1645mm | | Tub depth | 481mm |

If you want to see how the Toyota HiLux lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Unleash the V-Active system: a powerhouse blending a motor generator, a robust 48-volt battery, and a seamless DC/DC converter. This dynamic trio electrifies the trusted 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, injecting it with a surge of modern muscle.

| Specifications | Toyota HiLux SR V-Active | | — | — | |Engine| 2.8L 4cyl turbo-diesel with 48V mild-hybrid assist | |Power| 150kW | |Torque| 500Nm | |Transmission| 6-speed automatic | |Drive type| Four-wheel drive | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 7.4L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 11.1L/100km | |CO2 emissions| 195g/km | |Fuel tank| 80L | |Weight| 2135kg | |Payload| 915kg | |Braked towing capacity| 3500kg | |Gross vehicle mass (GVM)| 3050kg | |Gross combination mass (GCM)| 5850kg |

Fuel efficiency gets a boost from automatic stop/start technology. But the real magic happens when you decelerate: a clever motor generator captures that lost energy, converting it into electricity and feeding it back to the battery. Think of it as a power-up waiting to happen. Need a little extra oomph when you hit the gas? The battery unleashes its stored energy, giving you an acceleration boost.

Venture off the beaten path with V-Active equipped models, unlocking Toyota’s Multi-Terrain System. In high range, conquer any landscape with selectable modes: Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, and Deep Snow. When the going gets truly tough, switch to low range and dominate with Auto, Sand, Mud, and Rock settings.

Toyota engineered the motor generator unit’s high placement within the engine bay, not just for functionality, but to conquer nature’s challenges. This strategic design empowers drivers to confidently navigate water crossings, turning potential obstacles into thrilling adventures.

If you want to see how the Toyota HiLux lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How does the Toyota HiLux drive?

The introduction of mild-hybrid assistance saves some fuel in the city, but otherwise the HiLux remains true to its roots.

Above: HiLux Rogue V-Active shown

It’s still a big turbo-diesel workhorse, and that’s immediately apparent from the driver’s seat.

The steering, weighty and deliberate at parking speeds, demands your attention. Meanwhile, under the hood, the 2.8-liter four-cylinder rasps with the comforting familiarity of an old friend clearing his throat before telling a well-loved story.

Toyota’s powertrain, a veteran of the automotive scene, still punches its weight in 2025. The HiLux SR won’t win any drag races, but it pulls away from a standstill with respectable gusto. Forget neck-snapping acceleration; it mirrors the performance of most diesel dual-cabs, save for the pricier, V6-powered Ranger.

The mild-hybrid system isn’t just along for the ride; it’s the silent partner delivering a surprising kick when you hit the gas. Think of it as an electric turbo, contributing a respectable 8.4kW and 65Nm of instant torque – that extra oomph you feel pulling you forward. While it’s not an all-electric experience, it’s a noticeable boost that makes all the difference.

Picture this: you’re at a standstill, but your car isn’t idling away precious fuel. That’s V-Active. It’s like having an ultra-efficient start-stop system, intelligently shutting down your engine when you’re not moving. Lift your foot off the brake, and BAM! instant power, seamlessly back in action. Fuel saved, journey continued.

For highway heroes, the mild-hybrid system might feel like packing a parachute on a cross-country road trip – rarely needed. But for city dwellers navigating the stop-and-go jungle, the V-Active trim is a welcome oasis, offering a touch of efficiency in the urban sprawl.

However, aside from some clever engine tech, the HiLux isn’t really suited to the urban lifestyle.

Piloting the HiLux feels like navigating a barge through a canal, especially when squeezed into the concrete canyons of multi-story carparks. Prepare for constant mirror checks, a silent plea to the truck gods to protect those vulnerable tub corners. And parking? The reversing camera feels like a relic from a bygone era of blurry technology. Even with a perfect parking job, expect the HiLux to spill over the boundaries of those dainty city parking spaces, a bold statement of its unapologetic size.

The HiLux SR V-Active, at lower speeds, feels like a bucking bronco. Each minor imperfection in the road translates into a noticeable tremor within the cabin. And with an empty bed, prepare for a playful wiggle from the rear axle when tackling speed humps – a common trait in this class, but still a slightly unsettling dance.

On the open road, the HiLux sheds its rough-and-tumble persona surprisingly well. Shedding its workhorse image, the HiLux transforms into a surprisingly smooth highway companion, effectively muting wind and road noise, creating a calmer cabin than you might expect. As the speedometer climbs, the ride smooths out, offering a more settled and comfortable journey.

Adaptive cruise control is standard, but don’t expect a cutting-edge experience. It’s a rather rudimentary system. Without active lane centering, the HiLux can be caught napping when traffic slows, often requiring a driver’s intervention a quick tap of the brakes to avoid a potential fender-bender.

Stepping into the SR trim means waving goodbye to increasingly crucial safety nets: blind-spot monitoring vanishes, rear cross-traffic alerts become a luxury, and the coveted surround-view camera? A distant dream. But hope flickers on the horizon! Expect the next-generation HiLux to arrive brimming with Toyota’s cutting-edge safety arsenal, finally dragging this workhorse into the modern age.

While our adventure with the SR V-Active stayed paved, the legend of the ‘unbreakable’ HiLux lingered, a promise whispered on every gravel road we bypassed.

Unleash its inner beast with selectable four-wheel drive, complete with a low range for conquering the toughest terrain. A locking rear differential digs in for ultimate traction, while hill descent control offers surefooted confidence on steep slopes. Tailor your adventure with multiple off-road drive modes, transforming this vehicle into a master of any landscape.

| Off-road dimensions | Toyota HiLux SR V-Active | | — | — | | Track front and rear | 1535mm front, 1550mm rear | | Ground clearance | 216mm | | Approach angle | 29 degrees | | Departure angle | 27 degrees | | Ramp breakover angle | N/A | | Wading depth | 700mm |

If you want to see how the Toyota HiLux lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

The SR sits towards the bottom of the HiLux range, although V-Active variants are better equipped than the rest.

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2025 Toyota HiLux Workmate equipment highlights:

• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Two-speaker sound system
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic headlights
• Air-conditioning
• Power windows
• Cloth upholstery
• Vinyl floors
• Halogen headlights and daytime running lights
• Reversing camera (Double Cab ute only)
• Front and rear parking sensors (Double Cab ute only)
• 16-inch wheels (17-inch in Double Cab, 4×4 variants)

SR adds:

• Multi-Terrain Select with six selectable modes
• Hill descent control
• Side steps
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Body-coloured door handles
• Four- or six-speaker sound system (Extra Cab and Double Cab, respectively)
• Dual-zone climate control (V-Active only)
• Auto up/down windows (V-Active only)
• Keyless entry and start (V-Active only)
• Carpet floor mats (V-Active only)
• Front air-conditioned cooler box

SR5 adds:

• Dark-finish LED headlights
• Gloss black exterior mirrors and door handles
• Powder-coated black sports bar
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Privacy glass
• Satellite navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• Rear air vents
• ‘Premium’ shifter and steering wheel
• Wireless phone charger
• 2 x rear USB-C outlets
• Carpeted floors

Rogue adds:

• Nine-speaker JBL sound system
• Motorised roller cover
• Central locking tailgate
• Wider wheel racks
• 15mm taller ride height
• Ventilated rear disc brakes
• Wider wheel-arch flares
• Heated front seats

GR Sport adds:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tyres
• KYB monotube shock absorbers
• GR Sport grille with ‘Toyota’ lettering
• GR Sport front bumper and wheel arch flares
• GR Sport bedliner
• Rear recovery points
• Skid plate
• Rock rails
• Red seatbelts
• GR Sport leather-accented door trim
• GR Sport gear knob
• GR Sport steering wheel
• Paddle shifters
• Aluminium pedals
• Leather and suede-upholstered sport bucket seats

The GR Sport trims the fat, but it also sheds some muscle. Forget the electric roller cover convenience, the go-anywhere confidence of Multi-Terrain Select, and the utility of a central locking tailgate – Rogue loyalists will find these comforts absent. More critically, the rear anti-roll bar is MIA, sacrificing rear-end stability for increased suspension travel. A trade-off that might leave you feeling a little…loosein the corners.

If you want to see how the Toyota HiLux lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Is the Toyota HiLux safe?

The Toyota HiLux: Still sporting a five-star ANCAP safety badge from 2019, but time’s ticking! That rating sunsets this December.

| Category | Toyota HiLux | | — | — | | Adult occupant protection | 96 per cent | | Child occupant protection | 87 per cent | | Vulnerable road user protection | 88 per cent | | Safety assist | 78 per cent |

Standard safety features include:

• Autonomous emergency braking

• Pedestrian (day/night) detection
• Cyclist (day) detection

• High-speed adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Brake-based lane assist
• Traffic sign recognition

HiLux Workmate 4×2 dual-cab pickup adds:

• Reversing camera
• Front and rear parking sensors

HiLux SR5 adds:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Surround-view camera

Beyond rugged performance, every HiLux now offers three years of Toyota Connected Services your digital co-pilot. Imagine this: in the event of an emergency, SOS assistance is just a button press away. If the unthinkable happens, automatic collision notification kicks in. And for peace of mind, stolen vehicle tracking offers an extra layer of security. All this, and more, accessible right from your myToyota Connect app, putting HiLux ownership in the palm of your hand.

If you want to see how the Toyota HiLux lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How much does the Toyota HiLux cost to run?

Toyota’s HiLux comes standard with a reassuring five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, mirroring the coverage across the Australian Toyota family. But here’s the kicker: stick to the official Toyota service schedule and your HiLux’s driveline could be safeguarded for up to seven years. There’s a small print, of course; this extended peace of mind is for those who aren’t clocking up miles for commercial ventures.

| Servicing and Warranty | Toyota HiLux SR V-Active | | — | — | | Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres – standard | | Roadside assistance | $99 per year | | Service intervals | 6 months or 10,000km | | Capped-price servicing | 3 years | | Average annual service cost | $610 | | Total capped-price service cost | $1830 |

If you want to see how the Toyota HiLux lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

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"Travis and his crew delivered exceptional service once again! This is the second time I’ve relied on them, and I wouldn’t send anyone anywhere else. True professionals!"

Craig C.

Purchased a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD

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childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Toyota HiLux SR V-Active

Now isn’t the right time to buy a Toyota HiLux, especially in SR V-Active form.

Forget everything you think you know about the Toyota HiLux. The legend is about to be reborn. Whispers from the factory floor hint at a ninth-generation reveal on the horizon, with the first models slated to hit the road next year. Usually, a new model announcement is no reason to sideline the current king, but this isn’t just another iteration. This is the HiLux. Prepare to be amazed.

The HiLux, once the undisputed king of the ute world, now finds itself battling for relevance in a crowded arena. While its reputation for unwavering reliability and the comforting familiarity of its badge still hold weight, the HiLux has become a jack-of-all-trades, master of none, struggling to truly shine amidst increasingly innovative rivals.

The Ford Ranger isn’t just leading the pack; it’s leaving the competition in the dust. Meanwhile, Kia’s Tasman arrives like a breath of fresh air, making Toyota’s HiLux feel more like a relic than a rival.

Alternatives at the cheaper end of the market have also improved dramatically in recent years. Top versions of the GWM Cannon and KGM Musso represent better value than this mid-spec HiLux, while the BYD Shark 6 makes more sense for the modern lifestyle ute buyer.

childcareman.xyz can save you thousands on a new Toyota HiLux. Clickhereto get a great deal

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