New Hilux gets towing boost

A once-in-a-decade makeover of Australia’s top-selling ute includes a boost in towing capacity from 2500kg to 3500kg, but only on variants fitted with a new 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine and six-speed manual transmission.

Eighth-generation Hilux utilities fitted with the $2000 optional six-speed automatic transmission and 2.8-litre engine can tow up to 3200kg, with towing capacities of other variants between 2500kg and 3000kg depending on specification.

Payloads are up to 1240kg with 23 variants confirmed as genuine one-tonners, including all 4x2 variants and all 4x4 single and extra cabs.??

Replacing a vehicle that has been on-sale 10 years, Toyota claims most aspects of the new HiLux are new or significantly updated.

Key changes include a stronger ladder frame chassis, stiffer body, higher-torque turbo-diesel engines (including a 2.8-litre that replaces the staple 3.0), new six-speed transmissions, revised suspension and brakes, and expanded off-road ability.??

Toyota has increased prices across the board for its new HiLux, however the company claims the increases are more than negated by “substantial” increases in equipment and value.

Toyota says Australia had significant involvement in the test and development of the new vehicle, with more than 650,000km of testing conducted here and Australian engineers contributing to suspension, tyres, electronics and underbody protection.??

The HiLux is the fifth major update to arrive in the highly competitive and popular ute segment in the last few months, following updates to the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50, an overhaul of the Mitsubishi Triton and all-new Nissan Navara.??

Automatic versions of the Ranger, BT-50, Navara, as well as Isuzu D-MAX can tow up to 3.5 tonnes whereas the Triton auto will tow 3100kg.

Toyota’s 31-strong model range is up from 23 models and adds more double cabs, 4x4 and diesel choices, plus the introduction of three 4x2 Hi-Rider variants with the ride-height and heavy-duty suspension of 4x4 vehicles.??

There are narrow and wide-body versions as well as single, double and extra cab styles – the latter now providing easier entry to second-row seats by incorporating rear-hinged access doors. The range starts with Workmate and steps up to SR and SR5 grades.??

At the top of the HiLux range, a new flagship 4x4 SR5+ diesel has been added and is $55,990, with the six-speed auto version an extra $2000.?

Developed under a chief engineer who previously worked on passenger cars, the new HiLux is claimed to offer a more compliant ride, quieter cabins and higher levels of comfort and convenience with standard air-conditioning, touch-screen display audios, cruise control, more supportive seats and power-operated windows, mirrors and door locks.??

Toyota anticipates the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating across the range with a reversing camera on all pick-ups (accessory camera available on cab-chassis models), seven airbags including driver’s knee protection, vehicle stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes with brake assist, and trailer sway control.??

The new 2.8-litre turbo-diesel boasts maximum torque of up to 450Nm – a gain of 25 per cent compared with its predecessor.

Its 2.4-litre turbo-diesel sibling also generates higher torque of up to 400Nm. At base grade, HiLux is still powered by a 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.??

In a claimed world first for a pick-up truck, HiLux SR5 turbo-diesels with the six-speed manual gearbox gain an ‘intelligent’ function. Activated by pushing a button near the gear lever, it produces smoother shifts by more accurately matching engine speed to the transmission for smoother driving.??

All automatic HiLux models are fitted with a new six-speed electronically controlled transmission that adopts artificial intelligence and other measures to support both improved performance and economy. The sequential shift mode features blipping downshifts.??

Wheels sizes start with bigger 16-inch steel, two 17-inch steel with all-terrain tyres, and 18-inch alloys. All models feature larger ventilated front disc brakes for improved stopping performance.??

Workmate seats are now covered in hard-wearing fabric instead of vinyl. This grade features a 6.1-inch touch screen display and an audio system with Bluetooth and two speakers, upgraded in SR double cab variants to a seven-inch touch screen display with Toyota Link connected mobility.

SR and SR5 variants have a new air-conditioned box capable of heating or cooling two 600ml bottles.??

Top-of-the-line SR5 has digital audio, satellite navigation, full colour 4.2-inch multi-information display, keyless smart entry and start, automatic air-conditioning, chrome door handles, premium steering wheel and shift knob, an alarm, auto-levelling LED headlamps, and silver interior highlights.

Prices start at $20,900 for the Workmate single cab 2.7 petrol manual, rising to $57,900 for the new SR5+ dual cab 4x4 2.8 auto.