Facelifted Toyota HiLux pricing announced

Australia’s top-selling vehicle for the past four years has received the most significant facelift since its launch in 2015, but the new-look 2021 Toyota HiLux ute will be also bring substantial price increases when it begins arriving in local showrooms on August 27.

The facelifted Toyota HiLux gets a tougher front-end design, a more powerful 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine and an enhanced infotainment system, but every model will also be more expensive.

The popular Toyota HiLux SR5 4x4 dual-cab automatic is now $2680 more expensive at $59,920 plus on-road costs and even the entry-level Workmate 4x2 single-cab petrol manual model is 1725 dearer at $23,590 plus ORCs.

See below for the full 2021 Toyota HiLux ute price list.

Toyota Australia has also revealed the first official images of the range-topping HiLux Rogue and Rugged X models (see separate story) but their prices, specs and launch date won’t be revealed until later this year.

The Japanese car-maker says the price increases across the 33-variant HiLux ute range, which follow hikes for the rest of the Toyota model range earlier this week, are offset by several significant upgrades that also include revised suspension and steering systems.

Longer leaf springs are designed to suppress road vibrations, while recalibrated spring rates, shock absorbers, bushes and cabin mounts are designed to improve ride comfort and cabin refinement.

Changes to the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine including a new turbocharger result in more power and torque – now 150kW and 500Nm (420Nm for manual model). Fuel consumption is lower as well, with SR5 automatic models using 8.1L/100km – down from 8.4L/100km.

However, Toyota Australia is yet to officially comment on the diesel-particulate filter problem that affects the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel in the outgoing HiLux, Fortuner and Prado, involving more than 250,000 vehicles in Australia and attracting a class-action legal battle.

All Toyota HiLux models get the new-look front-end design and a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch screen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

However, following customer feedback, it does away with touch-screen functionality and instead uses buttons and dials to make operation easier, for example when wearing heavy gloves.

Toyota has added a new-look instrument panel too, with analogue dials flanking a 4.2-inch LCD info display with digital speed readout and several other new functions.

There’s also a road-sign assist function that updates speed limits in real-time and all models now get a reversing camera.

Toyota HiLux SR5 extra-cab and dual-cab models gain twin front and quad rear parking sensors and a hill descent control is fitted as standard on all SR5 4x4 variants and SR 4x4 auto dual-cab models, including cab-chassis.

In terms of running gear, entry-level workmate 4x2 variants get 16-inch steel wheels with revised tyres while Hi-Rider and 4x4 single-cab Workmate and SR variants get 17-inch silver steel wheels with all-terrain tyres.

HiLux Workmate and SR 4x4 extra-cab and dual-cab grades are fitted with 17-inch black steel wheels and all-terrain tyres, while 17-inch alloys are offered as part of an SR option pack. The SR5 gets 18-inch two-tone machine-finished alloy wheels.

All models remain fitted with front disc brakes and drum rear brakes.

There are number of option packs that buyers can order for HiLux 4x4 SR dual-cab utes, including one that packages 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation and digital (DAB) radio for $2000.

Toyota HiLux 4x4 SR5 dual-cab models can be upgraded with a $2500 pack that adds leather-accented seats, heated and power-adjustable front seats.

“HiLux fans will appreciate the bold new look as well as the performance boost from our biggest-selling engine that makes towing and overtaking even easier in all conditions, including heading up a hill on a 40-degree summer's day,” said Toyota Australia’s head of sales and marketing Sean Hanley.

“They will also find HiLux more fun to drive with sharper handling and an unladen ride quality that is now vastly improved, without compromising its body control when carrying a load over undulating roads.”

Options:
Premium paint (all) - $600
SR+ (17-inch alloy wheels and satellite navigation) - $2000
SR5+  (power driver's seat, heated front seats and leather-accented trim) - $2500