New Toyota HiLux tuned for Australia

Ahead of its December launch, the ninth generation HiLux has continued the 15-year tradition of Aussie tuning of Toyota 4x4 models for global conditions.

Toyota considers Australia a 4x4 development hotspot, thanks its diverse and tough off-road conditions.

The improvements targeted for the new HiLux included better ride comfort, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels, and interior fit-out.

However, this couldn’t come at the expense of towing strength, off-road capability, durability, or accessory compatibility.

To hit those targets, Toyota engineers spent the past two and a half years conducting real-world testing in Australia, Japan, and Thailand, behind the wheel of various prototype vehicles.

The major focus was on suspension and chassis tuning. Much of the development work was conducted across a range of conditions, terrains, and locations in Australia.

The result? A new locally developed two-pronged suspension tune for HiLux’s independent coil/ wishbone front and leaf-spring/live-axle rear.

Workmate and single range (SR) variants feature a heavy-duty setup prioritising payload and towing, while other grades get a more versatile tune aimed at comfort when empty.

According to Toyota, refinements to the carry-over IMV ladder-frame platform – including new hydraulic engine mounts and shear-type cabin mounts – help reduce vibrations while improving comfort, rigidity, and crash performance.

Front suspension tower thickness has been increased to accommodate new electric power steering.

The number of fitting bolts increased from three to four, while two frontal frame cross members have also been revised.

Frontal crash performance has been improved with newly designed front rail extensions made to improve impact absorption.

Toyota anticipates the HiLux will get a five-star ANCAP rating across the line-up.

As with the LandCruiser 300 Series, Toyota Australia also played a key role in calibrating the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) traction control system for mud, sand, dirt, and rocky conditions.

A rear locking differential and the MTS traction control system are fitted on automatic SR 4x4 grades and above.

Tyre pressure monitoring is now standard from SR grade upwards.

Australia helped shape the HiLux’s new suspension and tech, but the latest generation also says goodbye to a few features.

There is no longer a 4x2 Lo-Rider setup, while the wide track platform used by the Rogue and GR Sport has been dropped and the latter model discontinued.

Wondering why powertrain updates aren’t in the mix? Simple – there aren’t any.

The 1GD 2.8-litre turbo-diesel carries over, replacing the 2.7-litre petrol and 2.4-litre turbo-diesel 4x2 engines.

The only confirmed powertrain upgrade is the addition of a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in 2026 and a fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2028.

Looking ahead, an update under the bonnet might be an area of focus for the new HiLux.

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