Toyota HiLux GR Sport ute towing claim compromised

Toyota’s claim its new off-road-oriented 2024 Toyota HiLux GR Sport retains full practicality because it has a 3500kg braked towing capacity has been debunked.

Subtract the GR Sport’s 2270kg kerb weight and the 3500kg tow weight from its 5850kg gross combined mass (GCM) and only an 80kg payload is left for the new 4x4 dual-cab sports ute.

That’s 80kg to accommodate a driver and potentially passengers and luggage if towing 3500kg, something which is clearly not feasible. Exceeding that 80kg payload would be illegal.

The other flagship HiLux model, the Rogue, is in a similar predicament because it weighs in at 2256kg and has only a 94kg payload if towing 3500kg.

The GR Sport’s direct rival, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X has a 418kg payload when towing 3500kg. The Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior’s payload is just 112kg when towing 3500kg.

The GR Sport’s GCM figure was not in the information made available at last week’s media launch of the GR Sport or the updated specifications sheet for the entire top-selling HiLux range published on the Toyota public website.

Toyota Australia sales and marketing chief Sean Hanley promoted the 3500kg braked towing figure at the media launch.

“Three-and-a-half-tonne towing, no compromise here,” Hanley said in his introductory remarks.

The Ford Ranger Raptor off-road super-ute was seen to be the primary target of his remarks, as it is limited to a 2500kg braked towing capacity.

In a response to follow-up questions from carsales after the GR Sport launch, Hanley conceded the 3500kg braked towing issues for the GR Sport.

“Toyota Australia is committed to ensuring all HiLux models maintain a strong 3500kg maximum braked towing capacity, however we recognise that if customers do tow vehicles to the maximum limit, it does reduce the vehicle maximum payload capacity,” he said in an emailed statement.

“However, our experience is that the majority of customers don’t tow vehicles at the extreme maximum limit, and we ensure that they are aware of any limitations and the impact on maximum payload capacity.

“Toyota prioritises safety when towing and is very clear in providing customers with all the relevant information to ensure they understand the limits within the regulatory framework.”

The GR Sport and Rogue’s 3500kg braked towing limitations are not reflected as dramatically in the rest of the HiLux 2.8-litre turbo-diesel dual-cab 4x4 line-up because they are lighter and retain the same 5850kg GCM.

Nevertheless, towing 3500kg in the SR5 dual-cab auto will enable only a 240kg payload.

The HiLux GR Sport’s payload also takes a hit compared to other models in the range. At 780kg, it’s 160kg less than the HiLux SR5 auto, which can carry 940kg.

The Wildtrak X carries up to 918kg and the PRO-4X Warrior 952kg.

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au