Toyota HiLux 4x4 SR 2014 Review

The enduring popularity of Toyota’s HiLux is beyond dispute. First arriving in Australia 43 years ago, this year saw the platform click over an incredible 800,000 sales. Toyota says HiLux has also been Australia’s top-selling light commercial for the last 16 years.

A total of 10,587 4x2 HiLux models were sold last year, giving Toyota a thoroughly dominant 23.6 per cent slice of the 4x2 pick-up and cab/chassis market, while Toyota shifted a massive 29,344 examples of its 4x4 HiLux – giving it a dominant 21.3 per cent chunk of the action. The combined total of 39,931 HiLux sales secured its status as the third-best-selling vehicle in 2013, behind Toyota Corolla (43,498) and Mazda3 (42,082). HiLux’s closest direct competitor, Mitsubishi Triton, was seventh, with 24,512 sales.

To keep the momentum going in a platform that arrived in its current form in 2005 (with a mild revision in 2011), Toyota recently unveiled a range of updates for the double-cab HiLux. The double-cabs account for 11 of HiLux’s 22 variants, with the family spread across the basic Workmate, mid-range SR and primo SR5 categories. Three engines are available: a 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol, a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, and a 4.0-litre V6 petrol.

Headlining the double-cab update was the addition of a five-speed automatic transmission on the 4x4 turbo-diesel HiLux, which Toyota says trims fuel consumption by six per cent to 8.7L/100km.

There’s also a new display audio system with 6.1in touchscreen, a Multi-Information Display trip computer (new to SR), and fresh interior colours and materials. The addition of stability control as standard means the full 4x4 HiLux range now has a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Previously stability control was a $1500 option on 4x4 SR models. The safety package also includes passenger and driver front and side airbags, antilock brakes, and traction control, among other features.

The top-of-the-range SR5 4x4 models also get a reversing camera and sat-nav.

While the flagship SR5 4x4 ute hogs the limelight – with its alloy sports bar, chrome highlights, front foglamps, tinted glass, and alloy wheels – the HiLux range is populated with models to satisfy all budgets.

The HiLux SR 4x4 Double-Cab Cab/Chassis reviewed here might not have the kudos of its flashy SR5 sibling, but at $40,990 it’s a damn sight cheaper – the SR5 with the same engine and five-speed manual transmission comes in at $51,740.

The SR’s an honest but far from Spartan affair and it heads up a fleet of cab/chassis models spanning 4x2, 4x4, Single-Cab, Extra-Cab, and Double-Cab iterations. It’s the only Double-Cab Cab/Chassis available, and it only comes with the 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and five-speed manual transmission.

For the week the HiLux was in our care it tackled a variety of fairly typical applications: city commuting; shunting rubbish to a local tip; ferrying around a couple of kids; and a bit of off-road fun. The SR handled the lot with ease.

The proven 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel performs well. Without any hint of lag, the engine winds up willingly and churns out useable torque from as low as 1000rpm, lending a surprising turn of speed for a utility.

Redline is indicated at 4400rpm but, although it pulls well to this point, there’s little need to push beyond, say, 3750rpm.

Toyota’s claimed peak outputs of 126kW at 3600rpm and 343Nm between 1400-3400rpm provide plenty of urge for the vehicle’s 1780kg kerb weight, while a payload of up to 1000kg and a 2500kg towing capacity should accommodate a diverse range of needs.

Toyota says the turbo-diesel returns a combined-cycle figure of 8.3L/100km. Our test vehicle returned 10.1L/100km over the course of this test, but the vast majority of the distance covered was either in city traffic or on the dirt.

The pairing of double wishbone and leaf-spring suspension provides secure, surefooted handling on both road and trail – it’s a good compromise across these two theatres, able to take some rough treatment in the bush while minimising body roll on the tarmac. In general, it’s a compliant set-up, load or not.

At speed the hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering is neutral and docile, with a pleasing weight to its feel at the wheel that adds to the overall sense of confidence and security. The turning circle is par for the course: it’s a bit of a pain in a typical supermarket carpark, where the SR5’s reversing camera is sorely missed.

The manual five-speed transmission was a little stiff at first but then our test vehicle only had 600km on its clock on collection. It loosened quickly as the kms rolled by.

The clutch is light and progressive; battling Melbourne’s peak-hour gridlock posed no issues in this respect. The disc/drum brake arrangement, too, adds to the package’s overall refinement, with plenty of progressive power, good feel, and ample feedback. They’re backed by electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and four-wheel antilock – no complaints there.

Life in the cabin is easy and the HiLux is refined save for the diesel’s low growl.

The 17-inch steel rims aren’t sexy but the Dunlop AT20 Grand Trek tyres (275/70R17) are quiet and secure on the blacktop and deliver entirely adequate grip for light dirt work.

Switching from 2WD to 4WD is a simple affair. Use the secondary lever to shift from 2WD to high-range 4WD at speeds of 80km/h or under, or come to a stop and select neutral to shift from high-range 4WD to low-range 4WD.

The build quality appears rugged and durable both inside and out. The tray is built for abuse and the levers that drop the sides or the back are simple and easy to operate. There are plenty of rails to which you can tie ropes or attach tie-downs, although no tie-down points on the tray itself. The tray measures 1800mm long x 1720mm wide x 270mm deep.

Entry to the cabin is aided by side-steps and grab-handles, and once inside the driver’s and passenger’s cloth-upholstered, form-hugging seats offer plenty of comfort. The high ride height and sizeable side windows afford excellent vision, although the view to the rear is more restricted thanks to the tray’s front bar and wire grille.

The recent update saw the introduction of black fabrics and trim. It looks appealing enough but it marks readily too, although the sturdy vinyl floor mats can be removed and hosed down in a flash.

Back-seat passengers get a comfortable bench seat, three-point seat-belts for all three occupants, decent legroom (certainly plenty for kids), and a fold-out double cup-holder.

The SR gets power windows and mirrors, cruise control, basic air-con, and steering wheel controls (volume, voice recognition) for the LCD Multi-Information Display (fuel economy, range to empty, ambient temperature and more) and multimedia/comms system. The latter has a 6.1-inch colour touchscreen with USB and auxiliary input plus iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

There’s no sat-nav in the SR and our test vehicle had no 12-volt power outlets save for the one cigarette lighter socket.

Internal storage isn’t exceptional. The door sidepockets aren’t huge (although they do have bottle holders) and the glovebox is reasonably small. Still, there’s a decent centre storage bin, slide-out front cup holders, overhead sunglasses storage and various nooks for valuables.

There is no shortage of competitors in the 4WD cab/chassis market and the current iteration of Toyota’s HiLux is nearing the end of its life. However, that means this model is also as refined as it’s ever going to get, and its dominance speaks volumes for its appeal – its resale value, too.

While the likes of other established players such as Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, Holden Colorado, Isuzu D-MAX, and Volkswagen Amarok sharpen their teeth, and new arrivals like Great Wall and Foton mount their own keenly priced assaults, Toyota’s HiLux stands proud.

It’s showing its age, but in SR trim it represents a compelling blend of price, performance, reputation and reliability.

2014 Toyota HiLux 4x4 SR Double-Cab Cab/Chassis pricing and specifications:
Price: $40,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 126kW/343Nm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel: 8.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 219g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP