170112 Toyota HiLux 01
170112 Toyota HiLux 04
170112 Toyota HiLux 05
170112 Toyota HiLux 06
170112 Toyota HiLux 03
Matt Brogan27 Jan 2017
REVIEW

Toyota HiLux 2017 Review

Australia’s best-selling ‘car’ lacks the punch of its big-engine rivals

Toyota HiLux SR Double-Cab Utility 4WD
Quick Spin

What’s it all about?
Arriving Down Under in September 2015, the latest-generation Toyota HiLux takes big steps ahead of its predecessor. Improved utility (pardon the pun), equipment levels, dynamism and refinement top the list, as do better cabin comfort and noise, vibration, harshness levels.

Last year the HiLux was Australia's best-selling new vehicle bar none, giving us cause to revisit the near two-year-old model to see just what makes it so popular.

170112 Toyota HiLux 03

How much will it cost?
Toyota upped the price of its HiLux range upon the introduction of its latest model.

The 29-strong line-up offers single, extra and double-cab body-styles, each offered in cab-chassis or utility form.

Pricing begins at $20,990 (plus on-road costs) for the Workmate single-cab cab-chassis 2WD, and tops out at $56,390 (plus ORCs) for the flagship SR5 dual-cab utility 4WD. An even higher-grade variant is expected soon.

The model on test, the SR double-cab utility 4WD, is priced from $48,490 (plus ORCs).

The HiLux is backed by a three-year/100,000km warranty and is supported by a three-year/60,000km capped-price servicing scheme. Each service is fixed at $240 with service intervals set at a rather short six months/10,000km (whichever comes first).

170112 Toyota HiLux 04

Why should/shouldn’t I buy it?
Toyota’s eighth-generation HiLux might be sitting on top of the sales ladder locally, but when it comes to outright grunt, there are better options available.

Introduced Down Under in September 2015, the HiLux’s 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine offers 130kW (3400rpm) and 450Nm (1600-2400rpm) when married to the optional six-speed automatic transmission.

Against rivals including the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 (147kW/470Nm), Holden Colorado (147kW/500Nm) and Volkswagen Amarok V6 (165kW/550Nm) it feels a little underdone, perhaps more than the numbers alone would suggest.

170112 Toyota HiLux 09

Depending on grade, the Toyota HiLux is also offered with a 2.7-litre four-cylinder (122kW/245Nm) or 4.0-litre V6 (175kW/376Nm) petrol engine.

And although the HiLux SR boasts stronger equipment levels than its forebear, it still pales behind some of its immediate rivals (namely Navara and Triton). Missing are parking sensors, sat-nav and electrically-adjustable leather seats.

The HiLux does offer power windows and mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, a reversing camera, electrically-assisted steering (tilt/reach adjustable), and a 7.0-inch touch-screen audio system with Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, USB connectivity, six speakers, single-CD player and AM/FM tuner.

Pricing and Features
170112 Toyota HiLux 17

When is it available in Australia?
The HiLux range is available in Toyota dealerships nationally. Stock levels are strong with most model variations ‘on grass’.

Toyota offers a wide range of accessories to suit trade and recreational buyers, including tow kits, various trays, tray liners, side steps, roof and ladder racks, and airbag-compatible bullbars. Off-road stockists like ARB also offer a range of 4WD-specific accessories, worth considering if you’re planning the ‘big trip’.

Who will it appeal to?
With 920kg payload and 3200kg (braked) towing capacity the HiLux is primarily aimed at trade and agricultural buyers. The redesigned tub now measures 1569mm in length (up 19mm), and 1645mm in width (up 79mm), but isn’t as deep as some rivals (481mm, up 20mm), and is incapable of taking a standard Australian pallet between the wheel-arches (1110mm).

However, with increased creature-comfort levels and a roomier, quieter cabin, recreational and family buyers are also in Toyota’s sights. Mums and dads will appreciate the inclusion of three-point seatbelts in all seating positions, and ISOFIX and top-tether child-seat anchor points; but will lament the omission of rear-seat ventilation outlets.

The HiLux continues to offer dual-range four-wheel drive and suitable ground clearance (279mm, up 25 per cent) for off-roading.

170112 Toyota HiLux 24

SR and SR5 variants are fitted with a rear differential lock, and offer 20 per cent better wheel articulation that the outgoing model. Approach and departure angles are also improved, now 31 degrees (up 1) and 26 degrees (up 3) respectively, while underbody protection is also bolstered.

The on-road feel of the HiLux is firm, but relatively secure. It takes exuberance to provoke oversteer – even in the wet – while steering feel is accurate and positive. We found the transmission to be somewhat indecisive, however, ‘shunting’ into gear upon reapplication of throttle.

Brake feel and performance is impressive, the disc/drum arrangement modulation to offer a progressive, car-like pedal.

170112 Toyota HiLux 09

Where does it fit?
Selling in Australia’s most popular new-car segment, the Toyota HiLux is recognised as a light commercial vehicle by the FCAI, most toll-road operators and all Australian state and territory government motoring bodies (meaning both road toll and registration fees will be higher than those of passenger vehicles).

The Toyota HiLux competes directly with the Holden Colorado, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-MAX, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Triton, and Volkswagen Amarok, and could also be considered a match for recently-arrived budget examples like the Foton Tunland, Great Wall Steed, Mahinda Genio and Tata Xenon.

170112 Toyota HiLux 19

So, what do we think?
Driven in isolation the HiLux shows evolutionary improvement over the outgoing model. The improvement in cabin quality and comfort is as evident as its improved driveline refinement and road-holding; while the larger tray and improved off-road geometry are certain to appeal to those buyers who’ll use the vehicle as its designers intended.

But in relative terms, we can’t help but feel the HiLux presents as underdone. It lacks the grunt and equipment of some of its rivals, while simultaneously pricing itself at the top edge of its competitor set. The week's fuel economy (11.7L/100km) was also disappointing considering most driving was on the freeway with just myself in the car.

In short, the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 are a better option for the price.

The HiLux’s rock-solid reputation may have got it to where it is, but additional value – and/or horsepower – is required if it’s to maintain its position.

2017 Toyota HiLux SR 4WD Double-Cab pricing and specifications:
Price:
$48,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 130kW/450Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.5L/100km (ADR Combined) / 11.7L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 223g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Ford Ranger XLS (from $48,865 plus ORCs)
>> Holden Colorado LT (from $46,990 plus ORCs)
>> Volkswagen Amarok TDI420 (from $48,990 plus ORCs)

Related reading:
>> Toyota HiLux Australian Launch Review
>> Toyota HiLux Tow Test
>> 4WD Dual-Cab Ute Comparison Test

Share this article
Written byMatt Brogan
See all articles
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Expert rating
70/100
Engine, Drivetrain & Chassis
15/20
Price, Packaging & Practicality
15/20
Safety & Technology
14/20
Behind The Wheel
14/20
X-Factor
12/20
Pros
  • Cabin quality and comfort
  • Improved dynamics, refinement
  • Larger tray, improved off-road geometry
Cons
  • Lacks equipment and grunt of some rivals
  • Fuel consumption
  • No rear-seat ventilation outlets
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Looking for a tradie car?Get the latest advice and reviews on tradie car that's right for you.
Explore the Tradie Hub
Tradie
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.

If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Download the carsales app
    AppStoreDownloadGooglePlayDownload
    App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
    © CAR Group Ltd 1999-2024
    In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.