Toyota HiLux 2017 Quick Spin

The product planning team has looked at the lineup and modified it to suit what customers seem to want – and to that end, they rearranged the HiLux offerings to better suit our needs.

Gone are many of the petrol models, replaced by diesels, and more models running an automatic transmission were added to the mix.

And with that rearrangement came the new model on test. It’s the SR-spec 4x4 2.8-litre turbo-diesel with a six-speed automatic transmission. Along with the most recent running changes came the option for buyers of the HiLux in 4×4 SR dual-cab form to specify satellite navigation and alloy wheels for $2000 (previously these popular options were only included in the SR5 model).

The SR spec also gets the durable PVC floor covering rather than carpet, which makes it more of a ‘hose-out’ affair than the SR5. It’s a sensible idea if you’re going to be doing some off-roading, or if you’re on the land. In fact, the SR (or SR+ as it’s known with the $2K option) is a sensible specification all-round

The SR 4x4 Dual Cab Auto will set you back $48,560 (plus on-road costs). Add the SR+ option, as per our test car, and it’s $50,560 (plus on-road costs). For that, you get some goodies like cruise control, the touch-screen infotainment system, Bluetooth with voice control, the usual electric windows and mirrors, quite acceptable seats (unless you’re sitting in the middle of the rear seat), and a great four-wheel drive system with rear diff lock.

If you want premium paint it’s another $550.

Or, if you’re going to use one for the ‘Big Trip’, it should also be on the top of the shopping list. Toyota’s dealer network is second to none and, when you’re out in the bush, spare parts for HiLux are virtually available at the local general store. Certainly something to bear in mind.

However, with the popularity of double-cab utes at a ridiculously high level, the standard of rivals has increased markedly in recent times. So, if you’re going to buy one to tootle around town and make the very occasional foray up a dirt road, then there a plenty of other utes to test drive and compare.

That said, the HiLux SR turbo-diesel auto isn’t a bad thing to drive around town. The ride is pretty good for a four-wheel drive ute, vision is excellent for this style of vehicle, and the ergonomics are greatly improved over the off-road utes of yore.

Power is quoted at 130kW at 3400rpm and torque is impressive at 450Nm from a low 1600rpm.

The six-speed auto gets the 2075kg (kerb weight) HiLux going well, especially in Power mode, and it effortlessly keeps up with the city or country traffic. The six-speed automatic does tend to hunt a little on hills, when asked the question for overtaking or for a bit of spirited driving, and it hates traffic; which is reflected in the urban fuel economy figures we returned of near 10 litres/100kms. The HiLux is much happier out on the open road, where it will get closer to the claimed figure of 8.1 litres/100kms.

In terms of capacities, the HiLux Dual Cab is rated to carry a 930kg payload and tow up to 3200kg with the auto transmission.

All HiLux models have seven airbags – driver, front passenger, driver's knee, front-seat side and side curtain-shield airbags.

Active safety features include stability control, active traction control, ABS with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, and trailer sway control.

The rear seat has a top-tether child-seat anchorage point and two ISOFIX points.

The HiLux range is covered by Toyota Service Advantage capped-price servicing at $180 per service (petrol) and $240 per service (diesel). The HiLux is covered by a three-year 100,000km warranty.

Tradies, keen four-wheel drivers, those wanting to tow, as well as the man on the land have always been typical HiLux buyers.  Toyota has constantly been proud of the HiLux’s off-road ability and even though it’s new Australian-designed suspension is softer and more comfortable than previously, it is still a weapon in the rough stuff.

For the city dweller, it’s not the best in the class, but with more variants and a bit more versatility in the middle of the range, the HiLux is becoming more appealing to urban buyers.

Often the monthly data shows the HiLux is the highest-selling vehicle in the country and it definitely should be on the test-drive list for everyone in the market for a ute. However the competition is strong on all fronts, with even the Chinese manufacturers getting in on the action, and in some cases the opposition presents a compelling case for shopping elsewhere.

This incarnation is yet another evolution of the venerable ute we have come to know and love. It rides better, has more tech, and performs better on the road than any previous HiLux. Sure it may not be as capable in the rough stuff as some of the previous models and the die-hards may indeed scoff. But it’s still a good old workhorse.

If you need to haul a load, tow a boat or van, or head off to the outback, there may be some nicer, more refined and better equipped utes on the market, but the HiLux is a very good fall-back decision.