Toyota reveals new HiLux pricing as it overhauls ute range
One of the country’s most popular cars is getting a massive upgrade aimed at making it ‘the most Aussie’ ute ever.
Pricing for the new Toyota HiLux ute has been revealed with the range now starting at $33,990 plus on-roads for the Workmate, single-cab chassis 4x2 manual, rising to $52,990 for the SR double cab 4x2 auto and topping out at $71,990 for the flagship Rogue and Rugged X 4x4 dual-cabs.
This isn’t an all-new Toyota HiLux – it’s heavily reworked version of the existing model – but the ‘new-generation’ diesel-only range has seen some price changes.
Toyota Australia is rightly touting this as the “most Australian HiLux ever”, with the brand’s local design hub taking control for the exterior and interior design of the new ute range.
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Toyota Design Australia senior manager Nic Hogios said he relished the challenge to revive an Aussie icon for a new era.
“Working on the design of the new HiLux has certainly been a challenge, being such a major global model, but one that the Toyota Design Australia team relished,” Mr Hogios said, explaining that the local design team had been working on the HiLux program for more than a decade, including a number of concept-to-production models over that period.
“Our interior theme was designed to complement the exterior direction, ultimately selected as the target for production design- our interior lead designer supporting in Japan on a two-year assignment,” he said. “It was a great endorsement for our entire studio and makes the new HiLux, the most Australian ever, at least in terms of design.”
The range will continue to be offered in single-cab, extra-cab and dual-cab derivatives, with cab-chassis (tray back) and pick-up models on offer.
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All models at launch are powered by a carry-over 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with 150kW and 500Nm, with the choice of six-speed manual or auto gearboxes, and 4x2 (rear-wheel drive) or part-time 4x4 on offer (2H, 4H, 4L) – but no permanent four-wheel drive like many other dual-cabs in the segment.
There are 16 different diesel variants at launch, with pricing seeing a bump up across the range:
All models sport a new look at the front with revised headlight design and grille/bumper finishes, while pick-up models also have rear tub changes. New alloy wheel designs apply to some versions, but the centre section of the ute – including the doors, handles, windows, roof and floorpan – remain unchanged compared to the last model.
The interior has been redone, with a focus on better space utilisation. There are cupholders integrated into the edges of the dashboard, a new binnacle design and completely rethought central touchscreen area because all models now have a new 12.3-inch media screen with up-to-the-minute smartphone mirroring technology and connected services, too.
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Tradies might hate the lack of volume knob, but there are volume buttons below, and a number of other physical controls carry over – including knobs and buttons for the air-con on low-grade models.
The WorkMate models remain focused on tradies and business buyers, with halogen headlights and steel wheels still featuring, along with vinyl flooring and cloth trim.
There will also be slightly more special SR models with a bit more kit including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED front fog lamps, locking rear tailgate, side steps, additional seat bolstering, different upholstery, a leather-accented shift knob and steering wheel, rear-seat air-vents, keyless entry and push-button start, a wireless smartphone charger, eight-speaker audio system, and a surround-view camera. Extended connectivity includes locking and unlocking from the smartphone app. Choose an SR 4x4 auto and you’ll get a locking rear differential, Multi Terrain Select and hill descent control.
The SR5 models will continue to be the mainstay of the range and will continue to be offered with a Premium Interior Pack for $2500, which adds black leather-accented upholstery, eight-way powered driver’s seat with lumbar support, and a nine-speaker JBL stereo.
Otherwise, the SR5 has cloth trim and manual seats, but gets dual-zone climate control, a cooled glove box, heated front seats and steering wheel, a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, auto-dimming rearview mirror, floor mats and an electric park brake. Buyers who choose an auto SR5 will also have the option of activating their air conditioning via smartphone, too.
You’ll pick the SR5 in traffic thanks to its 18-inch wheels with larger front disc brakes and ventilated rear disc brakes, integrated towbar, auto-levelling LED headlights, LED tail-lights, rear fog lamp, sports bar, tinted rear glass and auto-folding heated side mirrors.
The surround-view camera in the SR5 also includes a multi-terrain view mode for off-roading.
And the SR5 also scores a more comfort-focused rear suspension tune based on customer feedback. The last one was rough as guts.
Beyond those is the Rogue flagship lifestyle ute with a hard cover and carpet-lined tub area as well as distinct exterior and interior styling, central locking tailgate, and a towing package including tongue and ball, trailer wiring harness and electronic brake controller.
For the same price there’s another option – the reintroduced HiLux Rugged X off-road-focused model – which scores different 18-inch wheels, a hoopless bullbar, front and rear recovery points, LED light bar, decal package, sports bar, towing package, bedliner and ‘mineral’ interior trim.
The Japanese brand has confirmed it will add a new HiLux BEV (battery electric vehicle) model in 2026, with a strong focus on fleet customers and mining businesses.
Beyond that is a FCEV model – fuel-cell electric, that is, meaning it runs on hydrogen that powers electric motors. It’s coming in 2028.
The budget-friendly petrol base model with the 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine has been axed. And there is no low-ride version anymore, either, with all versions adopting the high-ride body height – another kick in the nuts and bolts for tradies.
The cheaper 2.4-litre turbo-diesel offering has also been booted from the range.
