Review - 2024 Toyota HiLux

Sitting as one of the most versatile vehicles in the range, the Toyota HiLux is designed to be confident on the worksite, off-road and while lugging the family around town.

For 2024, Toyota has announced a styling overhaul and an updated engine lineup that includes a more fuel-efficient mild-hybrid option.

Just how well does the HiLux stand up against its fierce rivals in the ute segment? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

Toyota HiLux Competition

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices for the MY24 HiLux range are yet to be confirmed, though we can use 2023’s pricing as a solid reference point.

The Toyota HiLux range kicks off from $26,475 for the entry-level 4x2 Single Cab Chassis Workmate Manual, while the Automatic is priced at $27,375 and the HiLux WorkMate Hi-Rider is priced at $31,715.

The HiLux 4x4 Single Cab Chassis range is priced from $40,965 for the HiLux Workmate Manual, while the HiLux SR Manual & Automatic are priced at $44,035 and $46,035, respectively.

Opting for Toyota’s HiLux 4x2 Extra Cab Pickup range brings the price to $47,285 for the SR Hi-Rider.

The 4x2 Dual Cab Pickup range is priced from $35,545 for the Workmate Manual, with prices rising to $44,635 for the Workmate Hi-Rider, while the SR Hi-Rider is priced at $48,305 and the SR5 Hi-Rider is priced at $57,290.

The HiLux 4x4 Dual Cab Chassis range is priced from $48,735 for the Workmate Automatic, with prices rising to $53,105 for the SR Automatic and up to $59,990 for the SR5 Automatic.

Finally, the HiLux 4x4 Dual Cab Pickup range is priced from $47,985 for the Workmate Manual, $49,985 for the Workmate Automatic, $52,445 for the SR Manual and at $54,605 for the SR Automatic.

Stepping up to the HiLux SR5 Manual brings the price to $60,490, while the SR5 Automatic is priced at $62,490, with the HiLux Rogue priced at $70,760 and the flagship HiLux GR Sport priced at $73,990.

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Toyota Hilux - WORKMATE (4x2) Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the Toyota HiLux Have?

Toyota is yet to confirm the full rundown of specs for the MY24 HiLux range, though we do know a few pieces of added equipment that will be making their way to higher-spec members of the range.

Toyota’s entry-level HiLux Workmate comes riding on a set of 16-inch wheels (17-inch for Dual Cab and 4x4 variants) and receives cloth upholstery, air conditioning, automatic headlights, adaptive cruise control, automatic halogen headlights with daytime running lamps, a rear-view camera with dual-cab variants and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Stepping up to the HiLux SR range adds a set of 17-inch alloys, side steps, front & rear parking sensors, an upgraded sound system and an air-conditioned cooler, while SR with a mild-hybrid engine now receive dual-zone climate control and keyless entry & start.

The HiLux SR5 receives 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, fog lights and daytime running lamps, a surround-view camera, sat-nav and DAB+ upgrade for the infotainment system and a heap of active safety equipment.

New for the 2024 model year is the addition of a wireless smartphone charger and USB-C ports for the SR5 with the mild-hybrid engine.

The HiLux Rogue receives an upgraded suspension system, wider track and raised ground clearance, as well as a powered tonneau cover and an upgraded nine-speaker sound system.

Finally, the flagship HiLux GR Sport receives yet another bespoke suspension system with a wider track, an upgraded engine, 17-inch alloys wrapped in all-terrain tyres, red brake calipers, suede and leather upholstery, aluminium pedals and GR Sport logos.

Connectivity & Infotainment Features

All members of the Toyota HiLux range, from the entry-level Workmate to the flagship GR Sport come packaged with the same 8.0-inch infotainment display.

The HiLux’s infotainment system receives satellite navigation and DAB+ digital radio in the SR5 and above.

Does the Toyota HiLux Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

As it stands, the Toyota HiLux range offers Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity via a wired USB connection.

Toyota may be planning to update the HiLux’s infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto for the 2024 model year, considering its European models offer wireless Apple CarPlay, though still a wired Android Auto connection.

What Engines Are Available for the Toyota HiLux?

Toyota offers a choice of four engines for the HiLux range, including an all-new mild-hybrid unit.

The base Workmate comes powered by your choice of a 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol unit pushing out 122kW of power and 245Nm of torque and a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that pushes out 110kW of power and 400Nm of torque.

The majority of the HiLux range picks up a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel unit pushing out 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque, which dips down to 420Nm of torque in manual variants.

The HiLux GR Sport receives a tuned version of the same block that pushes out 165kW of power and 550Nm of torque.

Toyota’s upcoming mild-hybrid range pairs the same 2.8-litre turbo-diesel with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that adds another 12kW/65Nm into the mix.

Is the Toyota HiLux Comfortable to Drive?

While the HiLux is primarily built to get straight to work, Toyota has done well to ensure it’s reasonably well-mannered around town, making for a versatile ute package.

Sit behind the wheel and the HiLux feels big, bulky and nearly bulletproof, though the raised driving position will give drivers new to the segment some much-needed confidence.

The 2.8-litre turbo-diesel unit is hard to go past once you’ve experienced the generous heapings of torque that give it some perky acceleration, making for the best engine of the bunch.

Around town, the HiLux is reasonably well-mannered thanks to a well-weighted steering rack that doesn’t make parking or low-speed turns feel like a workout, while the automatic transmission is super user-friendly.

Pick up the pace and the HiLux’s heavy-duty suspension makes light work of smaller and moderate-sized bumps on the road, though the ride quality is quite firm without any gear weighing down the back.

Leave the city and head off the beaten track and you’ll find that the HiLux is incredibly capable when the dirt roads start, speaking to its rough-and-ready platform.

It’s a remarkably strong off-road performer thanks to its raised platform, capable 4x4 system and off-road hardware underneath.

All up, while it’s not the most refined ute in the segment, the HiLux remains one of the leading options when you consider the outright versatility of the package around town and while conquering off-road trails.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Toyota is yet to confirm any concrete fuel economy figures for the HiLux mild hybrid range, though says its 48V hybrid tech helps to improve fuel efficiency by 6 - 10 per cent.

For reference, those figures are a 6 to 10 per cent improvement over the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that returns combined cycle fuel economy figures of between 7.5 - 8.1L/100km, depending on the variant.

Fuel economy figures for the full HiLux range can be found below; fuel efficiency varies depending on the weight and transmission for each body style.

• HiLux Petrol Manual: 10.7 - 11.1L/100km

• HiLux Petrol Automatic: 10.4 - 10.9L/100km

• HiLux 2.4-litre turbo-diesel Manual: 6.9 - 7.4L/100km

• HiLux 2.4-litre turbo-diesel Automatic: 7.5 - 8.0L/100km

• HiLux 2.8-litre turbo-diesel Manual: 7.1 - 8.0L/100km

• HiLux 2.8-litre turbo-diesel Automatic: 7.5 - 8.1L/100km 

Is the HiLux Cabin Practical and Spacious?

While it’s not the flashiest interior on the market, the HiLux remains a super practical ute.

The front of the HiLux’s cabin offers a tonne of headroom for tall drivers while there’s a decent amount of adjustment in the steering wheel and seating position.

The layout of the HiLux’s dashboard is particularly user-friendly and ergonomic, with all the important analogue controls sitting easily within reach.

Practical touches inside the cabin include a pair of cupholders and a small storage tray sitting behind the gear lever, another narrow storage tray in front of the armest that offers added storage inside and some bottle holders in each door sill.

There’s also a clever dual glovebox design (one of which is air-conditioned) in front of the passenger that helps to swallow up loose items while effectively doubling the amount of glovebox storage on offer, as well as a pair of pop-out at the dashboard level.

Extra cab variants are useful for throwing some valuable cargo in the back and keeping them out of the elements, but squeezing anyone other than a child in the second row isn’t a feasible option.

Step into the second row of the HiLux dual cab range and there’s a decent amount of legroom on offer for tall rear passengers, and while headroom isn’t ground-breaking, it's a comfortable place to sit. 

The second row of the HiLux dual cab range comes fitted with a pair of ISOFIX anchors and three top tether mounts to accommodate forward and rear-facing child seats.

What are the GVM & GCM Figures for the Toyota HiLux?

Gross vehicle mass (GVM) figures for the HiLux range can be found below.

• HiLux WorkMate Petrol 4x2 Single Cab Chassis: 2,700kg

• HiLux WorkMate Diesel 4x2 Dual-Cab: 2900kg

• HiLux WorkMate Diesel Cab Chassis: 3100kg

• HiLux WorkMate Dual Cab: 3100kg

• HiLux SR Extra Cab: 3050kg

• HiLux SR & SR5 Dual Cab: 2980kg

• HiLux Rogue: 3050kg

• HiLux GR Sport: 3050kg

Gross combination mass (GCM) figures for the HiLux are listed below.

• HiLux 4x2 Workmate Single Cab Chassis Petrol: 5200kg

• HiLux Workmate Dual Cab Petrol: 5250kg

• HiLux Workmate Diesel: 5650kg

• HiLux SR & SR5 Dual Cab: 5650kg

• HiLux Rogue: 5850kg

• HiLux GR Sport: 5850kg

How Much Can the Toyota HiLux Tow?

Braked towing figures for the HiLux range differ depending on which engine and drivetrain you’re opting for.

Towing figures kick off from 2500kg in HiLux petrol models, increasing to 2800kg in 4x2 turbo-diesel variants and up to 3500kg in 4x4 turbo-diesel variants.

• HiLux Petrol: 2500kg

• HiLux 4x2 Turbo-Diesel: 2800kg

• HiLux 4x4 Turbo-Diesel: 3500kg

Is it Safe?

Safety equipment lists in the HiLux range vary greatly between entry-level Workmate variants and higher-ranking members like the SR5 and above.

As standard, all members of the HiLux range pick up autonomous emergency braking with day & night cyclist detection, lane departure alerts with steering assist, cruise control (adaptive cruise for automatic variants) and traffic sign recognition.

Step up to the SR and above and you’ll pick up front & rear parking sensors and a hill descent control system, while the SR5 picks up a surround-view monitor, rear cross-traffic alerts and blind-spot monitoring.

Does the Toyota HiLux Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The Toyota Hilux range wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing back in 2019.

In those tests, the HiLux scored the following marks:

• Adult Occupant Protection: 96%

• Child Occupant Protection: 87%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 88%

• Safety Assist: 78%

What Warranty Does the Toyota HiLux Come With?

Here in Australia, the Toyota HiLux range is packaged with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which extends to any factory accessories and parts added to your vehicle while purchasing.

Atop the seven years of emergency assistance, warranty coverage for the engine and drivetrain can stretch out to seven years when the vehicle is properly serviced on time.

Our Verdict: Is the Toyota HiLux Worth it?

It’s less of a question of whether the HiLux is a great package and more of a matter of which is the right one for you.

With so many options within the range, there’s a tonne of workhorses for a range of price points, all of which uphold Toyota’s reputation for creating a super reliable and impressive workhorse, off-roader and family-friendly package.

If you’re tossing up your next vehicle purchase, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help narrow down your options and find you the best possible price.

Five Toyota HiLux Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty

2. Mild-hybrid turbo-diesel engine joining the range

3. Single, extra and dual cab bodyshapes

4. 12-month/10,000km service intervals

5. Braked towing capacity ranges from 2500kg in petrol to 3500kg in 4x4 turbo-diesel