New Toyota HiLux 2021 pricing and specs detailed: Ford Ranger rival goes up in cost with facelift

Toyota Australia has released pricing and specification details for the current-generation HiLux ute’s latest facelift, which has made it more expensive than before.

On sale from August 27, the new HiLux line-up starts from $23,590 plus on-roads, up $1715 over its predecessor, with price rises ranging between $1440 and $3160, depending on the variant (see full pricing table below).

The launch line-up consists of the familiar Workmate, SR and SR5 grades in single-, extra- and dual-cab configurations as well as cab chassis and pick-up body-styles.

That said, Toyota Australia has introduced two new grades, SR+ and SR5+, as well as an automatic 4×4 SR5 dual-cab chassis variant.

The company says facelifted versions of the Rogue and Rugged X flagships are on the way, with their details to be announced at a later date, although they have been revealed today (see gallery below). This, of course, spells the end for the mid-range Rugged.

As reported, automatic 4×4 SR, SR+, SR5 and SR5+ variants upgrade to a 150kW/500Nm (+20kW/50Nm) version of the Ford Ranger rival’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, which boosts their maximum braked towing capacity to 3500kg (+300kg) to match their 150kW/420Nm (+20kW) manual counterparts.

For reference, turbo-diesel 4x2s tow up to 2800kg, while their petrol counterparts manage up to 2500kg. Of the 33 variants detailed here, 27 have a maximum payload of at least one tonne.

According to Toyota Australia, a chassis retune – including longer leaf springs – has resulted in unladen ride quality being improved alongside handling and stability when towing.

Meanwhile, power steering revisions – including a new variable-flow control pump – make turbo-diesel variants easier to park and produce more feel via the wheel.

4×2 Hi-Rider and 4×4 extra- and dual-cab variants now feature a bolder front fascia, which brings the HiLux in line with the not-for-Australia Tacoma ute, while steel bumpers are found at the rear. All come with variant-specific trim.

Inside, the HiLux now features an 8.0-inch display powered by an updated multimedia system with control knobs and enhanced voice control as well as support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The instrument cluster features new dials as well as a 4.2-inch multifunction display with a digital speedometer, among other new functions.

Workmate variants feature dusk-sensing lights, halogen headlights, 16-inch (4x2s only), silver 17-inch (4×2 single-cabs) or black 17-inch (4×4 extra- and dual-cabs) steel wheels; black fabric upholstery, vinyl floor coverings and all-weather floormats.

The SR grade adds silver (single-cabs) or black (extra- and dual-cabs) 17-inch steel wheels and side steps, while SR5 variants also pick up LED headlights, two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, a sports bar (pick-ups only), unique tail-lights, satellite navigation, digital radio and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear selector.

Commanding a $2000 premium over the SR, the SR+ steps up with dark-grey 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation and digital radio, while the SR5+ adds an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and leather-accented upholstery over the SR5 for $2500 extra.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian (day and night) and cyclist (day) detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, hill-descent control (4×4 SR5s and automatic 4×4 SR dual-cabs only), a reversing camera (pick-ups only) and front and rear parking sensors (SR5 extra- and dual-cab pick-ups only) plus seven airbags.

As before, the aforementioned 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine is mated to either a six-speed manual and or a six-speed torque-converter automatic. It still has a 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre sibling that has also been upgraded for 4×2 and 4×4 Workmates.

There’s also a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine for 4×2 Workmates that’s matched to either a five-speed manual or a torque-converter automatic automatic.

2021 Toyota HiLux pricing before on-road costs