Australia’s best-selling car has been given a power boost for 2020.
The updated Toyota HiLux has been revealed, ahead of its arrival in showrooms late in August.
Headlining the changes is an upgraded 2.8-litre turbo-diesel. With 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque, it packs 20kW and 50Nm more than the current model.
New Toyota HiLux 
Current Toyota HiLux 
Toyota is promising improved fuel economy and “greater driver control” from a new accelerator tune, which should make for smoother progress off-road.
The upgrade brings the HiLux into line with the 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine available in the Ford Ranger, which makes 157kW of power and 500Nm.
It also gives the HiLux a boost over the Nissan Navara (140kW/450Nm), Mitsubishi Triton (133kW/430Nm), and the upcoming Isuzu D-Max, which is expected to pack 140kW and 450Nm.
Under the skin, the new HiLux features a new shock absorber tune, new bushings, and a revised leaf spring design for a more comfortable ride when there’s nothing in the tray.
Toyota has also upped the HiLux’s maximum towing capacity from 3200kg to an equal-class-leading 3500kg on four-wheel drive automatic models.
Inside, there’s finally Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing tradies to more easily take phone calls, access maps, and dive into their music collection on the fly.
The whole range benefits from an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with an improved voice control system, along with a 4.2-inch colour trip computer in the instrument cluster.
From the outside, you’ll be able to tell the new HiLux from its predecessors from its tougher new nose.
Inspired by the American-market Tundra and Tacoma, it’s dominated by a more prominent chrome grille and redesigned bumper. The headlights have also been reworked.
Along with new alloy wheel designs, the HiLux has also been treated to a new set of tail lights.
When it lands in August, the new HiLux will go head-to-head with a tougher-than-ever crowd of dual-cab rivals.
Despite strong competition, it remains the best-selling vehicle in Australia. The 4×2 model is the best-selling two-wheel drive ute, although the 4×4 trails the Ford Ranger by 150 sales year-to-date in 2020.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for a full pricing and specifications breakdown closer to launch.
