Hilux SR5 Review Australia | Features, Specification, Price

• Car Reviews,
• Jan 16, 2021

 

The Toyota Hilux has been sitting at the top-selling car spot in Australia for the past four years now. And that is by no coincidence. Indeed, it is set to take the spot fifth time in a row this year as well. In Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland the Toyota Hilux has been the outright top seller for over ten years now. It has been popular mainly for farming, mining, and related industries.

 

But more recently, the sales have been more directed towards small business owners and family buyers. The Hilux is seen as a perfect substitute to SUVs, great for those long off-roading trips. The increasing popularity and the increase in competition in the class mean that Toyota had to up their game for the latest model. The 2020 Toyota Hilux SR5 has received some updates including updated power, more comfort, and a fresh look. Read on the complete Toyota Hilux SR5 review to find out more!

 

The Toyota Hilux is described as one of the most capable pick-ups available in the market, and make no mistake, there is tons of competition. Often famously known for its dependability with excellent driving dynamics, a combination that makes it one of Australia’s best selling vehicles.

 

While not exactly a family car, the Toyota Hilux’s most popular variant is the 4x4 dual cab ute. This vehicle is built tough to endure construction and mine sites and every kind of terrain. The SR5 Hilux comes with an almost perfect safety rating, and the keen pricing makes this one of the most sought after utes in the country. Its archrival, the Ford Ranger, has a good interior and even better seats. Compared to the Toyota Hilux, at least. Another competitor in this class is the Ssangyong Musso which has even better value.

 

The Hilux is currently in its eighth generation, which was launched in 2015. It features tons of new features and enhancements (more on that later). The 2020 Toyota Hilux was given a major facelift to address key areas like ride, handling, and power output.

 

Engine:

The trademark Toyota Hilux 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel turbocharged engines have been considerably enhanced for the new generation. The turbocharged is larger and comes equipped with ball-bearing. The exhaust gas management, as well as the cooling system, is improved, resulting in an overall boost in the power output (at 150 kW). The peak torque is up by 50 Nm and stands at a hefty 500 Nm.

 

The engine applies the same six-speed automatic transmission, but with an improved and updated design. It allows it to handle 3500kg of braked trailer, up 400kg over the previous version. Toyota says it is down to improved torque lock-up calibration.

 

The HiLux retains its dash dial-activated low-range 4x4 set-up, with the default drive mode being rear-wheel-drive. A hill control descent button and an old-school ‘idle-up’ button are the main electronic off-road aids.

 

Key Features:

✓ Dual Range 4x4 with hill descent control

✓ Adaptive cruise control

✓ LED headlights and taillights

✓ Road sign identification

✓ Cyclist detection during daytime

✓ 17-inch alloy wheels with highway-spec tyres

✓ 8-inch multimedia system

✓ Digital dash screen

✓ ISOFIX baby seat mounts

✓ Leather faced heated seats (available in SR5+ only)

 

Price:

The latest generation of the Toyota Hilux has taken a pretty sizable jump over the previous versions of the Hilux. Indeed, the equivalent model from the previous version costs almost AUD 10,000 less than the current one. The first 2.8-liter double-cab, the SR is just over AUD 52,000 excluding on-road costs. Next, is the Toyota Hilux SR5 which comes at $60,000. The SR5+ is two grand dearer than the SR5 Hilux and tops the range.

 

Inside the SR5 Hilux:

Where the outer body saw many updates for the latest generation of the Hilux, the interior remains more or less the same. But the most major change is the inclusion of a digital speedometer for the first time in a Hilux. The digital meter also conveys more information to the driver than ever before.

 

Another major change is the addition of a larger infotainment screen at 8.0-inches at the center console. The infotainment system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Toyota’s own interface, known as my Toyota allows you to connect with apps like AccuWeather and Stitcher.

 

The touchscreen uses capacitive touch for a better user experience and larger icons to make your life easier. If you do not want to get in the hassle of a touch panel, you can use the buttons to access each function. Plus, the volume knob has also returned. Kudos!

 

The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the steering wheel, while firm underhand, is comfortable over a long journey. Rear seaters do sit quite vertically, but there is plenty of headroom, toe room, and shoulder room.

 

Safety Specs:

The Toyota Hilux has been getting a maximum five-star ANCP rating from the start, which was one of the major goals while in the development. The five-star rating helps in the sales to the industries where safety is a must.

 

Key safety features include:

✓ Trailer sway control

✓ Lane-keep assist

✓ Adaptive cruise control

✓ High-speed AEB

✓ Daytime cyclist detection

 

Pros:

✓ Improved, bold look

✓ Excellent bi-LED headlights

✓ Comfortable suspension

✓ Excellent infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

 

Cons:

✓ Massive hike in prices

✓ Steering wheel is comparatively heavy

✓ Some key features are missing on the standard model

 

Verdict:

The Toyota Hilux SR5 is certainly not the cheapest pick-up truck in the market, but it sure competes against the likes of the Nissan Navara and the Ford Ranger. The competitive financial deals and the flat rate tax cost means that the price is easier to digest than otherwise.

 

But the question is: has Toyota done enough to stay at the top of the game in this class? Well, only time will tell how the new Hilux SR5 fares against its closest rival, the Ford Ranger.

 

We believe that this generation of Toyota Hilux will still see another five years and will remain close to the hearts of people here. Until then, there is a lot to the Hilux, and you are certainly not going to regret getting your hands on one.

 

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