2018 Toyota HiLux upgrade confirmed

The Toyota HiLux line-up will welcome as many as eight new variants, all with auto transmissions, as part of a 2018 update of the nation’s best-selling vehicle.

The big news though is the announcement that like the Prado, HiLux will no longer be offered with the choice of a V6 petrol engine.

The 2.7 litre four-cylinder petrol engine remains however, along with the 2.4 and 2.8 litre turbo-diesel powerplants.

Toyota say less than one in one hundred HiLux’s sold in Australia in recent times have had the V6 engine.

Some of the key points from the update include:

Three new SR extra cab-chassis variants (manual and auto and powered by 2.8 litre engine)
Three additional automatic Hi-Rider pick-ups (WorkMate double-cab, SR extra cab and SR5 double cab)
Introduction of a WorkMate grade (auto) for 4×4 double cab-chassis
Sat-nav and alloy wheels optional on 4×4 SR double-cab pick-up ($2,000)

In total, 31 different variants of the big-selling model will be offered in the MY18 version, however 17 of those vehicles will be fitted with an auto transmission as standard, that’s up from 12 this year.

Sales and marketing chief at Toyota Australia, Tony Cramb, explains the changes.

“All the new variants have been introduced for specific reasons,”

“These moves are the result of detailed analysis of buyer trends and feedback from dealers over the past two years,”

“It is clear that HiLux buyers increasingly want the convenience of an automatic transmission.

“We are also experiencing greater-than-expected demand for the two-wheel-drive Hi-Rider, so we have expanded our competitively priced offerings from three to five.

“The Hi-Rider appeals to buyers who do not require serious off-road capability, but appreciate the same rugged looks and imposing ground clearance as a 4×4 HiLux.

“While SR buyers have told us they would prefer the durability and convenience of a PVC floor covering rather than carpet.

“We have reintroduced a 4×4 WorkMate double cab-chassis for those who want a value-for-money vehicle that gives them the flexibility to add a purpose-built tray that suits their needs.

“For similar reasons, we have brought back the SR extra cab-chassis in manual guise, which was available with the previous generation, and – for the first time – added an automatic version.”

2018 Toyota HiLux Line-Up/Prices:

4X2 Single Cab (cab chassis)

WorkMate 2.7 petrol/manual – from $20,990 (unchanged)
WorkMate 2.7 petrol/auto – from $22,990 (unchanged)
WorkMate 2.4 turbo-diesel/manual – from $24,990 (unchanged)

4×2 Extra Cab (pick-up)

Hi-Rider SR 2.8 turbo-diesel/auto – from $40,910 (new)

4×2 Double Cab (pick-up)

WorkMate 2.7 petrol/manual – from $30,690 (unchanged)
WorkMate 2.7 petrol/auto – from $32,690 (unchanged)
WorkMate 2.4 turbo-diesel/manual – from $33,990 (unchanged)
Hi-Rider WorkMate 2.4 turbo-diesel/auto – from $39,490 (new)
Hi-Rider SR 2.8 turbo-diesel/manual – from $39,910 (-$80)
Hi-Rider SR 2.8 turbo-diesel/auto – from $41,910 (-$80)
Hi-Rider SR5 2.8 turbo-diesel/auto – $49,940 (new)

4×4 Single Cab (cab chassis)

WorkMate 2.4 turbo-diesel/manual – from $36,990 (unchanged)
SR 2.8 turbo-diesel/manual – from $39,410 (-$80)
SR 2.8 turbo-diesel/auto – from $41,410 (-$80)

4×4 Extra Cab (cab chassis)

WorkMate 2.4 turbo-diesel/auto – from $42,490 (new)
SR 2.8 turbo-diesel/manual – from $42,910 (new)
SR 2.8 turbo-diesel/auto – from $44,910 (new)

4×4 Extra Cab (pick-up)

SR5 2.8 turbo-diesel/auto – from $54,440 (new)

4×4 Double Cab (cab chassis)

WorkMate 2.4 turbo-diesel/auto – from $44,490 (new)
SR 2.8 turbo-diesel/manual – from $45,060 (+$70)
SR 2.8 turbo-diesel/auto – from $47,060 (+$70)

4×4 Double Cab (pick-up)

WorkMate 2.4 turbo-diesel/manual – from $43,990 (unchanged)
WorkMate 2.4 turbo-diesel/auto – from $45,990 (unchanged)
SR 2.8 turbo-diesel/manual – from $46,560 (+$70)
SR 2.8 turbo-diesel/auto – from $48,560 (+$70)
SR+ 2.8 turbo-diesel/manual – from $48,560 (new)
SR+ 2.8 turbo-diesel/auto – from $50,560 (new)
SR5 2.8 turbo-diesel/man – from $54,440 (+$50)
SR5 2.8 turbo-diesel/auto – from $56,440 (+$50)
SR5+ 2.8 turbo-diesel/manual – from $56,440 (+$50)
SR5+ 2.8 turbo-diesel/auto – from $58,440 (+$50)

The updated Toyota HiLux line-up goes on sale officially from the 6th of October.

Stay up to date with the latest Toyota News at behindthewheel.com.au.