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Which ute should you buy for under $60,000?
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Deputy News Editor
UPDATED 26/01/2026 08:00am: Now that deliveries of the new HiLux have commenced, we’ve updated this article with fuel consumption, towing capacity and payload figures that weren’t yet available when we first published it on November 12, 2025.
The 2026 Toyota HiLux officially went on sale on December 9, 2025 with an expanded lineup introducing a refreshed exterior, new cabin design and now only one diesel powertrain.
The expanded lineup sees the return of the top-end Rogue and Rugged X models, though a GR Sport version (or better) to take on the Ford Ranger Raptor hasn’t been confirmed just yet.
The new HiLux uses the same ladder-frame chassis as before – not the newer TNGA-F platform used on LandCruiser Prado and LandCruiser 300 Series – giving it similar dimensions to its predecessor.
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With the outside designed by Toyota Design Australia, the newly styled front and rear sandwich the same doors and cabin as before, with the nose running thinner LED headlights, new grille and sharper lines.
Down back, there are new tail-lights as well as a new integrated step behind the rear wheel on pickup variants. Other cosmetic changes include fresh colours and wheel patterns.
The interior has been completely redesigned, too, with new tech and redesigned seats.

The standard engine is the carryover 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder which partly justifies the higher entry price, given the previous 2.4-litre diesel engine and 2.7-litre petrol have both been dropped.
A manual transmission remains available in some model grades, making it one of a diminishing number of utes offered in Australia with three pedals.
The base WorkMate has gained more standard safety equipment, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as LED headlights, while all HiLuxes have been upgraded to a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Toyota Australia has only announced pricing for the diesel HiLux so far across five model grades in cab/chassis and dual-cab ute body styles, kicking off with the WorkMate before the SR, SR5, Rogue and – returning after being dropped in 2022 – the Rugged X.

The 2026 HiLux starts at $33,990 before on-road costs for the WorkMate 4×2 manual – up from its previous $27,730 before on-roads start for the previous petrol 2.7-litre version.
The cheapest diesel previously was the 2.4-litre, which started at $32,790 before on-road costs in its cheapest WorkMate Hi-Rider guise.
At the top end, the Rogue dual-cab and Rugged X are both $71,990 before on-roads – a meagre increase of $460 for the Rogue, and less than the previous GR Sport’s $74,310 before on-roads price.
A GR Sport to rival the hero Ford Ranger Raptor hasn’t been announced, however given GR was one of the five core brands within the Toyota group announced in October 2025 – with Daihatsu (not sold here), Century, Lexus and the Toyota brand itself – it’s a near certainty to join the lineup.
| 2026 Toyota HiLux 4×2 | Price (before on-road costs) |
|---|---|
| WorkMate 2.8 6MT single-cab/chassis | $33,990 (new) |
| WorkMate 2.8 6AT single-cab/chassis | $35,990 (new) |
| WorkMate 2.8 6AT double-cab pickup | $47,990 (new) |
| SR 2.8 6AT dual-cab pickup | $52,990 (+$4100) |
| 2026 Toyota HiLux 4×4 | Price (before on-road costs) |
|---|---|
| WorkMate 2.8 6AT single-cab/chassis | $45,990 (new) |
| WorkMate 2.8 6AT double-cab/chassis | $52,490 (new) |
| WorkMate 2.8 6AT double-cab pickup | $53,990 (new) |
| SR 2.8 6AT extra cab-chassis | $54,990 (+$4295) |
| SR 2.8 6MT double-cab/chassis | $54,990 (+$4035) |
| SR 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab/chassis | $57,990 (+$3860) |
| SR 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab pickup | $59,490 (+$4300) |
| SR5 2.8 MT double-cab pickup | $63,990 (+$3320) |
| SR5 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab/chassis | $64,490 (+$3910) |
| SR5 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab pickup | $65,990 (+$2730) |
| Rogue 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab pickup | $71,990 (+$460) |
| Rugged X 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab pickup | $71,990 (new) |
All 2026 HiLuxes run a carryover 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder – with an unchanged 150kW/500Nm for automatic and 150kW/420Nm for manual versions – with a choice of 4×2 or 4×4.

WorkMate, SR and SR5 model grades also offer the six-speed manual, while SR model grades and above with the automatic transmission come with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology as standard.
The 2.7-litre petrol and 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engines have been dropped, making the 2.8-litre the only powertrain offered at launch, with electric (EV) and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) versions confirmed for Australia.
The HiLux EV is planned for a local arrival between January and March 2026, with the FCEV – which uses hydrogen, like the Toyota Mirai sedan – is scheduled to arrive sometime in 2028.
| Specifications | 2026 Toyota HiLux diesel |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel four-cylinder |
| Engine outputs | 150kW/420Nm (manual) 150kW/500Nm (auto) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic |
| Drive type | Rear- or four-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 7.3L/100km (4×2 manual) 7.4L/100km (4×2 auto) 7.1L/100km (4×4 manual) 7.2-7.6L/100km (4×4 auto) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80L |
| Fuel requirement | Diesel |
| Braked towing capacity | 2900kg (4×2) 3500kg (4×4) |
| Gross vehicle mass (GVM) | 2950-2980kg (4×2) 3065-3120kg (4×4) |
Kerb weight varies across the range:
The double-cab Rogue (2342kg) and Rugged X (2327kg) pickups are the heaviest in the lineup.

All HiLuxes ride a 3085mm wheelbase.
| Single-cab/chassis | Extra-cab/chassis | Double-cab/chassis | Double-cab pickup | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 5380mm | 5380mm | 5380mm | 5320mm |
| Width | 1855mm | 1875mm | 1875mm | 1855mm |
| Height | 1880mm | 1880mm | 1880mm | 1865-1880mm |
The Toyota HiLux is covered by Toyota’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty which covers any Toyota-produced part, panel and accessory.

Engine and driveline warranty can be extended by another two years provided the vehicle is serviced according to schedule, and the car is backed by seven years of emergency assistance.
Previous HiLux service pricing was capped between $245 and $290 per visit for the first six visits, covering three years or 60,000km.
Maintenance is still required every six months or 10,000km, which is notably shorter than the usual 12 month/15,000km intervals offered by most rivals.
The Toyota HiLux has a five-star rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2025. This applies to all variants bar the Rugged X, which is unrated.

It received an adult occupant protection rating of 84 per cent, a child occupant protection rating of 89 per cent, a vulnerable road user protection rating of 82 per cent, and a safety assist rating of 82 per cent.
The Toyota HiLux WorkMate comes standard with the following safety features:
The SR and above add:
There are five trim levels in the new-generation HiLux lineup.




The 2026 Toyota HiLux WorkMate comes standard with the following features:
The SR adds (or replaces):
The SR5 adds:
The Rogue adds:
The Rugged X adds:
The 2026 Toyota HiLux is offered as standard in Glacier White – the only exterior colour not attracting an additional $675 ‘Premium’ paint charge – with Stunning Silver, Eclipse Black and new-for-2026 Ash Slate also available across all variants.
HiLux SR5 and above can also be had in Frosted White, Feverish Red and another new colour, Sunglow.
Black interior trim is standard in all models, apart from the ‘Mineral’ upholstery in the Rogue and Rugged X.
On the SR5 and above, a $2500 optional premium interior pack adds black leather upholstery, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. MORE: Explore the Toyota HiLux showroom
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Damion Smy is an award-winning motoring journalist with global editorial experience at Car, Auto Express, and Wheels.


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