Overview
FOR decades the Toyota HiLux has pretty much held the Australian 4x4 pick-up market firmly in its grip, thanks to a combination of style, reputation and the company’s titanic marketing muscle.
Five years on from the launch of the current seventh-generation series, how does the Toyota one-tonne stalwart stack-up against a host of newer rivals?
We assess the SR5 Xtra Cab 3.0 TD to find out.
Model release dates: October 2009 - October 2010
Previous model
SEVEN generations in, and the HiLux matured into a stylish and relatively car-like one-tonne pick-up with more space, refinement, safety and performance than before – but with no loss of the go-anywhere strength, reliability and durability that the range is famous for globally.
More than 30 combinations of body styles, drivetrains and powertrains were made available, with the SR5 Xtra Cab two-door ute providing a balance between seating (it could transport four people) and cargo-hauling abilities, in a youth-orientated sporty and well-specified package.
Initially, the model was offered with either a five-speed manual-only 120kW/343Nm 3.0-litre TD four-cylinder turbo-diesel or 175kW/376Nm 4.0-litre V6 petrol, but the more popular TD engine’s output gained 6kW from October 2006.
More standard features were added in late 2007 and again in late 2008, but to date no auto SR5 Xtra Cab has been introduced.