Toyota announces 2021 HiLux update

The 2021 Toyota HiLux has been officially revealed before its Australian arrival in August.

Sporting a new, more muscular and truck-like front-end design, the midlife makeover for Australia’s most popular new vehicle also brings more power, improved fuel economy and a higher towing capacity than before.

Inside, Toyota’s existing infotainment system has been updated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a restyled interior and instrument panel.

Visually, the 2021 Toyota HiLux is differentiated via a large trapezoidal grille and new headlight design that "is more in keeping with the global Toyota ute/truck family".

Under the bonnet, the HiLux’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine has been upgraded to 150kW (up 20kW) and 500Nm (up 50Nm) in automatic guise.

As before, it will be available in six-speed manual or six-speed automatic forms.

Meanwhile, fuel efficiency has been improved by about 10 per cent, according to Toyota, which equates to a combined fuel average of about 7.5L/100km.

Towing capacity for automatic 4x4 HiLux variants – including new double-cab-chassis Workmate and SR5 derivatives – has been upgraded to a maximum of 3500kg to match manual versions.

On 4x2 variants, all diesel automatics are now rated at 2800kg, an increase of up to 300kg.

Toyota has also tweaked the HiLux’s suspension for a more comfortable ride, with revised shock-absorber tuning, new bushings and improved leaf-spring design.

In 4x4 models with downhill-assist control, an additional traction control feature when using 2WD mode reroutes torque to assist grip in muddy or grassy conditions on worksites.

The upgraded HiLux range retains its entry-level 2.4-litre turbo-diesel and 2.7-litre petrol four-cylinder engines, and continues to be available with three transmissions, 4x2 and 4x4 layouts, three body styles (single, extra and double cabs), two body configurations (pick-up or cab-chassis) and five equipment levels – Workmate, SR, SR5, Rogue and Rugged X.

Inside, all models have been upgraded with an 8.0-inch touch-screen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SR and higher grades are also equipped with satellite navigation and digital (DAB) radio.

The Toyota HiLux, which recently came in for a safety-equipment upgrade, will finally get a digital speedo readout as well, thanks to an updated 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument binnacle.

Toyota will release more details and pricing information closer to the updated HiLux’s Australian launch in August.