Big jump in price for entry-level Toyota HiLux
A sub-$30,000 Toyota HiLux ute will soon be a thing of the past, as the Japanese maker announces a shake up to its model range and pricing – with the minimum cost of entry now $33,990 before on-road costs.
That’s an increase of more than $5000 over the outgoing HiLux range, which kicked off with the manual Toyota HiLux Workmate 4x2 cab chassis for $27,730 plus on-road costs – although that featured the now-discontinued 2.7-litre petrol four-cylinder engine.
Nevertheless, the HiLux remains substantially cheaper than its nearest rival, the Ford Ranger, which requires an investment of $37,130 plus on-road costs to get into its 4x2 cab chassis XL model with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine.
As predicted, prices are up across the HiLux range, with the manual SR5 double-cab pickup, for example, increasing from $60,670 for the old model to $63,990 for the new one.
| MY26 Toyota HiLux pricing | |
| 4x2 | |
| WorkMate single cab-chassis MT | $33,990 |
| WorkMate single cab-chassis AT | $35,990 |
| WorkMate double cab pick-up AT | $47,990 |
| SR double cab pick-up AT | $52,990 |
| 4x4 | |
| WorkMate single cab-chassis AT | $45,990 |
| WorkMate double cab-chassis AT | $52,490 |
| WorkMate double cab pick-up AT | $53,990 |
| SR extra cab-chassis AT | $54,990 |
| SR double cab-chassis MT | $54,990 |
| SR double cab-chassis 48V AT | $57,990 |
| SR double cab pick-up 48V AT | $59,490 |
| SR5 double cab pick-up MT | $63,990 |
| SR5 double cab-chassis 48V AT | $64,490 |
| SR5 double cab pick-up 48V AT | $65,990 |
| Rogue double cab pick-up 48V AT | $71,990 |
| Rugged X double cab pick-up 48V AT | $71,990 |
The new-generation 2026 Toyota HiLux line-up, scheduled to hit showrooms on December 9, is powered exclusively by Toyota’s 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine, with a battery electric version to follow in early 2026 and a hydrogen fuel cell option slated for 2028.
Technology plays a big part in justifying the HiLux price hike, with all variants now treated to a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, satellite navigation and voice commands.
The launch range also features a new exterior design, completely new interior, and upgrades to driveability and passenger comfort.
Model grades and nomenclature remain largely the same, although the Rugged X nameplate (retired to make way for the GR Sport) is returning as the HiLux halo model for $71,990. Its reign will be short-lived, however, as a new GR is expected to appear sometime in 2026 to reclaim the top spot.
All models, from WorkMate to Rugged X, run either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, depending on the variant.
In addition to the abovementioned technology, the base model WorkMate has a new seven-inch digital instrument cluster, two USB-C ports, a 12-volt socket, and two-speaker audio system. Double cab WorkMates add a second 12-volt port in the rear and four speakers for the audio system.
The entry-level WorkMate is available with a 4x2 driveline as a single cab-chassis or double cab pick-up, while 4x4 WorkMate options are single cab-chassis, double cab pick-up, and double cab-chassis.
The $33,990 sticker price also buys 17-inch steel wheels, LED head lamps, body-coloured front bumper and grille, electric exterior mirrors with integrated indicator, a shark fin antenna and the choice of four basic paint colours.
There are seven colours in total: Glacier White, Frosted White, Stunning Silver, Eclipse Black, Feverish Red, and the new Ash Slate and Sunglow Premium. Premium paint is a $675 option.
