2012 Toyota Hilux Launch Review

2011 Toyota HiLux SR5 Double Cab 4x4 petrol V6

Toyota has launched its 2012 model of the successful HiLux. The Toyota HiLux now has more models, more features, more safety, higher towing capacity and price reductions up to $5,600 on some models. Combine this with more features and models like the SR5 Xtra Cab ute TD4 has improved value of up to $8,340.Every 4×4 HiLux provides between $1,960 and $8,340 better value while 4×2 HiLux delivers enhanced value of up to $1,640.

With increased competition on the horizon with the upcoming launch of the Mazda BT50 and Ford Ranger along with excellent offerings from limited edition Isuzu’s and the ever popular Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara, Toyota has taken the unprecedented step of adding more features and reducing prices in an effort to maintain its market share.

Toyota Australia’s senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said the added specification and aggressive pricing would further strengthen HiLux’s reign as Australia’s most popular commercial vehicle. The HiLux has a strong following in the commercial sector however its market share is slipping in the private market where dollars and value are paramount.

Toyota HiLux Launch

The HiLux remains an excellent workhorse and off road vehicle. The test track at the launch was interesting without being overly challenging, but was enough to show the credentials off road that the HiLux is famous for. It’s still a winner in that department. On road handling also seems improved and it cruised quietly and comfortable at highway speeds with my passengers dozing in the afternoon sun.

HiLux improvements begin with new sheet metal from the A-pillar forward – a new bonnet, radiator grille, headlamps and front bumper. It now has a smoother look but will have distinct rugged appeal. The profile has been further enhanced for SR5 models with newly designed fenders, new door mirrors with integrated turn signals and redesigned wheels (4×4 Xtra and Double Cabs).

Safety is a big winner in the revamped model and across the range, anti-skid brakes are now standard and cruise control is standard on all SR and SR5 variants, as well as automatic 4×4 WorkMate 4x4s. All models now have a tachometer.

2011 Toyota HiLux WorkMate instruments

In the 4×4 range, vehicle stability control is now standard on all SR5 double cabs and optional on all SR Double Cab pick-ups. Side seat and curtain-shield airbags and sports-style front seats have been fitted to all 4×4 SR5 and SR variants. A limited-slip differential has been included in all 4×4 WorkMates.

HiLux interiors have been updated with refined designs that reinforce its credentials as a leisure vehicle, including new seat fabrics on selected variants. A new upper dashboard design features a horizontal centre instrument cluster. The centre stack features new controls for the heating and ventilation system and, for SR5 variants; automatic climate control has been added to the air-conditioning.

2011 Toyota HiLux SR5 4x4 automatic interior

A major improvement is the addition of advanced new audio systems on all variants. Depending on the grade, they feature voice recognition, touch screen, radio text, 3D graphics for the satellite navigation and safety warnings for school zones and speed and red-light cameras. The Bluetooth is easy to use and clear. As part of these audio upgrades, all SR5 models will come with satellite navigation as standard, viewed on the 6.1-inch LCD touch screen.

To entice entry level buyers Toyota’s HiLux range now starts with the 4×2 WorkMate Single Cab cab-chassis at $18,990 – an increase of just $500 offset by the addition of anti-skid brakes, a tacho, new sheet metal, redesigned interior and a new audio system.

2011 Toyota HiLux SR 4x4 interior

Across the range, the biggest improvement in value comes with the 4×4 SR5 turbo-diesel Xtra Cab. The added spec – including satellite navigation, dusk-sensing headlamps, steering wheel-mounted telephone controls, re-designed alloy wheels, sports-style front seats with side airbags, curtain-shield airbags and auto control for the air-conditioning – comes to $2,690. In addition, the price has been rolled back by $5,650.

The entry price for a 4×4 turbo-diesel HiLux has come down $6,150 or 16.1 per cent to $31,990 with the introduction of a WorkMate Single Cab with manual transmission.
Its feature list includes ABS, driver and passenger airbags, tacho, limited-slip differential, 16-inch wheels and protective covers for the engine and fuel tank.
HiLux 4×4 Xtra and Double Cabs are once again priced from under $40,000.

The 4×4 Xtra Cabs start at $38,490 for the SR turbo-diesel cab-chassis – an overall improvement in value of $5,840 that includes additional equipment of $1,290 and a price cut of $4,550. Toyota has also introduced a new SR Xtra Cab pick-up at $39,990. For 4×4 Double Cabs, a new turbo-diesel WorkMate Pick-up once again brings the entry price under $40,000 – at $38,990 for the manual. This is $5,900 less than the previous lowest-priced diesel Double Cab. All other 4×4 Double Cabs have had price reductions – from $200 to $3,650.

2011 Toyota HiLux Turbo Diesel engine

With the changes, the HiLux range has been expanded from 32 to 35 variants – 17 4x2s and 18 4x4s. HiLux now comes with the choice of three cabins – Single, Xtra and Double Cab; two styles – pick-up and cab-chassis; three equipment grades – WorkMate, SR and SR5; three engines – 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol, 4.0-litre V6 petrol and a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel; the choice of two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive; and manual or automatic transmissions.

There has never been a better time to buy a dual cab ute as the models are improving all the time, choices are wide and with the new Mazda BT50 in October and Colorado and Isuzu around the corner its a buyers market. The HiLux will remain near the top of most people’s choices though and the improved value will certainly help that.

2011 Toyota HiLux SR5 Double Cab 4x4 Turbo Diesel

About Rob Fraser 2479 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.

2 Comments

  1. 116 g co2 per km is aiamzng from over 600 hp!!! The problem is finding special fuels in Europe is not easy. For instance we bloody Spaniards only sell petrol & diesel. If you happen to convert you 4X4 to LGP to significantly reduce running & mind you filling cost, you will have a very hard time if not impossible task of finding a filling station.I think Bentley wanted to shut up the tree huggers, and Continental GT buyers are not looking to reduce emissions. They own nuclear submarines, lol!!

  2. Hallo, I am pAvel from Czech republic-in Europe. I neeed for Hilux 2012 the centr box for radio. I have radio from Toyota inbuilt, and i need rectangle (the same as you have on this photo- It doesn’t matter silver or black. Can you send me VIN your Toyota HILUX 2012.-in europe is only with radio inbuilt. I search as your VIN the parts for radio. Thank you

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