First Ford encroached on the LandCruiser 70 Series’ turf with its Ranger Super Duty, and now Toyota appears to have responded with a more capable version of its HiLux.
The Toyota HiLux will be available with a factory-engineered gross vehicle mass (GVM) upgrade from August 2026.
Priced from $4000 and backed by the same warranty as the donor vehicle, this upgrade increases the HiLux’s maximum payload by 372-435kg depending on the variant, boosting it to up to 1525kg.
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Ride height is increased by up to 10mm with the fitment of longer monotube shock absorbers at the rear, with axle capacities increased by 100kg at the front and 280kg at the rear.
Toyota will only offer it on the following HiLux variants:
- WorkMate double-cab/chassis
- WorkMate double-cab pickup
- SR extra-cab/chassis
- SR double-cab/chassis
- SR double-cab pickup
- SR5 double-cab pickup
As with all HiLux vehicles sold in Australia following last year’s redesign, these come with a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, which in some variants – including the SR and SR5 double-cab variants eligible for the GVM upgrade – incorporates a 48V mild-hybrid system.
The GVM upgrade is only available in conjunction with a six-speed automatic transmission. HiLux utes so-equipped offer outputs of 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque.
“Introducing a GVM upgrade option for the new HiLux will allow customers to maximise the vehicle’s already-excellent load-carrying capabilities, providing benefits to both fleet and private buyers,” said John Pappas, Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, in a press release today.
“Being Toyota’s very own factory-fitted option, it ensures the HiLux retains its Toyota five-year warranty and is compatible with all safety systems giving it a real advantage over its aftermarket competition.”
Various companies, including Pedders and Ironman, offer GVM upgrades for the new-generation HiLux.
Ironman’s upgrade, for example, boosts GVM to 3500kg and payload by 380-435kg to 1158-1670kg. If fitted pre-registration, an Ironman GVM upgrade costs between $3733 and $4161.
GVM upgrades allow you to carry more, which is particularly useful not only when you’re hauling loads and multiple passengers, but also when you’re adding accessories that increase the weight of your vehicle such as canopies and bull-bars.
While Toyota’s GVM upgrade boosts the HiLux’s payload to up to 1525kg, this still falls short of the Ranger Super Duty’s 1825-1982kg figures.
However, the Ranger Super Duty is priced between $82,990 and $99,990 before on-road costs.
Pricing
Model | Price before on-road costs, incl. GVM upgrade |
|---|---|
2026 Toyota HiLux WorkMate double-cab/chassis | $56,490 |
2026 Toyota HiLux WorkMate double-cab pickup | $57,990 |
2026 Toyota HiLux SR extra-cab/chassis | $58,990 |
2026 Toyota HiLux SR double-cab/chassis | $61,990 |
2026 Toyota HiLux SR double-cab pickup | $63,490 |
2026 Toyota HiLux SR5 double-cab pickup | $69,990 |
MORE: Explore the Toyota HiLux showroom
