2021 Toyota HiLux review: Is the new 500Nm HiLux any good?

Toyota has given the new HiLux 500Nm of torque! Plus it now has wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. But, has the 2021 Toyota HiLux SR5 fallen behind the times? Paul Maric tests the latest HiLux to see if it has the goods to keep up with the competitors in this segment, like vehicles like the Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max and Nissan Navara, amongst others.

Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior: 00:48
Interior: 03:01
Infotainment: 04:39
Safety Tech: 05:56
Practicality: 07:33
On-road: 10:06
Off-road: 14:04
Verdict: 16:29

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Paul Maric:

#review #toyota #hilux

[chappo]

Best local review channel in my view, bar none.

Nothing wrong with Toyotas. Durable and relatively capable. Bit hit and miss at times with styling but they tend to grow on you. Interiors are often a generation or two behind - but unless you're changing your vehicle every 12 months we're all living with older interiors eventually.

I'm not sure the "my brand is ace yours is crap" game benefits anyone. I've only ever owned one Toyota, but know enough people to accept they're perfectly fine. Hilux, Ranger, Amarok - whatever. Buy the one you like and let everyone enjoy their choice. Reliability? Lot more to do with with maintenance and how hard you are on your car to be honest. All manufacturers have issues at times. Local dealers, that's another story. But then again, missing services and thrashing it when its cold are big risk factors.

One area of concern for Toyota is cost. Some of their vehicles are relatively expensive. Re-sale is one thing, but spending an extra $20K to recoup an extra $5k is odd logic. The point is you're not always getting as much for your money. I understand reliability. But spending thousands less on an alternative leaves a lot in the kitty to pay for repairs, or upgrades. And, as an 'older' timer - almost all new cars are reliable when compared to a few decades back.

Each to their own. I could live with almost any of the dual cab utes. Even the LDV. Local bloke has one and with a tray it looks good. He's happy too. And that's the thing. Tests are an interesting comparison but you never really get to know a vehicle until you live with it.

[daxter]

I applaud you for being honest and having properly good opinions, a lot of people just can’t accept the fact that the hilux isn’t the only dual cab around anymore

[degorywalla]

$60k ute and no reverse camera?!? Purely for driveway safety with kids, this is a must. My 2018 MQ Triton cab chassis poverty pack has this standard. What is Toyota thinking?

[jamespribil]

That thing on the drivers side of the windscreen is the DAB+ Antenna, won’t see them on the earlier variant of GUN Hilux as it was introduced around 2017

[vermilliontoaster]

This channel is excellent. Plus you’re Stralian, so that’s more than enough.

[sourwords]

Toyota is thinking along the lines of don't fix something that's not broken. But with the lack of creature comforts that come standard in the competition, they have to pick up their slack, and produce a Hilux worth buying.

[bmccameron]

I've got a 2010 SR5 V6...returns 10.5l on the highway and 12 around town. No injector, EGR or DPF issues. It goes like the clappers if I need it to as well.

[MM-tpfq]

Does Hilux have problems with gearbox? ...nope! and the others yes! big time! Toyota will always be reliable ... value for money!

[ottoswinebar]

Great review. No reverse camera, you must be joking?
58k for what exactly ?

[henrymahoney]

Always love your reviews Paul. Keep them coming

[AndyShule]

Great review again Paul well done, keep them coming.
Not sure if Toyota realises the game has moved on, hopefully they release an all new car sooner rather than later.

[johnnumbat]

Toyota rests on its laurels on the good reputation as a reliable and trusted brand. Unfortunately it translates into an attitude of ‘we don’t need to build premium items into our vehicles’ which means hard plastics and no rear or cross traffic alerts in this cab chassis. This is also why the Troop carrier still rusts in the chassis rails and roof gutters etc. which is shameful when they expect you to pay over $70k for a design that’s over 30 years old. Come on Toyota you need to build a new gen Troopy. John

[ubernoob]

Parking sensors should 100% be standard. Just toyota and their infinite wisdom charging more for what is objectively a worse product.

[hine]

Agree that this doesn’t come up to chop. Just got a Ranger XLT instead. Nicer to drive, cheaper and with equivalent or more kit for less $. They also put on the tray for us and reinstalled all the camera, lights, sensors etc.

[johncat]

They need to review cars when they are aged as well, including service/ running costs and reliability .

[Thedog]

FINALLY!!!! A new Ute without parking sensors and reverse cameras 😍😍 just what I’m after

[muzzgit]

I haven't been in EVERY modern dual cab ute in Australia but I've been in an few and I like the Hilux the most. Funny thing is I think the SR model is a better buy .. THE SR5 tyre and rim package is not as "offroad" friendly. The Ford ranger has more towing power but the seats and driving position don't feel right to me, and after a long drive I find myself busting to get out of it. The hilux is more comfortable to spend a lot of time in.

[bobar_montior]

I’ve had the 2012 Hilux for 7 years and I’ve changed only the clutch for 7 years

[harleyvisser]

Mate owns a 1994 hilux and drive it to fraser island and up to cairns without issue. Toyota is always reliable

[joshuajackson]

I think toyota tries to hit the side of the market that care a little more about build quality and reliability hense keeping the hydraulic steering rack and not adding too many soft plastics and sensors. I guess even though your technically getting less features your paying for the test of time a little more then the others. (Although i do think that dmax motor is going to be a very valid competitor in reliability against the hilux)