The Toyota HiLux has been a cornerstone of the Australian automotive landscape for decades, earning its reputation as a reliable, rugged, and versatile dual-cab ute. From tradies to adventurers, the HiLux has been the go-to choice for those needing a workhorse that can handle tough conditions while doubling as a family vehicle. However, with fierce competition from the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, and emerging players like the JAC T9, the 2025 Toyota HiLux faces a challenging market. This article dives into the 2025 HiLux, focusing on its flagship GR Sport variant, new V-Active mild-hybrid technology, design, performance, and whether it retains its crown as the “ute king.”
A Legacy Under Scrutiny
The HiLux has been Australia’s top-selling vehicle for seven consecutive years until 2022, when the Ford Ranger overtook it. The current eighth-generation model, launched in 2015, is now a decade old, and despite regular updates, it’s starting to feel its age against newer competitors. Toyota has responded with significant updates for 2024, carried into 2025, including refreshed styling, enhanced safety features, and the introduction of V-Active technology—a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The GR Sport, inspired by Toyota’s Dakar Rally success, remains the range-topping model, but it stops short of being a direct rival to the Ford Ranger Raptor. So, does the 2025 HiLux have what it takes to reclaim its throne?
Design and Styling: Rugged Yet Familiar
The 2025 HiLux GR Sport is a visual standout, thanks to Toyota Australia’s design team. Its aggressive styling includes a redesigned front bumper with a honeycomb grille, flared wheel arches, and a 15mm higher ride height, giving it a muscular stance. The wider track—135mm at the front and 155mm at the rear—enhances its planted look, while 17-inch gloss-black alloy wheels fitted with Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires add to its off-road appeal. The GR Sport’s exterior is punctuated by red brake calipers, GR badges, and a blacked-out grille with “TOYOTA” lettering, reminiscent of the iconic 1980s HiLux.
Inside, the GR Sport cabin blends rugged functionality with sporty touches. Heavily bolstered sports seats, upholstered in suede and synthetic leather, feature GR embroidery and red contrast stitching. Red seat belts and a GR insignia on the headrests add flair, but the interior feels dated compared to rivals like the Ranger. The 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while functional with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lacks the crisp graphics and responsiveness of newer systems. Practicality remains a strong suit, with dual gloveboxes, pop-out cupholders, and a JBL nine-speaker audio system. However, the second row is cramped, with limited legroom for taller passengers, making it less family-friendly than some competitors.
Performance and Powertrain
The 2025 HiLux offers a range of powertrains, but the GR Sport is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, producing 165kW and 550Nm—up from 150kW/500Nm in standard models. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it delivers ample grunt for towing (up to 3,500kg braked) and off-road duties. However, it misses out on the V-Active mild-hybrid system available in SR, SR5, and Rogue variants, which pairs the same engine with a 48-volt battery and motor generator for improved fuel efficiency.
The V-Active system, while not a full hybrid, reduces fuel consumption by up to 9.5% (claimed), with real-world tests showing around 8.4L/100km in the Rogue. It allows the engine to shut off during coasting or at a standstill, maintaining ancillaries like air conditioning. However, performance gains are minimal, and the system’s benefits are most noticeable in stop-start traffic. The GR Sport, without V-Active, achieves around 8.6L/100km, with an 80-litre tank offering a range of approximately 930km.
Off-road, the GR Sport shines. Upgraded KYB monotube shock absorbers, stiffer front springs, and a locking rear differential enhance its capability. The wider track and increased ground clearance make it adept at tackling rough terrain, though it’s not as agile as the Ranger Raptor. On-road, the ride is firm when unladen, typical of ladder-frame utes, but the GR Sport’s suspension tweaks make it the best-handling HiLux variant.
Safety and Technology
The HiLux (excluding GR Sport) holds a five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2019, valid until December 2025. Standard safety features across most models include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The GR Sport adds a 360-degree camera and front/rear parking sensors but lacks stop-start functionality in its cruise control. The absence of a specific ANCAP rating for the GR Sport may concern some buyers.
Technology-wise, the HiLux lags behind. The 8.0-inch infotainment system is dated, and the lack of a digital instrument cluster (unlike the Ranger’s 12.4-inch unit) is noticeable. Wireless phone charging and USB-C ports for rear passengers are welcome additions, but the overall tech package feels basic for a $73,990 (before on-road costs) vehicle.
Variants and Pricing
The 2025 HiLux range spans 27 variants, from the entry-level WorkMate ($24,225) to the GR Sport ($73,990). Key models include:
|
Variant |
Price (AUD, before on-road costs) |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|
|
WorkMate 4×2 |
$24,225 |
2.7L petrol, manual, basic trim |
|
SR 4×4 Double-Cab |
$47,990 |
2.4L diesel, rear diff lock, V-Active option |
|
SR5 V-Active |
$63,260 |
2.8L diesel, mild-hybrid, premium interior |
|
Rogue V-Active |
$71,530 |
Wide-track, motorized tonneau, leather trim |
|
GR Sport |
$73,990 |
165kW/550Nm, KYB shocks, sport seats |
The GR Sport’s price pits it against premium rivals like the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, which offer more modern interiors and tech.
Practicality and Ownership
The HiLux remains a practical choice, with a payload capacity of up to 1,000kg and a tub measuring 1,570mm long, 1,645mm wide, and 495mm deep in double-cab models. The GR Sport includes a five-piece moulded tub liner, while the Rogue features a motorized roller cover. Towing capacity is 3,500kg across 4×4 variants, supported by hill-start assist and downhill assist control.
Ownership costs are reasonable, with capped-price servicing at $290 per visit for the first six services (three years/60,000km). However, the six-month/10,000km service intervals are more frequent than rivals like the Ranger (12 months/15,000km). A five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty is standard, aligning with industry norms.
Comparison with Rivals
The Ford Ranger, Australia’s top-selling ute in 2023 and 2024, is the HiLux’s biggest rival. The Ranger offers a 3.0L V6 diesel (184kW/600Nm), a more refined interior, and superior infotainment. Its Raptor variant outclasses the GR Sport in performance and dynamics. The Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton are strong contenders, with modern designs and competitive pricing, while the JAC T9 represents a budget-friendly alternative.
|
Model |
Price (Top Trim) |
Power/Torque |
Fuel Economy |
Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Toyota HiLux GR Sport |
$73,990 |
165kW/550Nm |
8.6L/100km |
Dakar-inspired off-road capability |
|
Ford Ranger Wildtrak |
$71,690 |
184kW/600Nm |
8.0L/100km |
Modern tech, refined interior |
|
Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain |
$67,990 |
140kW/450Nm |
8.0L/100km |
Value, reliability |
|
Mitsubishi Triton GSR |
$63,840 |
150kW/470Nm |
7.7L/100km |
New design, competitive pricing |
Is the HiLux Still the Ute King?
The 2025 Toyota HiLux GR Sport is a capable, rugged, and stylish ute that builds on Toyota’s legacy of durability and off-road prowess. Its Dakar-inspired design, enhanced suspension, and powerful diesel engine make it a compelling choice for adventurers and tradies alike. However, its aging platform, dated interior, and lack of cutting-edge tech hold it back against newer rivals like the Ford Ranger. The V-Active mild-hybrid system is a step toward electrification, but its benefits are modest, and its absence in the GR Sport is puzzling.
While the HiLux remains a sales powerhouse—third-best-selling vehicle in Australia in 2024—it’s no longer the undisputed king. The Ford Ranger’s superior dynamics, tech, and refinement have shifted the crown. That said, the HiLux’s reliability, aftermarket support, and resale value keep it in the fight. For those prioritizing rugged capability and brand loyalty, the 2025 HiLux, especially the GR Sport, is a solid choice. But for buyers seeking modernity and versatility, the Ranger or D-Max may edge it out.
The Future of the HiLux
Toyota has confirmed a “new-generation” HiLux for 2026, but spy shots suggest it will be a heavy refresh rather than a ground-up redesign, retaining the IMV platform. A hybrid powertrain is inevitable to meet Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) targets, and an electric HiLux is planned for production in Thailand by late 2025, though it’s a single-cab model with limited towing range. The 2025 HiLux, then, is a bridge to this electrified future, keeping Toyota competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Final Words
The 2025 Toyota HiLux GR Sport is a testament to Toyota’s ability to keep an aging platform relevant. It’s tough, capable, and brimming with character, but it falls short of reclaiming the ute crown. For loyalists and off-road enthusiasts, it’s a worthy contender. For others, the Ford Ranger’s modernity may prove more appealing. The HiLux’s reign may have waned, but its legacy endures, and the 2026 model promises to reignite the battle for supremacy.