TOYOTA HILUX SR5

THE Toyota Hilux’s upgraded engine serves it well. The 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel now produces 150kw-500nm (as an automatic; the manual is limited to 420Nm) and it feels every bit of it.

This particular SR5’S accelerative efforts are probably hampered somewhat by the weight of the steel tray, though not to a large degree as the difference would only be a few per cent.

Braking is an SR5 strong suit, with a sub-40m dry stop backed up by an impressive wet performance of just over 50m – the class of the field.

DYNAMICS: 6.5/10

TIPPING the scales at a relatively lithesome 2055kg, the SR5 offers stirring performance right from the first prod of the throttle, with gutsy responses and real pulling power through the mid ranges from the turbo diesel and auto pairing that make molehills out of the proverbial.

The Toyota tray-back proved louder in terms of mechanical and tyre noise intrusion, and still inflicted a denturerattling ride over a course that most others managed with measurably greater finesse. And the ESC and traction intervention remained on high alert as bitumen turned to gravel.

Back in civilisation, smoother roads forgive most of the SR5’S age-old shortcomings, and it seems like a slightly more appealing overall package.

INFOTAINMENT: 7.5/10

INFOTAINMENT in the mid-spec Hilux SR5 is provided through an 8-inch central touchscreen display and a 4.2-inch driver info screen within the instrument cluster.

Unlike the high-spec Hilux Rugged X, the SR5 misses out on digital radio. Luckily, Apple Carplay/android Auto should make up for it.

Functionally, the Hilux’s infotainment is a breeze to use and it is easy to switch between separate screens, while there’s also a home screen that displays key information. The four-speaker stereo is very basic in its ability.

RUNNING COSTS: 7.5/10

EVERY part, panel and factory-fitted accessory of the Hilux SR5 is warranted for five years/unlimited kilometres. Servicing can be arranged through the mytoyota smartphone application.

Each of the first four visits to Toyota’s service centres cost $250. As a bonus, if you stick to Toyota’s 10,000km/six-month service intervals, Toyota will include an extra two years of driveline warranty.

Pricing for Toyota’s roadside assistance

program begins at $89 per year.

If there’s one thing we know about the Toyota Hilux, it’s that you’ll fare comparatively well when it comes time to sell. The Toyota Hilux SR5 4x4 is said to retain 56 per cent of its value after three years, according to Glass’s Guide data.

Pricing for the SR5 dual cab starts at $57,920 for the manual and $59,920 for the auto, though the optional steel tray of our test rig adds $3804.50 to that figure.

TOWING: 8.5/10

20-60km/h: 7.2 seconds

WITH more power available thanks to a recent update, this SR5 Hilux finally feels like it has the grunt it needs to lug a loaded car trailer around. It feels torquey, and is certainly a solid performer when it comes to towing.

It steers well and brakes well; it’s very hard to not like how the Hilux performs when towing. It did want to hold gears longer before shifting, usually around the 4000rpm mark, which is high in the rev range for a turbo diesel.

A thoroughly inoffensive package, and I mean that in the nicest possible way. While the Ranger takes the top spot for towing performance, the Hilux certainly isn’t far behind it.

OFF ROAD: 8.5/10

COMPARED to the Ford Ranger, the SR5 Hilux definitely rode firmer on rough terrain. The steering also felt heavier, but not by much. The traction-control system found in the Hilux is nothing short of amazing when off-road.

The second you feel a tyre slip, it stops it and sends drive to the tyre with grip. Gearing is also sensational, providing plenty of pulling power up hills and wonderful engine braking down them.

Engaging 4x4 was quick and easy, with no real annoyances to mention. This platform has been around a few years now and, with this most recent update, Toyota have in our opinion created the most capable Hilux yet. It’s a brilliantly effective 4x4, even in stock trim.

INTERIOR & SAFETY: 7/10

THE Hilux cabin presents a neat and relatively fresh-looking workstation. Clearly designated areas for controls improve functionality while the front seats, which Toyota call high-grade bucket items, fare okay for comfort and support.

Legroom up front is a touch smaller than rivals. Meanwhile, outward visibility is on par with the class average – except smaller rear windows penalise your overshoulder view on the left side.

ANCAP awarded the Hilux with a fivestar rating in 2019. Equipped with seven airbags, it sports active safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and AEB, but forgoes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Meanwhile up back, occupants are treated to hard and flat seats. These can be hoisted up against the backrests for extra load space and split 60/40. Legroom is on the shorter side compared to rivals. Cupholders in the centre armrest and doors accommodate large bottles.

PAYLOAD: 7.5/10

OUR Hilux SR5 was the only ute on test fitted with a factory steel tray that includes a hoop and steel lattice behind the rear window. And while this gives it an unmatched loading width, length and durability, the tray offers less than half the depth of its pickup brethren.

The steel tray also adds 290kg to the kerb weight for a cab-chassis SR5, totalling the figure at 2235kg. Subtracting this from a 3050kg rated Gross Vehicle Mass leaves the Hilux with an 815kg payload rating for passengers, cargo and tow-ball download weight.

Even with its heavy tray and pallet onboard, the Hilux SR5 manages quite well on our test loops. Acceleration is understandably slow, with the SR5 needing 4.5 seconds to charge from 20 to 60km/h.