G’day, ute lovers! It’s that time again when Toyota rolls out another update to Australia’s favorite workhorse. I’ve spent two weeks putting the 2025 HiLux through its paces across city streets, country highways, and some properly challenging bush tracks. The verdict? The king hasn’t just defended its crown—it’s added a few more jewels to it.
What makes the HiLux such a stubborn fixture on Australian roads isn’t just clever marketing. There’s something genuinely special about these vehicles that keeps tradies, farmers, adventurers, and suburban warriors coming back year after year.
The 2025 model doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it didn’t need to. Instead, Toyota has focused on meaningful improvements while keeping the HiLux’s legendary reliability intact. Let’s dive into what makes this updated icon worth your attention.
Design and Appearance: Familiar Yet Fresh
Walking up to the new HiLux, you’ll notice Toyota hasn’t gone wild with the redesign. Smart move, I reckon. The front end sports a more aggressive grille with chunky horizontal slats that give it a properly muscular stance.
LED headlights now come standard across the range, cutting through the darkness on those early morning job site arrivals or late-night camping trips. The fog lights have been repositioned slightly, improving visibility in dusty or misty conditions.
The side profile remains unmistakably HiLux, but new alloy wheel designs (ranging from 17 to 19 inches depending on variant) add a touch of sophistication. My test vehicle came in a striking “Outback Copper” paint job that picked up the sunset beautifully during our photoshoot near Broken Hill.
Around back, revised taillights feature a distinctive light signature that makes the HiLux instantly recognizable even at night. Small touches, but they add up to a ute that looks more premium without sacrificing its working-class roots.
Interior Comfort: No More Rough Edges
Climb aboard and you’ll find Toyota has addressed one of the previous generation’s few weaknesses. The interior feels substantially more refined without going soft on practicality.
The seats deserve special mention—now with improved bolstering and a more durable yet comfortable fabric in lower specs, or genuine leather in the higher-end models. I drove for six hours straight one day and stepped out feeling surprisingly fresh.
Dashboard materials have taken a significant step up in quality. There’s still plenty of hard-wearing plastic, mind you (this is a work vehicle after all), but it’s better textured and more pleasantly finished than before. The real improvement is where your hands and elbows rest—softer materials in all the right places.
Storage options abound, with clever cubbies for your phone, sunglasses, water bottles, and work gear. The dual glove box setup returns, providing secure storage for valuables alongside space for the usual odds and ends.
Tech That Actually Helps
The centerpiece of the refreshed cabin is a 10.5-inch touchscreen (8-inch in base models) that’s both more responsive and more intuitive than previous systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect wirelessly now—a small but immensely useful upgrade for those who are constantly in and out of the vehicle.
The digital gauge cluster (on SR5 models and up) can be configured to show different information depending on whether you’re on-road, off-road, or towing. It’s properly useful rather than just flashy tech for tech’s sake.
Voice commands actually work consistently now, even understanding broad Aussie accents without confusion. “Hey Toyota, call the boss” or “navigate to the next fuel station” works seamlessly while keeping your hands on the wheel.
Climate controls thankfully remain physical buttons and knobs—exactly what you want when bouncing down a corrugated track or wearing work gloves. Toyota has wisely avoided the all-touchscreen trend that plagues many modern vehicles.
Performance: Power When You Need It
Under the bonnet, Toyota offers three engine choices for 2025, each with its own character and capability.
The 2.8-liter turbo-diesel remains the pick of the bunch, now producing 204 horsepower and a properly meaty 500Nm of torque. It delivers that torque from just 1,600rpm, making it incredibly tractable whether you’re hauling a trailer up a steep hill or navigating a muddy worksite.
Fuel economy has improved slightly, with my week of mixed driving returning 8.2L/100km—impressive for a vehicle of this size and capability. The diesel’s distinctive clatter is now better suppressed through additional sound insulation, making highway cruising noticeably more pleasant.
New for 2025 is a hybrid option, pairing a 2.4-liter petrol engine with an electric motor. Total system output is 243 horsepower with 630Nm of combined torque. It’s surprisingly quick off the mark and delivers excellent fuel economy (6.7L/100km in my testing) around town.
The base 2.7-liter petrol soldiers on for work-focused models, offering decent performance but lacking the effortless grunt of the diesel or the efficiency of the hybrid. It makes sense mainly for fleet buyers with specific requirements.
Handling: Smoother Operator
Nobody buys a ute expecting sports car handling, but the 2025 HiLux has made significant strides in ride comfort without sacrificing load-carrying ability.
Revised suspension tuning, specifically calibrated for Australian conditions, strikes a better balance between work and play. Empty tray behavior—that bouncy, skittish feeling that plagues many utes—is markedly improved, making the HiLux more livable as a daily driver.
Steering remains relatively light, making parking and low-speed maneuvering less of a chore. There’s more feedback through the wheel than before, giving you confidence when placing the vehicle on narrow bush tracks.
Body roll is well controlled for a high-riding 4WD, though physics can only be fought so much. Push too hard into corners and the stability control will gently remind you that you’re driving a work vehicle, not a hot hatch.
Off-Road Capability: Born for the Bush
The HiLux has always been a capable off-roader, but the 2025 model raises the bar even higher. The upgraded 4WD system now includes multiple terrain modes that adjust throttle response, traction control, and differential locking to suit different conditions.
Ground clearance remains a competitive 286mm on 4WD models, while approach and departure angles have been slightly improved through clever bumper design. Wading depth is now a class-leading 700mm—particularly valuable given our increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
I deliberately sought out some properly challenging tracks during testing, including a steep, rocky climb that would have most SUVs turning back. The HiLux crawled up confidently, the off-road cruise control (available on SR5+ and Rogue models) maintaining steady progress without driver throttle input.
The rear diff lock engages smoothly when needed, and the improved crawl control is genuinely useful rather than a marketing gimmick. Hill descent control works effectively, maintaining a steady pace down steep declines without unsettling the vehicle.
Work Credentials: Still a Proper Ute
Despite all the comfort and tech improvements, Toyota hasn’t forgotten that the HiLux needs to earn its keep. Payload capacity ranges from 1,000kg to 1,250kg depending on configuration, while braked towing capacity remains at 3,500kg for properly equipped models.
The tray dimensions haven’t changed, maintaining compatibility with existing canopies and accessories—smart thinking that saves existing HiLux owners money when upgrading.
Tie-down points are now more logically positioned and reinforced to handle heavier loads. The tailgate feels more substantial and opens with a dampened action rather than simply dropping down.
A factory-fitted tow bar is available across the range, pre-wired and ready to go. The trailer sway control system works unobtrusively but effectively, providing peace of mind when towing in crosswinds or passing road trains.
Safety Features: Looking After Your Mob
Safety has received proper attention in the 2025 update. All models now come with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including autonomous emergency braking that can detect pedestrians and cyclists, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition.
The higher-spec models add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert—particularly useful given the size of these vehicles. Seven airbags come standard, including a driver’s knee airbag.
A 360-degree camera system is available on SR5 models and above, making parking and navigating tight tracks much easier. The display is crisp, and the guidelines adjust dynamically with steering input.
One standout new feature is the trailer backup assist, which takes the stress out of reversing with a trailer attached. Simply turn a dial in the direction you want the trailer to go, and the system handles the counter-intuitive steering inputs required.
Ownership Experience: Peace of Mind
Toyota continues to offer a five-year unlimited kilometer warranty, with seven years coverage on the powertrain if you maintain logbook servicing through Toyota dealers. Servicing costs remain reasonable, with capped price servicing for the first six services.
Resale values have always been a HiLux strong point, with these vehicles typically retaining more value than almost any competitor. Based on historical trends, expect the 2025 model to hold around 65% of its value after three years—remarkable for any vehicle.
The dealer network remains Australia’s largest, meaning support is never far away whether you’re in Sydney or the Simpson Desert. The myToyota app now includes roadside assistance features and can schedule services or report issues directly.
Real-World Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency matters more than ever with today’s prices. During my extended test, the diesel HiLux returned these figures:
- City driving: 9.6L/100km
- Highway cruising: 7.4L/100km
- Off-road sections: 12.1L/100km
- Towing a 2-tonne boat: 11.3L/100km
The hybrid performed notably better around town (6.2L/100km) but showed less advantage on the highway. For mixed use, the diesel still makes the most sense for most buyers, though the hybrid is worth considering for primarily urban use.
Still the One to Beat
After two weeks and 2,500km in the 2025 HiLux, I’m reminded why this vehicle continues to top sales charts year after year. It manages to be both familiar and improved—no small feat for such an established nameplate.
The updates address most previous criticisms while enhancing the core strengths that HiLux owners value. Better ride comfort, improved technology, and thoughtful interior upgrades make daily living with the HiLux more pleasant, while the enhanced capability ensures it remains the tool of choice when the going gets tough.
Pricing starts at $32,990 for the workmanlike single-cab chassis, stretching to $75,990 for the fully-loaded Rogue with all the bells and whistles. The sweet spot remains the SR5 dual-cab at around $60K—balancing features and value in a way that makes sense for most private buyers.
Is it perfect? Not quite. Road noise at highway speeds could still be better, and some competitors offer more power or more luxurious interiors. But as a complete package—considering reliability, capability, comfort, and resale value—the HiLux remains incredibly hard to beat.
For those who need a vehicle that works as hard as they do, handles family duties on weekends, and is ready for adventure whenever the opportunity arises, the 2025 Toyota HiLux continues to set the standard. The king of utes isn’t just hanging onto its crown—it’s extending its reign.
FAQs About the 2025 Toyota HiLux
Is the 2025 HiLux fuel efficient?
Yes, particularly the diesel (8.2L/100km combined) and hybrid (6.7L/100km combined) variants show impressive efficiency for vehicles of this capability.
What’s the towing capacity?
Properly equipped models can tow up to 3,500kg braked, with unbraked capacity at 750kg across the range.
Does the 2025 HiLux have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all models.
How much can the HiLux carry?
Payload ranges from 1,000kg to 1,250kg depending on the specific variant and configuration.
Is the HiLux good for off-road driving?
Absolutely. With impressive ground clearance, multiple terrain modes, and excellent articulation, it’s one of the most capable off-road vehicles in its class.
What safety features come standard?
All models include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and seven airbags as standard equipment.