It might be showing its age in some respects, but the ever-popular SR5 variant of Toyota’s top-selling dual-cab 4x4 ute is still a highly capable all-rounder
- How much does the Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4 cost?
- What equipment comes with the Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4?
- How safe is the Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4?
- What technology does the Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4 feature?
- What powers the Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4?
- What is the Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4 like to drive?
- What is the Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4 like inside?
- Should I buy a Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4?
The next generation of Toyota’s venerable HiLux ute is looming but there’s a lot to be said for an existing model at or near the zenith of its development. The mildly updated 2023 Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4 fits that bill and, even though it can’t match some rivals for refinement or features, it remains a robust and effective tool for business or pleasure.
How much does the Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4 cost?
The 2023 Toyota HiLux SR5 kicks off from $59,930 plus on-road costs in dual-cab 4×4 pick-up form, that pricing reflecting a $1250 rise that arrived along with a mild update in October 2022.
However, with its six-speed automatic transmission ($2000) and Premium Interior pack ($2500), the latter spanning leather seating, front seat heating and leather trim, our test vehicle is priced at $64,430 plus on-road costs, with a total drive-away price at the time of writing (ex-Melbourne) of $69,765.
Beyond the standard Glacier White paint scheme, there are five prestige hues – Frosted White, Silver Sky, Graphite, Eclipse Black and Nebula Blue – which each add $675.
The recent update saw the arrival of blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a ‘panoramic view monitor’, puddle lamps (replacing side mirror heating) and an improved immobiliser.
Service intervals remain at a short six months/10,000km, with the first six capped at $260 each (dearer thereafter). All up, the first five years of ownership will cost $3585.74 under the Toyota Genuine Service scheme, which averages out at $358.57 per service.
The Toyota HiLux is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, with an extra two years of engine and driveline coverage if serviced by Toyota as per the factory schedule.
What equipment comes with the Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4?
The 2023 Toyota HiLux SR5 slots into the line-up above the entry-level WorkMate and lower-spec SR models, but below the recently updated HiLux Rogue and the soon-to-be-introduced Toyota HiLux GR Sport that will effectively replace the defunct HiLux Rugged X in the second half of 2023.
That said, the Toyota HiLux SR5 covers all the essentials and adds numerous ‘nice-to-haves’ when it comes to features and equipment.
The list includes 18-inch alloys with highway tyres, LED headlights, fog lamps and daytime running lights, plus side steps and a sports bar over the tub, although the latter is a bare steel affair sans liner or tonneau.
Inside there’s dual-zone climate control up front, rubber floor mats, keyless entry/start, auto headlights and an 8.0-inch multimedia screen to complement the 4.2-inch Multi Information Display nestled between the analogue speedo and tacho.
As part of the Premium Interior package, our driver’s seat features eight-way electric adjustment, while the second-row 60/40-split seating has ISOFIX mounting points for child seats for the two outboard positions.
The Toyota HiLux comes with a tow bar receiver (tongue, tow ball and wiring harness sold separately) and has a 3500kg braked towing capacity.
How safe is the Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4?
The Toyota HiLux has a full five-star ANCAP safety rating but it was last tested in 2019. Today’s assessment protocols are tougher than they were back then.
The extra safety features in the SR5’s latest update, namely blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and a more comprehensive camera set-up, are welcome additions.
They add to the vehicle’s already comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense package, spanning forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection), lane departure warning, speed sign recognition and adaptive cruise control.
Also fitted are staples like electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and seven airbags, plus trailer sway control, a hill holder and an emergency stop signal.
The reversing camera’s panoramic view is big help in the dual-cab ute, where hefty turning circles and high bonnet lines are the norm, although the camera display on the multimedia unit isn’t the most crisp we’ve seen.
What technology does the Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4 feature?
While the 2023 Toyota HiLux can’t hope to conceal its utilitarian roots, it’s not totally devoid of modern technology by any stretch.
The 8.0-inch multimedia touch-screen is easy to use and we like the presence of power/volume and tuning knobs, which make the decent six-speaker audio system (AM/FM/DAB+) far easier to use on a bumpy road or when off-road.
We found the integrated voice command function to be a little ‘hit and miss’ but then this multimedia system does have (wired) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, so many will skip the factory set-up (including factory sat-nav) in favour of utilising their smartphone, which fits easily into the tray at the base of the centre stack.
There’s a single USB outlet just above and a couple of 12V outlets either side (no such luck in the second row, however).
The 4.2-inch Multi Information Display is a little cramped but it provides all the pertinent trip info and set-up options, and is easily navigated by the integrated steering wheel controls. It’s looking a little dated, ditto the digital dash-top clock.
Likewise, it’s easy to set and adjust the adaptive cruise control, set various sensitivity levels for things like the forward collision alert, and activate or deactivate the lane departure warning.
The button layout and menu navigation for all this is straightforward and logical.
And the Toyota HiLux SR5 comes with a three-year complimentary subscription to Toyota Connected Services, which encompasses features like stolen vehicle tracking, automatic collision notification and SOS emergency call (push the overhead button to speak to a trained agent who can direct emergency services to your location).
What powers the Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4?
Under the bonnet of the 2023 Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4 is 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel said to produce 150kW from 3000-3400rpm and 500Nm from 1600-2800rpm.
In our test vehicle’s case that urge is fed to the ground via a six-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4×4 driveline with dual-range transfer case.
Switching from two-wheel high range to four-wheel high range and then four-wheel low range is accomplished via a dial towards the bottom of the centre stack, near the buttons that deactivate stability control, engage hill descent control and engage the rear diff lock.
It’s all very simple and easy to use.
The HiLux SR5 has an 80-litre tank and Toyota quotes an ADR combined-cycle figure of 7.9L/100km for this automatic model.
After 700km of mixed on-road use (largely in the city, unladen) we achieved an average economy of 9.2L/100km. That equates to a working range of around 800km.
What is the Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4 like to drive?
There’s something so familiar about sliding in behind the wheel of the 2023 Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4 – not surprising given this present N80 generation has been with us since 2015, its last major update in 2020.
The 1GD-FTV engine fires readily at the push of a button with a not-so-muted roar and, while it’s a noisy unit under load, at highway speeds the cacophony is competently dialled down to a family-friendly level.
However, the Toyota HiLux’s focus is commercial capability – namely its load-lugging and towing credentials – and when unladen that translates to a typically firm ride on the road with plenty of jiggles over smaller road imperfections, along with a leaf-spring rear you’ll feel in no uncertain terms over bigger impacts and speed humps.
That’s typical of all utes – these are ladder-frame workhorses, after all – although recent entrants like the new Ford Ranger do bring impressive refinement to the utilitarian work ethic.
And while we stuck to the blacktop for this test, we know from recent experience that the HiLux makes perfect sense when you load it up and when you head bush (or both).
The on-road ride does improve with a family of four in place, which will be common for many HiLux SR5s come the weekend and school holidays. After all, this is the budget-friendly trim grade that straddles the commercial/family divide.
The 11.8-metre turning circle, though appreciable, actually falls toward the lower end of the dual-cab spectrum, but it’s a relatively slow steering box at 3.25 turns lock to lock so it needs a few tugs to swing around. Again, typical ute fare.
But on-road stability is good, body roll is nicely controlled and so too is the pitch under brakes, while the steering feels planted and predictable, and the four-pot oiler’s performance is dependable and fuss-free.
There’s punchy progress from below 2000rpm to around 4000rpm, and while the six-speed auto is three or four cogs short by modern benchmarks, it does a thoroughly proficient job, choosing ratios decisively and gearing down nicely when arresting speed on descents.
At 100km/h the HiLux ticks along at 1600rpm.
That workmanlike approach continues off the bitumen. As we found during off-road testing late last year, the Toyota HiLux is a strong performer in the rough stuff, where its chassis and suspension feel tough, robust and well up to most challenges.
Its simplicity will be a drawcard for many here too, in an age where many off-roaders are increasingly complex.
The Toyota HiLux SR5 is still one tough rig, with its 3500kg braked towing limit and 995kg payload limit, but its rough commercial edges have been sufficiently smoothed to broaden its family appeal once work turns to play.
What is the Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4 like inside?
There’s no denying you’re in a ute, but several measures have been taken to soften the 2023 Toyota HiLux SR5’s commercial underpinnings, including our test vehicle’s optional premium leather seating and trim.
The soft-touch finishes on the arm rests and centre console bin help, as does the cab’s use of piano black and other plastics of different textures and hues.
But at its heart this remains a light commercial vehicle.
Passenger comfort is generally good up front, but the second row is cramped for older teens and adults, the rear seatbacks also being quite upright.
There’s HVAC venting on the rear of the centre console, but no charging options. Rear adult passengers will cope with city trips, but the grumbles will begin when pushing further afield.
The manual park brake continues the basic theme, but the air-conditioning works well though cab storage is a mixed bag. The double-deck glove box is generous but the door pockets are small (although they do pass the sports drink/wine bottle test!).
You can always fold up the second-row seat bases to fit in larger items, and the morning coffees are handled by twin cup holders front (on the centre console) and rear (in the fold-down centre arm rest).
Should I buy a Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4?
Like grandfather’s axe, the 2023 Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4 simply keeps on keeping on.
No, it’s not the flashy new kid on the block, but its commercial credentials remain rock-solid.
It strikes a neat balance between work and play, happily tackling the school run just as it will haul a heavy load to a work site, tow a boat or caravan, or spend the weekend bush-bashing with the off-road set.
It’s one of the elder statesmen of today’s 4×4 dual-cab scene, but that means it knows a thing or two and it’s got nothing to prove.
The Toyota HiLux has been Australia’s top-selling vehicle for the past seven years for good reason, and the latest SR5 4×4 will continue to entice practical, pragmatic buyers for a good while yet.
2023 Toyota HiLux SR5 4×4 auto at a glance:
Price: $61,930 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 150kW/500Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 207g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)
Keyword: Toyota HiLux SR5 2023 Review