Toyota usually renews its body and chassis every eight years or so and waits until the mid-life update to add new powertrains. However, there are exceptions, and the 2016 HiLux is one of them. Not only are the body and chassis new, but so are the 2.4L and 2.8L turbodiesel engines and six-speed auto and manual transmissions.

Standard gear highlights for the SR5 auto we tested include 18in alloy wheels, auto-levelling LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, stainless-steel sports bar, smart entry and start, chrome power-retractable exterior mirrors, privacy glass, chrome rear step, climate-control air-conditioning, auto up/down power windows, sat nav, DAB digital audio, and Downhill Assist Control. With its SR5+ option pack and metallic paint.

Towing

It pays to read the fine print when choosing a HiLux because while they all have a big increase over the old model’s 2500kg maximum capacity, not all are the same.

The Workmate 2.4 manual is rated at 3200kg (auto: 3000kg), the SR and SR5 V6 auto is 3000kg and the SR and SR5 2.8 manual are 3500kg (auto: 3200kg). The SR5 auto we tested has a 3200kg towing capacity.

Toyota recommends the use of a WDH when towing heavy loads. The HiLux didn’t have much ball load to contend with (186kg), so we did not use a WDH. Yet, once on the move, ride quality was compromised. That came as a surprise, as you’d think that adding weight to the rear might improve ride quality in a ute designed to carry a load.

Performance with the van behind was acceptable, but even with the torque improvement over the old engine, it's clear that the HiLux is not one of the performance front runners in the ute class. It struggled to maintain speed up our test hill. While very quiet at cruising speed when unladen, the engine became quite noisy when hauling a van. With the revs sitting around 2500 rpm on occasions, the engine noise was intrusive.

With its reluctance to rev much beyond 3700 rpm, the HiLux’s 2.8L felt like a traditional diesel engine. Engine braking was very good.

Toyota Hilux SR5 Dual Cab Specs

Weights and measures

Length: 5330mm

Width: 1855mm

Height: 1815mm

Wheelbase: 3085mm

Ground clearance: 279mm

Kerb mass: 2040kg

Gross Vehicle Mass: 2965kg

Gross Combined Mass: 5650kg

Towing capacity: (unbraked/braked) 750kg/3200kg

Towball: (max) 320kg

Drivetrain

  • Engine Inline four-cylinder turbodiesel

  • Transmission Six-speed auto

  • Power 130kW at 3400rpm

  • Torque 450Nm at 1600-2400rpm

  • Gear ratios (:1)

  • 1 3.600

  • 2 2.090

  • 3 1.488

  • 4 1.000

  • 5 0.687

  • 6 0.580

  • Rev 3.732

  • Final drive 3.909

  • High/low range 1.000/2.566

Options Fitted

  • SR5+ options pack with leather seats and power driver’s seat adjustment; metallic paint.

General

Fuel capacity: 80L

Suspension: Independent, wishbones and coil springs (front); live axle, leaf springs (rear)

Brakes: Ventilated discs (front); drums (rear)

Wheels: 18in alloy

Warranty: Three years/100,000km

Roof load: 75kg

The full test appears in Caravan World #547 March 2016.

 

Ready for Adventure? 

Find your dream van online at OnlyVans.com.au! If the Toyota Hilux SR5 Dual Cab has you dreaming of adding a caravan to your life, explore our range of caravans for sale that are perfect for pairing with capable tow vehicles like the Hilux.

We have great deals used caravans and caravans from private sellers. You can also find motorhomes for sale, camper trailers, and pop top caravans. No matter how you like to travel, we've got you covered. 

 

This article was written by Philip Lord, with photos by Matt Fehlberg, and previously appeared at TradeRVs.com.au, now powered by OnlyVans.com.au.  


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