On The Plus + Side

We’re flung the keys to the SR5+ and SR+ to sample the rejigged Hilux range.

- Fraser Stronach

RIGHT now Toyota’s Hilux is Australia’s second bestselling 4x4. Up until as recently as last year, and for the 11 years before that, it was Australia’s best-selling 4x4, but the Ford Ranger 4x4 has now surpassed it.

Despite the Hilux still being Australia’s number-one bestseller overall – thanks to Hilux 4x2 being well ahead of Ranger 4x2 – Toyota isn’t content. Toyota doesn’t like being ‘number two’, especially anywhere in the 4x4 market, which is its heartland and traditional stronghold.

To address the situation Toyota has shaken up the Hilux range by introducing 10 new models, seven of them 4x4s, and increased the number of 4x4 models in the overall mix, with 20 of the 31 Hilux variants now being 4x4.

New 4x4 models include the SR+ Dual Cab, which brings alloy wheels and satellite navigation in an otherwise mid-spec model, and a Workmate 2.4 automatic, previously only available as a manual. There’s also four new Extra Cab 4x4s, three of them automatics, marking the first time an automatic transmission has been offered with the Extra Cab. All three new models in the 4x2 range are also automatic, which further highlights the shift away from manuals to automatics that this update brings.