Toyota HiLux SR5 4WD Dual Cab Ute Review

We drive the HiLux SR5 on a road test review

Toyota HiLux SR5 – HiLux has for years been the most popular Ute in Australia, especially in the dual cab SR5 version we are driving this week.

2021 Toyota HiLux SR5 Premium front qtr Previously the top of the range the SR5 has everything a buyer needs in a recreational Ute without the accessories that have become so popular.

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2021 Toyota HiLux SR5 Premium interior

Priced from $60,680 plus the usual costs our Ute has the SR5 Premium Interior option added which costs $2500 but adds leather seat trim, electric driver’s seat adjustment, and manual lumbar adjustment and heated front row seats. Definitely worth it in my opinion.

HiLux is powered by a 2.8L turbo diesel engine that pumps out 150Kw/500Nm through a 6 speed AT and part time 4WD. It also benefits from a rear diff lock. Hilux will tow 3500kg and has a 995kg payload.

2021 Toyota HiLux SR5 Premium inyerior

The current model is starting to show its age a little, especially in the infotainment connectivity and safety features, even though there have been regular updates along the way. It’s a little behind the market now, but remains a reliable, robust practical 4WD Ute with the Toyota reputation.

It does everything you ask of it without fuss and is easy to live with.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

2021 Toyota HiLux SR5 Premium reverse camera

What is good?

What is not so good?

  • Still a good looking Ute
  • Improved power and torque
  • 4WD and towing capability
  • Missing some safety features
  • Sports bar a little intrusive
  • A little pricey

2021 Toyota HiLux SR5 Premium profile

Also Look At

2021 Toyota HiLux SR5 Premium engine

Model   

Toyota HiLux SR5   

Model Price From $60,680 MLP* Premium seat option $2500 MLP*
Engine 2.8 L Four Cylinder Turbo CRD
Drivetrain  4WD  6 speed Auto
Power 150 kW @ 3400 rpm
Torque 500 Nm @ 1600  – 2400 rpm
Safety Five Star  ANCAP (tested 2019)
CO2 Emissions 254 g/km
Economy ADR / Tank 8.4 L/100km 11.9 L/100km over our test / 80L
Servicing 12 months / 15,000 km Fixed Price service available
Warranty 5yr/ Unlimited km with 5 Yr. conditional roadside assist

 *MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means recommended drive away price including all dealer costs.

2021 Toyota HiLux SR5 Premium infiotainment connectivity

Overall Rating    

85/100

Behind the Wheel 8
Comfort 8
Equipment 8
Performance 9
Ride and Handling 8
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 9
Towing Ability / off road ability 10
Technology / connectivity 8
Value for Money 8

2021 Toyota HiLux SR5 Premium tub

Dimensions

 
Overall Length 5330mm
Wheelbase 3085mm
Width / Height 1855mm / 1865mm
Unladen ground clearance / wading depth Up to 216mm / 700mm
Approach / Rampover / Departure (degrees) 29 / N/A / 27 degrees
Fuel Tank  / Turning Circle 80 Litres / 11.6mts KTK
Kerb Weight /  GVM / GCM / Payload 2055kg / 3050kg / 5850kg / 995kg
Towing Capacity / Tow Ball rating 3500kg / 350kg

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  • 8/10
    Behind the Wheel - 8/10
  • 8/10
    Comfort - 8/10
  • 8/10
    Equipment - 8/10
  • 9/10
    Performance - 9/10
  • 8/10
    Ride and Handling - 8/10
  • 9/10
    Practicality - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Fit for Purpose - 9/10
  • 10/10
    Towing Ability / off road ability - 10/10
  • 8/10
    Technology / connectivity - 8/10
  • 8/10
    Value for Money - 8/10
8.5/10

Summary

Toyota HiLux SR5 Premium – The current model is starting to show its age a little, especially in the infotainment connectivity and safety features, even though there have been regular updates along the way. It’s a little behind the market now, but remains a reliable, robust practical 4WD Ute with the Toyota reputation.

It does everything you ask of it without fuss and is easy to live with.

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About Rob Fraser 2510 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.