The Toyota Hilux has long been an icon on Australian roads and job sites. For decades, it has represented durability, versatility, and the kind of rugged reliability that’s equally at home on a construction site, a farm, or tackling a remote outback track.
In 2025, the Hilux has received subtle yet meaningful upgrades that not only keep it competitive but reaffirm its position as Australia’s best-selling ute. While rivals like the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-MAX, and Mitsubishi Triton are making strong plays for market share, the Hilux continues to dominate in sales figures, reputation, and loyalty.
This review will take a deep dive into everything that makes the 2025 Toyota Hilux such a standout — from its exterior design tweaks and updated interior technology to its on-road comfort, off-road performance, towing capability, and ownership value.
A Brief Look at the Hilux Legacy in Australia
The Toyota Hilux first landed in Australia in the late 1960s. From then on, it steadily earned a reputation for being almost unbreakable. Over the years, it has been the go-to choice for tradies, farmers, and outdoor adventurers. Its ability to handle punishing workloads, extreme weather, and harsh terrain set it apart.
Cultural moments, like the Hilux surviving extreme tests on motoring shows and being a common sight in remote Australian towns, have cemented its place in the national psyche. Even today, used Hilux models hold their value better than most vehicles, which is a testament to their enduring appeal.
The 2025 model continues that proud tradition, but with technology and comfort levels that make it equally appealing for urban drivers and family buyers.
Exterior Design – Subtle Toughness
Toyota hasn’t reinvented the wheel with the 2025 Hilux’s exterior, but the updates it has made give the ute a more modern and assertive presence.
The front fascia has been sharpened with a revised grille design and slimmer LED headlights that improve both aesthetics and night-time visibility. Certain trims now include a redesigned bumper with improved airflow channels, which not only look good but also help with engine cooling when towing or working hard in high temperatures.
Side profile remains familiar, with strong body lines and a high ground clearance that signals its off-road readiness. Alloy wheel designs vary by trim, with the high-end Rogue and GR Sport getting bolder, sportier styles. At the back, the tailgate has integrated damping for smoother opening and closing, and LED tail-lights are now standard on most variants.
Colour options for 2025 include the ever-popular Glacier White and Silver Sky, plus new metallic shades like Deep Forest Green and Sandstone Beige, which cater to buyers wanting something a little different.
Interior Comfort and Features
Step inside the 2025 Toyota Hilux and you’ll find that Toyota has worked to close the gap between the ute segment and SUV-level comfort. While the Hilux has always been practical, the 2025 model brings a more refined cabin experience.
Cabin Layout and Materials
Depending on the trim, the Hilux offers anything from hard-wearing vinyl for work-focused models to premium leather-accented seats in higher grades. The dashboard design is clean, functional, and now features softer-touch materials in key contact areas.
The instrument cluster has been updated with a larger, clearer multi-information display, providing real-time vehicle data, navigation prompts, and safety alerts.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A highlight of the 2025 model is its improved infotainment system. The 8-inch or 9-inch (trim-dependent) touchscreen now features a faster processor, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and enhanced voice recognition. Multiple USB-C ports are now standard, catering to modern device charging needs.
The top trims also come with a premium JBL sound system, which delivers a richer audio experience, whether you’re listening to the radio on a worksite or streaming music on a long trip.
Space and Practicality
Front seat comfort is excellent, with good visibility and supportive cushioning. In dual-cab variants, rear seat legroom has improved slightly thanks to revised seat-back design, making longer journeys more comfortable for passengers. Storage is ample, with deep door pockets, multiple cup holders, and a lockable glovebox.
Engine Options and Performance
The 2025 Toyota Hilux retains its proven 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine for most variants, delivering 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque in automatic form. This engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, depending on buyer preference.
For entry-level models, a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel remains available, offering 110kW and 400Nm, aimed at fleet buyers and those who don’t require maximum towing capability.
The GR Sport trim benefits from performance tuning, with a slightly higher output and unique suspension calibration that enhances both on-road handling and off-road agility.
Driving Experience – On-Road and Off-Road
The Hilux has often been praised for its toughness but criticised for being less comfortable on-road compared to some competitors. The 2025 model addresses this with revised suspension tuning, particularly in higher trims, resulting in a smoother ride without compromising load-carrying ability.
On-Road Comfort
Around town, the Hilux feels more refined, with reduced cabin noise and improved steering feedback. Highway cruising is stable and confident, aided by adaptive cruise control on higher trims.
Off-Road Capability
When it comes to off-road driving, the Hilux remains one of the segment leaders. With up to 700mm water wading depth, selectable 4WD, low-range gearing, and features like hill descent control, it’s ready for serious off-road challenges. Ground clearance of over 230mm means you can tackle rough tracks without scraping vital components.
Towing and Payload
Towing capacity remains a key selling point for the Hilux. The 2025 model maintains a 3,500kg braked towing rating across most variants, along with payload capacities exceeding 1,000kg depending on configuration.
Toyota has refined its trailer sway control system, improving stability when towing heavy loads at highway speeds. The integrated reversing camera, combined with clearer guidelines on the display, makes hitching a trailer easier.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Toyota’s Safety Sense suite is now standard across almost all Hilux variants in 2025. Key features include:
- Pre-Collision Safety System with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane Departure Alert with steering assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Automatic High Beam
Higher trims add features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system, making parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces less stressful.
Fuel Efficiency
The 2.8-litre turbo-diesel returns an official combined fuel consumption of around 7.9L/100km for most auto variants, with manual models slightly less efficient. The 2.4-litre diesel is more frugal, averaging around 7.3L/100km.
While not a hybrid, Toyota has continued to work on reducing emissions, and the Hilux meets the latest Australian emissions standards.
Ownership, Warranty, and Value
Toyota offers a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty on the Hilux, with an additional two years of coverage on the engine and driveline if the vehicle is serviced within the Toyota dealer network.
Service intervals are every six months or 10,000km, which is shorter than some rivals, but capped-price servicing keeps maintenance costs predictable.
Resale value remains one of the Hilux’s strongest advantages — used models command high prices, which offsets the slightly higher upfront cost compared to some competitors.
Final Verdict – Why the Hilux Still Leads in 2025
The 2025 Toyota Hilux isn’t trying to reinvent itself. Instead, it builds on decades of proven capability while adding modern tech, improved comfort, and subtle styling updates that keep it fresh.
Whether you’re a tradie needing a workhorse, an adventurer chasing remote trails, or a family wanting a reliable all-rounder, the Hilux offers a blend of toughness, technology, and trustworthiness that few can match.
Its biggest strengths remain its durability, towing and off-road prowess, and strong resale value. While the Ford Ranger may have the edge in outright cabin space and tech polish, and the Isuzu D-MAX wins points for longer service intervals, the Hilux’s combination of attributes keeps it on top.
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