Used Toyota Hilux buying guide
The Toyota Hilux is arguably the king of utes in Australia. You’ll see an abundance of them on the streets at any time, in all different shapes and forms. The Hilux carries the same rugged and down-to-earth quality for more than fifty years now, and is still the embodiment of reliability and practicality. Just like the Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara, Hilux utes are not just used for work today and can suit many families, outdoor adventurers, and more. When you’re buying a new or used Toyota Hilux you’ll find a vast range of choices between single, extra, or dual cab, petrol or diesel engines, and pickup or cab chassis.
At a glance
Tough workhorse
Great fuel efficiency
Refined comfort and convenience
Plenty of safety features
Vast range to choose from
Value for money
What to know when buying a used Toyota Hilux
With so much to choose from, there’s a used Toyota Hilux for whether you need a ute to haul cargo, carry equipment, or go off-roading and travelling. Here’s a handy guide:
Single or dual cab
Single cab utes are more used for work, you’ll see these two-doored utes with only one row of seats and usually with a cab tray installed. With the space in the back, they have more customisation options for storing tools or equipment. Single cab body styles are offered on the Toyota Hilux Workmate and SR.
Dual cabs are more versatile, balancing cargo and interior space with four doors and two rows of seats. Cargo areas and roofs are longer compared to single cabs, appealing to both work and play purposes. Dual cabs are loved for their great practicality and variety of powertrains, with many families even choosing them over a family SUV or wagon. They’re available across the entire Hilux range.
There’s also a third option — an extra cab. Think of it as the midpoint of a single and dual cab. It has four doors and two rows of seats, but the rear is more narrow and better used for storage. The doors on each side open like a cupboard, so it’s more convenient when you’re getting out to load goods in and out. For the extra cab type, go for the Workmate, SR, SR5, or Rogue.
Cab chassis or pickup
Choosing a cab chassis or pickup ute also comes down to what you’re using the ute for. You get more flexibility with cab chassis, as they don’t come with a fixed cargo bed. Installations like cab trays to carry cargo, or canopies and tool boxes for storing tools and equipment are easily found on used Toyota Hilux Workmate and SR utes.
If you need more horsepower for towing or 4WD accessories, choose a pickup. The cargo beds may not hold as much as cab trays do, but they come with features like sports bars, recovery points, or heavy duty rock rails. That’s why they’re also growing more popular for off-roading trips.
Towing capacity
Toyota Hilux utes have a braked towing capacity of 2500-3500 kg across the range, suitable for towing anything from work trailers to jet skis. The 4x4 models like the Rogue, Rugged, and Rugged X also come standard with a sport bar, tow bar, tow ball and tongue, so you can take your favourite boat or caravan trailer for a fun day out.
Fuel economy
Toyota offers petrol and diesel engines on their Hilux utes. The 4x2 Workmate 2.4L turbo diesel dual-cab 6-speed manual can get you 6.9L/100km. For the 4x4 model that is the most fuel efficient, fuel economy on the SR5 2.8L turbo diesel dual-cab 6 speed manual is 7.4L/100km.
AWD/4WD
Along with powerful and efficient engine power, Toyota Hilux utes also offer 4x2 and 4x4 drive types. On a 4x4 Hilux you also get a hi-rider option as well. It provides a higher driving position and better performance on rough roads like a 4x4, but without the weight of an extra drivetrain. So a hi-rider ute is still relatively lighter and keeps fuel consumption lower.
If you want to go off-roading on rough roads and steep climbs, then the 4x4 would be the better choice for better control on difficult terrain. 4x4 models are available across the range, with the Rogue, Rugged, and Rugged X specifically designed for off-roading.
What safety features are on a used Toyota Hilux ute?
All Toyota Hilux utes are fitted with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes pre-collision safety system, road sign assist, lane departure alert and lane trace assist, and active cruise control. Also standard on all Hilux utes is seven SRS airbags, drive start control, and trailer sway control. Downhill assist control is also equipped on the SR 4x4 dual-cab auto, SR5 4x4, Rogue, and Rugged X. These safety features landed all variants from 2015 and onwards the maximum 5-star ANCAP ratings, so you can trust your used Toyota Hilux to keep you safe as well.
Is a used Toyota Hilux worth buying?
There is an abundance of used Toyota Hilux utes in an already thriving used ute market in Australia. Ute buyers love the quality and reliability of used Toyota Hilux utes, and buying used is great on your budget. Hilux utes are very popular both new and used, and car parts and accessories are available readily and are kept affordable. So keeping your used Toyota Hilux regularly maintained and running smoothly won’t cost you a lot.
Many utes are also lifestyle-friendly and not just made for work anymore, and the Hilux range can definitely speak to that. You’ll be able to find a trusty workhorse, rugged adventure car, or a fun weekender all in the same range.
Ready to get your next car delivered to you? Browse our range for a used Toyota Hilux, or contact our friendly customer service team for more information about the Carma process or car financing.