New Toyota HiLux 2021 pricing defended! Ford Ranger rival 'offers sensational value for money' despite facelift's price rises

Toyota Australia has defended the increased pricing of the recently facelifted HiLux ute, going as far as to suggest it’s “good value”.

Speaking to journalists today, Toyota Australia vice-president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley said the new HiLux is positioned well, despite price rises between $1440 and $3160, depending on the variant.

“I believe that car offers sensational value for money,” he said. “And based on the demand we’re seeing, I also believe the market’s seeing the value of that car.

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“It’s a significant improvement to the previous model, as you’d expect in a continuous-improvement company, so I would contest that the pricing of that car in the market right now is in fact offering good value.”

As reported, the HiLux’s automatic 4x4 SR, SR+, SR5 and SR5+ variants have upgraded to a 150kW/500Nm (+20kW/50Nm) version of their 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, which boosts their maximum braked towing capacity to 3500kg (+300kg) to match their 150kW/420Nm (+20kW) manual counterparts.

According to Toyota Australia, a chassis retune – including longer leaf springs – has resulted in the HiLux’s unladen ride quality being improved alongside handling and stability when towing.

Meanwhile, power steering revisions – including a new variable-flow control pump – make the HiLux’s turbo-diesel variants easier to park and produce more feel via the wheel.

Inside, the HiLux now features an 8.0-inch display powered by an updated multimedia system with control knobs and enhanced voice control as well as support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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The instrument cluster in the HiLux now has new dials as well as a 4.2-inch multifunction display with a digital speedometer, among other new functions.

Mr Hanley added the Ford Ranger rival is expected to bounce back on the sales charts after a couple of months of surrendering its title of ‘Australia’s favourite new vehicle’ to the RAV4 mid-size SUV when its pre-facelift model was in runout.

“Supply’s looking very positive,” he said. “And the order intake on the recent significantly changed or facelifted HiLux is very strong.”