Toyota HiLux WorkMate 2018 review: snapshot

The entry point to the Toyota HiLux 2018 range is the WorkMate variant, which is the only HiLux model available with both petrol and diesel drivetrains.

The petrol versions use a 2.7-litre four-cylinder with the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The diesel models use a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, again with the choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, depending on the variant.

You can get the WorkMate as a low-riding petrol single-cab-chassis at $20,990 for the manual or $22,990 for the auto. There’s a turbo-diesel manual single-cab-chassis priced at $24,990.

Then there’s the WorkMate 4x2 double-cab pick-up, again with the choice of a petrol manual ($30,690), petrol auto ($32,690) or diesel manual ($33,990). If you want a higher-riding dual-cab, but don’t need off-road ability, the new WorkMate Hi-Rider, with its diesel auto drivetrain, could be for you - it’s priced at $39,490.

The WorkMate range can also be had in 4x4 guise. There’s the single-cab-chassis diesel manual ($36,990), along with the newly added extra-cab-chassis diesel with an auto ($42,490) and dual-cab-chassis diesel auto ($44,490). 

If you prefer the pick-up body, you can have the 4x4 WorkMate in that form with a diesel manual drivetrain ($43,990) or diesel auto ($45,990). 

Every HiLux comes with central locking, a digital clock, cruise control, power steering, electric windows and Toyota’s world-renowned, ice-cold air-conditioning.

The sound system consists of either two speakers, a touchscreen with radio and CD player, MP3 compatibility, USB port, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. It has 17-inch steel wheels on the 4x4 models, and 16-inch steelies on the 4x2 versions.

On the safety front, there’s electronic stability control (ESP / VSC) and seven airbags in every model. It has the maximum five-star ANCAP crash rating.