Ute Reviews

The 2021 Toyota HiLux has been revamped, but have the improvements and changes been worth the wait? And are they worth the extra asking price?

Talk about a busy time in the ute segment. The just updated Toyota HiLux has arrived, but there's an all-new Isuzu D-Max that is out to steal its thunder. Can it do so? We put the new 2021 HiLux SR5+ up against the all-new D-Max LS-U in a four-wheel drive double cab comparison... and you might be surprised by what we found.

The Isuzu D-Max is all-new, but the second model up the range retains a similar position - it’s the LS-M, a work-focused four-wheel drive dual cab version of the new D-Max.The LS-M slots in above the SX grade and is available in double cab ute body style only, and only as a 4x4/4WD. You can have it with the choice of a six-speed manual (RRP/MSRP: $51,000) or a six-speed automatic (RRP/MSRP: $53,000). Note, those are list prices before on-road costs - there could be drive-away deals.As with all D-Max models, it is powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with 140kW (at 3600rpm) and 450Nm (at 1600-2600rpm). Towing capacity is 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked. Fuel use is claimed at 7.7L/100km (manual) and 8.0L/100km (auto).LS-M models build upon the equipment in the SX, with 17-inch alloy wheels, body colour door handles and mirror caps, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED front fog lights. The cabin adopts a six speaker sound system, and rear seat occupants get a USB port. That’s over and above the standard manual air-conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, automatic wipers, a 4.2-inch customisable driver display, a 7.0-inch multimedia screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, cloth interior trim, rubber flooring, tilt and telescoping multi-function steering wheel, and rear seat directional air vents.Plus there’s all the safety gear: manual LS-M variants miss out on adaptive cruise control, but LS-M autos get that tech standard, while all have AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front turn assist, driver attention assist, eight airbags including a ute-first front centre airbag, a reversing camera, and more.The D-Max has scored the maximum five-star ANCAP crash test safety rating - and it's the first commercial vehicle to achieve that accolade under the stricter criteria from the safety watchdog for 2020.

Second from the top in the all-new D-Max 2021 range is the LS-U variant, which is available in a few different body styles and drivetrain options.The Isuzu D-Max LS-U goes most of the way towards offering customers an upmarket offering from the brand, with a number of additions over the LS-M and SX. We’ll get to that in a sec.First, you need to know the LS-U is available as a 4x2 dual cab ute with a six-speed automatic transmission for $48,900 (all prices MSRP/RRP), while you can also choose an extra cab ute - or space cab, in Isuzu speak - 4x4 automatic for $53,900 . Then there’s the LS-U dual cab ute is available in manual ($54,900) or auto ($56,900).As with all D-Max models, it is powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with 140kW (at 3600rpm) and 450Nm (at 1600-2600rpm). Towing capacity is 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked. Fuel use is claimed at 7.7L/100km (manual) and 8.0L/100km (auto).Over the LS-M, there’s a decent jump in spec, with LS-U models scoring: 18-inch alloys, a chrome grille, chrome mirror caps and door handles, blacked-out B-pillars, dual-zone climate control, electronic lumbar adjust for the driver’s seat, carpet flooring, a 9.0-inch multimedia screen with satellite navigation, and leather steering wheel. The LS-U dual cab gets an eight-speaker stereo, while the two-seat Space Cab has six speakers.That’s further to what you get in grades below: wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, cloth interior trim, and a tilt and telescoping multi-function steering wheel. Plus there’s all the safety gear: manual variants miss out on adaptive cruise control, but autos get that tech standard, while all have AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front turn assist, driver attention assist, eight airbags including a ute-first front centre airbag, a reversing camera, and more.The D-Max has scored the maximum five-star ANCAP crash test safety rating - and it's the first commercial vehicle to achieve that accolade under the stricter criteria from the safety watchdog for 2020.

Sitting at the top of the all-new D-Max 2021 range is the X-Terrain, a flagship model aimed squarely at the likes of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak.This variant is available in one body, one drivetrain only: it’s a dual cab ute, with 4x4 and an auto ‘box. And it costs $62,900 - well, that’s the MSRP/RRP or list cost, but Isuzu has already stated a promo price of $58,990 drive-away for the X-Terrain at launch, which is essentially a $10k discount.As with all D-Max models, it is powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with 140kW (at 3600rpm) and 450Nm (at 1600-2600rpm) - and that could actually be a negative: some punters out there might be wishing for a little extra grunt from their range-topping ute.Towing capacity is 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked, and Fuel use is claimed at 8.0L/100km.The X-Terrain may appear similar to a Wildtrak at a glance, with a bunch of additional sporty extras fitted to this model, including: dark-grey-coloured aero sports bar, side steps, front grille, door and tailgate handles, and side mirrors, dark grey 18-inch wheels, roller tonneau cover, an under rail tub liner, and front and rear underbody spoilers.Plus the spec list adds keyless entry, push-button start, a leather-accented interior, driver’s electric seat adjustment, and remote engine start over all the LS-U gear, like dual-zone climate control, electronic lumbar adjust for the driver’s seat, carpet flooring, a a 9.0-inch multimedia screen with satellite navigation, and leather steering wheel.And then there’s the comprehensive safety kit: adaptive cruise control, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front turn assist, driver attention assist, eight airbags including a ute-first front centre airbag, a reversing camera, and more.The D-Max has scored the maximum five-star ANCAP crash test safety rating - and it's the first commercial vehicle to achieve that accolade under the stricter criteria from the safety watchdog for 2020.

The Isuzu D-Max has built a reputation for being fuss-free and hard working. But with this all-new D-Max for 2021 and beyond, the Japanese ute brand has changed not only its own pace - it has shifted the ute market to a new place altogether.

The Isuzu D-Max SX trim is the thickest part of the all-new D-Max range, with 13 variations available including a single cab-chassis, space cab ute and space cab-chassis (also known as extra cab), and a number of crew cab ute and crew cab-chassis models (also known as dual cab or double cab).There’s the choice of 4x2 rear-wheel drive or 4x4/4WD/four-wheel drive underpinnings. Of course there’s a choice of six-speed manual and six-speed auto, too. All models are powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with 140kW (at 3600rpm) and 450Nm (at 1600-2600rpm). Towing capacity is 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked for all models. Fuel use is between 7.7L/100km and 8.0L/100km depending on the model.The entry-level SX is now a high-rider 4x2 manual model, with list pricing starting at $32,200 plus on-road costs, but Isuzu Australia has already confirmed drive-away pricing for some models, including the range-opening single-cab-chassis manual ute for $29,990 drive-away. Here’s a rundown on the SX models available: Standard equipment for the SX models comprises a 7.0-inch touchscreen media system with wireless Apple CarPlay and USB connect Android Auto, 17-inch steel wheels, halogen headlights, auto headlights and auto high-beam lights, auto wipers, tilt and reach adjustable steering, vinyl flooring, cloth seat trim, air-conditioning, and rear seat airvents for dual cabs.There is plenty of safety technology as well: while manual models miss out on adaptive cruise control, autos get that tech standard, and all variants have AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front turn assist, driver attention assist, eight airbags including a ute-first front centre airbag, a reversing camera, and more.The D-Max has scored the maximum five-star ANCAP crash test safety rating - and it's the first commercial vehicle to achieve that accolade under the stricter criteria from the safety watchdog for 2020.

Opening the 2021 Toyota HILux range is the Workmate grade, which offers a broad spread of options for customers looking for a no-nonsense ute or cab-chassis tray back.The Workmate badge is across more bodystyles than any other in the HiLux line-up - single cab-chassis, extra cab-chassis and ute, and dual cab-chassis and ute body styles, as well as in 2WD/RWD/4x2 or 4WD/4x4. The version you choose will determine your powertrain options, but here is a table to make it easier to understand. Engine specs are as follows: the 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol has 122kW and 245Nm, and the choice of five-speed manual or six-speed automatic; the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel is good for 110kW of power and 400Nm of torque, with the choice of six-speed manual or auto.Fuel use claims for the petrol range between 10.4L/100km and 11.1L/100km. The diesel engine offers claimed consumption from 6.9L/100km to 8.0L/100km depending on the derivative. All HiLux models have an 80L fuel tank.Some Workmate trims - single-cab variants and the 4x2 Workmate dual-cab pick-up - don’t see the visual changes of the 4x2 Hi-Rider and 4x4 extra- and dual-cab variants, which score a slightly more aggressive front fascia. Payload ranges between 980kg and 1275kg depending on the style of vehicle, and towing is rated at a braked maximum of 2500kg for petrol and 3500kg for diesel models.All WorkMate models come with steel wheels (16-inch on 4x2 models, silver 17-inch rims on 4x2 single-cabs, and black 17-inch wheels on 4x4 extra- and dual-cabs). All models get auto halogen headlights, vinyl flooring and all-weather floor mats, cloth seat trim, a new 8.0-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, and a new instrument cluster design with a 4.2-inch digital display with digital speedo readout. How many seats in the HiLux Workmate? Single cab models have two seats, extra cab models have four seats, and dual cab variants have five seats.Safety spec comprises standard-fit auto emergency braking (AEB) that works at speeds 50km/h-180km/h, as well as pedestrian and cyclist detection (10km/h-80km/h). The HiLux gets a lane departure warning system with lane keeping assist that works by braking to pull you into line. There’s no blind spot monitoring or rear cross traffic alert, but standard is speed sign recognition and warning, and adaptive cruise control on autos. Toyota doesn’t offer a reversing camera on cab-chassis models - it’s standard on pick-up models.There are dual front, front side, driver’s knee and full-length curtain, for a total of seven airbags. Two ISOFIX outboard attachments and two loop-style top-tethers for baby seats are fitted to dual cabs. 

The middle tier of the regular 2021 Toyota HiLux range is the SR variant, which is also available in a better equipped SR+ spec, too.The range of SR and SR+ variants spans single cab-chassis, extra cab-chassis and ute, and dual cab-chassis and ute models. It is diesel only, and in fact the diesel fitted here is the 2.8-litre four-cylinder - a step up on what you find in the Workmate grade below.As such, the 2.8-litre four-cylinder is good for 150kW of power and either 420Nm of torque (manual) or 500Nm of torque (auto). It’s available in 2WD (towing maximum braked capacity: 2800kg) and 4WD (towing max capacity: 3500kg). Payload ranges between 995kg and 1250kg depending on the bodystyle/drivetrain.Here’s a rundown of the SR and SR+ models you can choose from:Single cab SR models get 17-inch silver steel wheels, while extra cab and dual cab models have black rims. Then there are black side steps, and dual cab SR models get a 60:40 split fold rear seat base with stowable armrest, and 4x4 models get a rear differential lock.Think you need more? The SR+ dual cab pick-up adds $2000 to the asking price and adds dark-grey 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation and digital radio. That’s beyond what you get in the Workmate models, including a new 8.0-inch media screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4.2-inch driver info screen, auto headlights, and a comprehensive safety kit list with auto emergency braking (AEB) that works at speeds 50km/h-180km/h, as well as pedestrian and cyclist detection (10km/h-80km/h), lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, speed sign recognition and warning, and adaptive cruise control on autos. There’s no blind spot monitoring or rear cross traffic alert and Toyota doesn’t offer a reversing camera on cab-chassis models - it’s standard on pick-up models.There are dual front, front side, driver’s knee and full-length curtain, for a total of seven airbags. Two ISOFIX outboard attachments and two loop-style top-tethers for baby seats are fitted to dual cabs. 

Sitting at the top of the standard 2021 Toyota HiLux range is the SR5 - and the SR5+, too.The range has expanded for 2021, with new dual cab-chassis models added to sit alongside the dual cab ute and extra cab ute versions. SR5 models are strictly 4x4, and only available with the 2.8-litre four-cylinder engine with 150kW of power and torque rated at either 420Nm (manual) or 500Nm (auto). Towing capacity is rated at 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked for all but the 4x2 dual cab SR5 Hi-Rider. Fuel use is claimed at between 7.9L and 8.1L per 100km. Payload is rated at between 995kg and 1105kg depending on the derivative.Here’s a rundown of the SR5 and SR5+ models in terms of body style, drivetrain and pricing.The SR5 variants add LED headlights, two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, a sports bar (pick-ups only), model-specific tail-lights, satellite navigation, keyless entry with push-button start, digital radio and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear selector.The SR5+ version nets eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and leather-accented upholstery over the SR5 for $2500 extra. SR5 HiLux still only has single-zone climate control, but you’re also getting carpet flooring here.The SR5, of course, also gets the 8.0-inch media screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4.2-inch driver info screen, auto headlights, and a safety technology list including auto emergency braking (AEB) that works at speeds 50km/h-180km/h, as well as pedestrian and cyclist detection (10km/h-80km/h), lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, speed sign recognition and warning, and adaptive cruise control on autos. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert remain unavailable on HiLux SR5 / SR5+, and the new cab-chassis models don’t get a reversing camera but it’s standard on pick-up models.All HiLux models have dual front, front side, driver’s knee and full-length curtain airbags, for a total of seven. Two ISOFIX outboard attachments and two loop-style top-tethers for baby seats are fitted to dual cabs.