Toyota Hilux gets factory increase in payload capacity
Toyota Australia has launched a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrade program for the Hilux pickup. This decision was a response to the arrival of the Ford Ranger Super Duty, which set new payload standards for mid-size pickups in Australia last year. The factory upgrade allows for increased payload without needing to turn to third-party workshops.
The upgrade includes the installation of longer monotube shock absorbers at the rear, raising ground clearance by 10 mm. Frame reinforcement increases structural loads on the axles: by 100 kg at the front and 280 kg at the rear.
Depending on the trim, the upgrade adds between 372 and 435 kg of permissible payload, bringing the maximum Hilux figure to 1525 kg. This is a significant improvement for a vehicle that had been losing tenders due to its technical specifications.
Comparison with the competitor
However, even after the upgrade, the Hilux still lags behind the Ford Ranger Super Duty, which carries between 1825 and 1982 kg of cargo and tows up to 4500 kg, while the Hilux is limited to 3500 kg. Toyota has narrowed the gap, but Ford retains the lead in key metrics.
Available trims and limitations
The GVM upgrade is available for six configurations with double and extended cabs, but does not include the Rogue and Rugged X versions. It is intended only for automatic 4×4 models with the 2.8-liter turbodiesel (conventional or mild hybrid). Owners of vehicles with a manual transmission will not be able to use this option.
The photo shows a Hilux SR Double Cab-Chassis 4×4 with additional accessories: a matte black bumper without hooks, a snorkel, an aluminum body with drop-down sides, and black 17-inch wheels with off-road tires.
Price and advantages of the factory solution
The GVM package costs 4000 Australian dollars (about 2800 US dollars). Thus, the base price of a Hilux WorkMate with a double cab is 56,490 Australian dollars, and the SR5 reaches up to 69,990. This is significantly cheaper than the Ford Ranger Super Duty, which costs between 82,990 and 99,990 Australian dollars.
John Pappas, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Franchising at Toyota Australia, noted that the GVM upgrade benefits both corporate clients and private buyers. Although third-party companies like IronMan 4×4 and ARB 4×4 already offer similar solutions, Pappas emphasized two key advantages of the factory package:
full five-year warranty and full compatibility with the vehicle’s safety systems.
Thus, the Toyota Hilux gains a competitive advantage in price and official support, although in absolute payload terms it still trails the Ford. This decision allows the automaker to maintain its position in the commercial vehicle market, offering customers a reliable and guaranteed way to increase payload without the risks associated with unofficial modifications. In the face of fierce competition in the pickup segment, especially in Australia where these vehicles are often used for work, such an upgrade could be a decisive factor for many buyers seeking a balance between price, reliability, and functionality.