Toyota HiLux Workmate 2021 review: snapshot

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. 

Explore the 2021 Toyota HiLux Range

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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.