Toyota HiLux Workmate 2026 review: snapshot

The Toyota HiLux Workmate is the entry-level version of the long-lived Japanese ute series.

The news does not start off well, since the deletion of the cheaper 2.7-litre petrol and 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engines have helped entry into the HiLux soar by over $6000.

Three 4x2 models are available, starting from $33,990 (all prices before on-road costs) for the Single Cab-chassis manual, $35,990 for the auto and $47,990 for the Double Cab pick-up auto. Likewise, there are three 4x4 auto models, starting from $45,990 for the Single Cab-chassis, $52,490 for Double Cab-chassis and $53,990 for the Double Cab pick-up.

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As the name suggests, this is the workhorse HiLux, so the Workmate features (albeit revised) heavy-duty suspension from the previous range, for superior carrying capability. Across the whole HiLux range, 4x2s have a 2900kg braked towing capacity and 4x4s have a 3500kg braked trailer towing capacity.

Standard equipment in Workmate rises compared to the version it replaces, with LED headlights, electronic instrumentation, USB-C ports, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, reversing camera, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, sat-nav, 17-inch steel wheels with a full-sized spare tyre, a damped tailgate on pick-up, side-step entry into the tub, connected services for emergency callouts, up to eight airbags where possible including a front-centre airbag, and a host of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) technologies, such as AEB, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring. But there’s no lockable tailgate.

The 4x4s add a part-time 4WD system with high-and-low ratio off-road gearing and a rear differential lock.

Under the HiLux’s bonnet is a revised version of the (1GD-FTV) 2.8-litre common-rail twin-cam four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit. Replacing the previous 2.4-litre diesel and 2.7-litre petrol choices, it makes 150kW of power, and either 420Nm of torque in the six-speed manual version or 500Nm in the six-speed automatic. The 0-100km/h sprint-time is about 11 seconds while top speed is 176km/h.

Finally, the HiLux Workmate’s official combined-average fuel consumption figures are 7.3 litres per 100km (for a carbon dioxide rating of 192g/km) for the manual and 7.4L/100km for the auto (equalling 194g/km of CO2 emissions). Topping the 80-litre tank with diesel can mean over 1000km between refills.