Toyota HiLux SR5 Double Cab 4x4 Review — Is It Worth It for WA Buyers?

The Toyota HiLux doesn't need much of an introduction in Western Australia. Drive down any highway between Perth and Port Hedland, park up at any mine site car park from Kalgoorlie to Karratha, or cruise through any suburban tradesman's neighbourhood, and you'll see them everywhere. The SR5 Double Cab 4x4 sits near the top of the range, blending workhorse capability with enough comfort and tech to serve as a genuine daily driver. But at a drive-away price of around **$72,990 in WA**, is it actually worth the spend — or are you paying a premium for the badge?

Let's break it down.

Design and Practicality

The current-generation HiLux SR5 strikes a decent balance between rugged and refined. The front end is bold without being cartoonish — LED headlights, a prominent grille, and 18-inch alloy wheels give it a presence that looks right at home whether you're pulling into a Subiaco café or a Pilbara station homestead.

Step inside and you'll find it's a genuine step up from the lower-spec models. You get leather-accented seats, dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital instrument cluster. It's not luxury-car territory, but it's comfortable and well-built. Toyota interiors tend to age well, too — something that matters when you're racking up big kilometres on regional WA roads.

Where the SR5 Double Cab really earns its keep is versatility:

• **Tub space** is generous enough for tools, camping gear, or a weekend's worth of supplies for a trip up to Coral Bay.
• **Rear seat room** is adequate for adults on shorter trips, though legroom gets tight on longer hauls if your front passengers are tall.
• **Payload and towing** are competitive — the HiLux is rated to tow up to 3,500kg braked, which covers most boats, caravans, and trailers WA buyers are likely to hitch up.
• **Ground clearance** is solid for unsealed roads, creek crossings, and the kind of corrugated tracks you'll encounter heading into the Kimberley or the Gibb River Road.

For a full rundown of specifications and current pricing, you can check out the [HiLux range at autoreadywa.com.au/vehicles/toyota/hilux](https://autoreadywa.com.au/vehicles/toyota/hilux).

Powertrain and Performance

The SR5 4x4 is powered by Toyota's 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, producing 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. That torque figure is the headline — it provides strong, usable pull for towing, overtaking road trains on Great Northern Highway, and getting through soft sand at spots like Lancelin or Cable Beach.

On-road, the HiLux drives like… a ute. There's no getting around it. Unladen, the rear end can feel a bit jittery over Perth's patchier suburban roads, and body roll is noticeable through tighter corners. Load it up or hook on a trailer, though, and it settles right down. This is a vehicle that's engineered to work under load, and it shows.

The part-time 4WD system with low-range transfer case is straightforward and proven. It won't match a dedicated off-road vehicle like a LandCruiser through truly gnarly terrain, but for the vast majority of WA's tracks, station roads, and beach driving, it's more than capable. The rear differential lock is a welcome inclusion for when things get properly slippery.

Fuel Economy — What to Really Expect in WA

Toyota quotes a combined fuel consumption figure of around 7.6L/100km for the current SR5 auto. In the real world — particularly in WA conditions — expect something different.

Around Perth, with stop-start traffic on the Mitchell Freeway or Tonkin Highway, you're more likely looking at **9 to 11L/100km**. Out on open highways at steady cruising speeds, that figure can drop closer to the claimed number, particularly on long, flat stretches like the run between Geraldton and Carnarvon.

Towing will push consumption higher again, and strong headwinds — a regular feature on WA's coastal highways — can have a noticeable impact. Carrying a full tray of gear into the ranges will also take its toll.

That said, with a 80-litre fuel tank, the HiLux offers a comfortable range between fill-ups, which is an important consideration when servo stops can be 200-plus kilometres apart in regional WA.

Safety

The SR5 comes well-equipped on the safety front:

• **Toyota Safety Sense** suite including pre-collision system, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road sign assist
• **Seven airbags**
• **Reversing camera and rear parking sensors** — useful when you can't see much past a loaded tub
• **Trailer sway control**

It holds a five-star ANCAP safety rating, though it's worth noting that ANCAP ratings are assessed at a point in time and testing protocols do evolve. Regardless, the active safety package here is comprehensive and genuinely useful for long-distance WA driving where fatigue and wildlife are constant concerns.

Value Versus Competitors

At roughly $72,990 drive-away, the SR5 Double Cab 4x4 is not cheap. It sits in a fiercely competitive segment in WA, and there are strong alternatives worth considering:

• **Ford Ranger Wildtrak** — Generally offers a more car-like ride and a newer interior, often at a similar price point. The Ranger has become a genuine favourite in WA for good reason.
• **Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain** — Arguably better value for money with a strong warranty package and impressive safety tech, though it lacks some of the HiLux's brand cachet.
• **Mitsubishi Triton GSR** — The recently updated Triton is worth a look at a lower price point, though it doesn't quite match the HiLux for towing capacity or outright refinement.

So why do people still choose the HiLux? A few reasons stand out: **resale value, parts availability, and proven reliability.** In WA, where vehicles often do serious mileage and need to be serviced in remote towns, the Toyota dealer and parts network is genuinely hard to beat. A HiLux will hold its value better than almost anything else in this segment, which matters when you're looking at total cost of ownership over five or more years.

That reliability reputation isn't just marketing — it's backed by decades of real-world performance in Australia's harshest conditions. There's a reason mining companies and pastoral stations default to Toyota.

Who Is It For?

The HiLux SR5 Double Cab 4x4 is a strong choice for:

• **Tradies and small business owners** who need a vehicle that works hard during the week and is comfortable enough for family duties on weekends
• **FIFO workers** who want something capable of the commute to Perth Airport and a weekend trip down to Margaret River or up to Kalbarri
• **Regional WA buyers** who need proven durability, strong towing, and the peace of mind that comes with Toyota's service network across the state
• **Lifestyle buyers** — families who tow boats, caravans, or camper trailers and want a reliable platform for WA's incredible but demanding landscapes

It's probably not the best pick if you prioritise on-road comfort above all else, or if you're looking for the absolute newest cabin tech and ride dynamics — the Ranger arguably has the edge there.

Finance Snapshot

A $72,990 drive-away price is a significant commitment, but the right finance structure can make it very manageable — particularly for ABN holders and business buyers who may be able to take advantage of tax benefits. Whether you're looking at a chattel mortgage, novated lease, or standard car loan, the repayments can vary significantly depending on your deposit, loan term, and credit profile. WA buyers can get a **free, personalised finance estimate** with no obligation at [autoreadywa.com.au/enquire](https://autoreadywa.com.au/enquire) — it takes just a couple of minutes and gives you a clear picture of what ownership actually looks like for your situation.