Now that our 79 Series project build has been passed across the block at Slattery auctions – under the hammer from March 6 – it’s time to introduce our builds for 2026.

We were thinking about focusing on an older 4×4 to show what can be done on a reasonable budget, but then there were those among our team who wanted to stick to a new model build. Then we had an idea: Why don’t we do both, side-by-side? It immediately appealed to all of us. So we went and bought a 2026 HiLux SR5 double-cab, as it is the newest vehicle on the market. And, as we speak, we’re scanning the listings at Slatterys to find another HiLux that’s around 10 years old. There’s a few on there, so I don’t think it will be long before we have one in the shed. 

The plan is to work with our industry suppliers to accessorise and upgrade both Toyotas, to make them competent outback tourers and see how they line up. It’ll also give us real-world evidence on whether it is worth buying new, or if you can achieve the same result with an older car built on a budget.

Our build process will follow a clear four-phase journey. We’ll start by exploring ownership decisions, weighing a new HiLux against an older model and whether it’s smarter to invest in the new vehicle or buy an older Hilux and use the savings to significantly enhance its capability. Next, we’ll document every product fitted to either car, showing how accessory choices and build costs differ depending on touring goals. The builds will then be tested in real-world conditions, evaluating the vehicles and all accessories and upgrades. Finally, both rigs will be brought together for direct comparison, revealing total costs and offering a final verdict on which strategy delivers the best result.

The new HiLux will be pieced together by the team in Melbourne, while the older rig will be handed over to our mate, Dex Fulton, up in the Blue Mountains, where he’ll apply his many talents to it. It promises to be a fun challenge and one we’re all looking forward to.

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Our 2025 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series GXL dual-cab that’s soon to go under the hammer via Slattery Auctions provides a glimpse at the quality of aftermarket kit we’ll use for the HiLux builds. It features Terrain Tamer suspension and GVM upgrades including strengthened coils, parabolic leaves, bushes, shocks, and a rear anti-sway bar. 

Protection and recovery gear includes an Ironman 4×4 Apex bull bar, side steps and sliders; a Frontier 12,000lb winch, and Scope nine-inch LED driving lights. The rear axle has been track-corrected by Multidrive Technology. Electrical upgrades include a custom Lithium Ultra Slim 200 Ah battery to power fridges and accessories. Performance enhancements include an ECU tune, four-inch Manta exhaust, Safari intake snorkel, oil catch can, and an upgraded Xtreme Outback clutch. 

Our BYD Shark will also be sold via Slattery Auctions later this year. It has been transformed into a proper outback rig with an MSA 4×4 tub fit-out, heavy-duty drawers, fridge slide, integrated lighting, roof rack, fridges, and recovery gear. Shark-specific Ironman 4×4 accessories, including a suspension lift and GVM upgrade, raised the payload to 1140kg.

Keep an eye on our website and socials over the coming months to follow our old-versus-new HiLux journey.

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