Toyota Australia will introduce a locally developed GVM upgrade option for select HiLux 4×4 variants from August this year.

Available as a factory-fitted option priced from $4000, the upgrade increases payload by between 372kg and 435kg depending on variant, with maximum payload reaching approximately 1525kg.

The upgrade will be offered on WorkMate double cab-chassis, WorkMate double-cab pick-up, SR extra cab-chassis, SR double cab-chassis, SR double-cab pick-up and SR5 double-cab pick-up variants.

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Mechanical changes include longer rear monotube shock absorbers, a ride height increase of up to 10mm, plus axle capacity increases of 100kg at the front and 280kg at the rear. Toyota says the upgrade retains the full factory warranty of the donor vehicle.

“Introducing a GVM upgrade option for the new HiLux will allow customers to maximise the vehicle’s already-excellent load-carrying capabilities, providing benefits to both fleet and private buyers,” said John Pappas, Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations.

“Being Toyota’s very own factory-fitted option, it ensures the HiLux retains its Toyota five-year warranty and is compatible with all safety systems giving it a real advantage over its aftermarket competition,” he said.

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In simple terms, a GVM upgrade increases the maximum allowable weight of a vehicle when fully loaded, including the vehicle itself, passengers, fuel and cargo. It effectively raises the legal carrying capacity by allowing a higher total load before reaching compliance limits.

Even with the increase, the upgraded HiLux falls well short of the Ford Ranger Super Duty, which has a 4500kg GVM and payload figures ranging from 1825kg to 1982kg depending on cab configuration.

All eligible HiLux grades use Toyota’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 150kW and 500Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and dual-range part-time four-wheel drive. SR and SR5 double-cab variants also include 48-volt V-Active technology.

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