4x4s we'd buy, and how we'd modify them: Toyota HiLux SR5

Depending on where you live, you should be able to pick up a new Toyota HiLux SR5 double cab cab-chassis for around $70K drive away, or even a bit less if you choose not to fit the genuine accessory alloy tray.

Of course, you will need something fitted to the rear of the HiLux before you can get it registered, but by opting for the cab-chassis variant you can fit pretty much any tray and canopy package you want, or a one-piece canopy that bolts directly to the chassis. This allows you to tailor the setup to perfectly suit your 4×4 touring needs.

The HiLux SR5 is powered by a 2.8L four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (with V-Active 48V technology) that makes a claimed 150kW and 500Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It is an impressive performer straight off the showroom floor, with a spritely and economical driveline for long-distance touring and an effective electronic traction control system for decent off-road capability. It also scores Toyota’s Multi-Terrain System (MTS) with six selectable modes (Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Rock) to suit different terrain types, a rear diff lock and Downhill Assist Control.

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In SR5 spec, the HiLux is well-equipped with standard convenience and safety features including 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/start, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and eight-inch touchscreen, sat-nav, wireless phone charging, a 220V accessory outlet, myToyota Connect, Stolen Vehicle Tracking, Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Call, LED lighting, rear privacy glass, seven airbags, Pre-Collision Safety System, Active Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Road Sign Assist.

As with any 4×4, the HiLux SR5 can be vastly improved upon for 4×4 touring. Being such a popular vehicle there are plenty of aftermarket goodies for it, and like any other dual-cab ute you should choose a suspension system designed to suit the accessories you intend to fit and the load you intend to carry. Most 4×4 suspension specialists have a vehicle configurator on their websites, so you can choose a setup to suit your vehicle. Expect to spend anywhere between $1300 to more than $3500 for a decent aftermarket suspension kit.

While the SR5 runs 18-inch wheels, there are still plenty of Light Truck (LT) tyre options available for it, in both all-terrain and mud-terrain tread patterns in the standard 265/60R18 size, including Toyo Open Country AT3s (about $420 each), BFGoodrich All-Terrains and Mud-Terrains (about $500 each) and Cooper AT3s (about $500 each). Alternatively, you could go up a size to 275/70R18s, or buy a 17-inch wheel and tyre package and fit LT285/70R17 tyres.

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On the protection front, a quality steel bull bar can cost upwards of $2500, and a pair of side rails and steps another $1000. Throw in a decent electric winch and you’re up for another $1200-$3000, a good set of LED driving lights will cost $700+ a pair and an LED light bar another $350 or so.

A decent tray and canopy package for the HiLux SR5 double cab can cost anywhere from $5000 to $10,000, while a fully decked out one-piece chassis-mounted canopy can easily exceed $10K, especially once fitted out with drawers, power system, solar panels, fridge, slide-out kitchen, water tank, racks, ladder, spare wheel carriers, LED lighting, and just about any other convenience item you can think of for off-the-grid living.

Other accessories you might want to consider for 4×4 touring include a snorkel ($700), an auxiliary or long-range fuel tank ($1200-$1500), comms gear such as a UHF radio and antenna package ($400-$700), a dual-battery setup with lithium battery and charger ($1500+), under-vehicle protection ($800-$1000)… the list goes on.

Whatever you do, make a list of all the gear you intend to fit to your HiLux SR5 and figure out how much it will weigh before you buy and register the vehicle. You might just need to fit a GVM-upgrade suspension system ($3500-$5000), and this will only be legal in all states and territories if fitted prior to initial vehicle registration through the second stage manufacturer (SSM) scheme.