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Jun 28, 2023

Toyota HiLux 2023 review: SR5+

With its 2110kg kerb weight and 3050kg GVM, the SR5+ has a 940kg payload rating.

With its 2110kg kerb weight and 3050kg GVM, the SR5+ has a 940kg payload rating. It also has a class-benchmark 3500kg braked tow rating but to stay below its 5850kg GCM (how much it can legally carry and tow at the same time) while towing that weight, the payload would have to be reduced by a whopping 700kg. And that would leave only 240kg of legal payload capacity, which could be used up by three occupants without luggage.

The tray measures in at 1570mm long, 1645mm wide and 495mm deep. (image credit: Mark Oastler)

Alternatively, you could simply lower the trailer weight limit by the same 700kg to 2800kg (which is still a sizeable trailer) and retain the SR5's maximum payload, which is not only more practical but also safer for towing. Few if any owners would need to tow 3500kg anyway.

The unlined load tub is 1570mm long, 1645mm wide and 495mm deep. With 1105mm between the wheel housings, it can't fit a standard 1165mm-square Aussie pallet but will take a Euro. There are four load-anchorage points but the hefty tailgate has no lower/raise assistance.

We loaded 770kg into the tub. (image credit: Mark Oastler)

Cabin storage starts with a large-bottle holder and narrow bin in each front door plus an overhead glasses holder, upper and lower gloveboxes (with the upper having access to air-con) and pop-out cup holders on either side of the dash.

The centre console offers open storage up front, two small-bottle/cup-holders in the centre and a small lidded box at the back, with a padded and contoured lid that doubles as an elbow rest.

Rear passengers get a bottle-holder and bin in each door, pockets on each front seat backrest and a fold-down centre armrest with two more cup-holders. The 60/40-split seat bases can swing up and be stored vertically if more internal cargo space if required. This also reveals two handy underfloor storage compartments.

Each door has a bottle-holder. (image credit: Mark Oastler)