Genuine GVM upgrade announced for Toyota HiLux

Toyota has delivered a quick-fire response to Ford’s uber-capable Ranger Super Duty in the form of a factory-fitted GVM upgrade for its new-generation HiLux ute. The upgrade starts at $4000 and increases the eighth-gen HiLux’s payload by up to 435kg (depending on the variant) and, crucially, retains the full warranty of the donor vehicle.

Cutting to the chase, the applicable variants are the 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 – but only the automatic 4x4 versions.

Exact details of the upgrade haven’t been announced at the time of writing, but we do know the longer monotube rear shock absorbers have added up to 10mm to the ground clearance while axle capacities have been increased by 100kg at the front and 280kg at the rear.

“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,” Toyota Australia sales, marketing and franchise operations vice president John Pappas said.

“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.”

It also gives Toyota some sort of factory-produced countermeasure against the segment-busting Ford Ranger Super Duty, even though it’s significantly more than just a genuine GVM upgrade.

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