Toyota Hilux SR5 Limited review: accessory all areas

It's been a big year for Toyota Hilux: the 50th anniversary of the model in New Zealand and a new 9th-generation model (it's more like 8.5, to be honest) launched.

It's been a big year for Driven Car Guide and Toyota Hilux. We've had an onslaught of models to test over the course of 2026, as we've worked our way through various powertrains, body configurations and specifications.

We're pretty sure this is the last one for a while (never say never, though), and it's a good place to finish up. The SR5 Limited is the penultimate model in the hierachy, but the flagship Adventure is mainly a cosmetic package. So it's the same thing really. And that's a new model name for the ute, whereas "SR5 Limited" is proper old-school Hilux, which suits this auspicious anniversary year.

On the outside: what are the Toyota Hilux SR5 Limited's main design features?

Toyota NZ has been using its Hilux press-drive fleet to showcase its range of official accessories. In a big way. In a quite OTT way in some instances. It's become a bit of a game at the office to add up what we can see hanging off the outside of the week's Hilux review ute.

If you're planning to use a Hilux as a dual-purpose vehicle, or its single purpose is family transport, you need to go SR5 as a minimum for a more SUV-like vibe. And we'd definitely spend the extra on the Limited.

Our test 'Lux SR5 Limited is finished in Emotional Red, which is new for the Hilux but you might recognise from GR models and other Toyota passenger models. You can only have it on SR5 and above, but it's no extra cost.

Our ute wears the Hoopless Steel Bar ($4237) in place of the regular front bumper, complete with visually arrresting integrated light bar. On top there's the Roof Platform ($1349), which needs to be mounted onto conventional racks ($506).

The Lift Up Canopy is fitted at the back ($4780), which comes in white but can be colour-matched to your Hilux (as here) at extra cost... depending on the specific vehicle.

 

There are Slimline Weather Shields ($309), side mouldings ($347) and Heavy Duty Side Steps ($2810). As you can see, you can go on and on. Already our Hilux SR5 Limited is climbing towards $80k... beyond Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.0 territory. So go carefully when you're ticking those boxes.

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the Toyota Hilux SR5 Limited cabin like?

We've said it... um, loads of times. But we'll say it again: Toyota has really upped Hilux's game with the 9th-gen interior, which is all layered and chunky, and wouldn't look out of place in a Land Cruiser Prado or even a more passenger-oriented model like the RAV4. All three do now have similar cabin design themes.

The Limited has touches of genuine luxury, like leather upholstery, power adjustment for the driver's seat and premium JBL audio system.

The SR5 is where Hilux crosses the line into a more SUV-like interior experience, with stuff like heating for the steering wheel/seats and dual-zone climate control. The SR5 Limited tweaks that for touches of genuine luxury, like leather upholstery, power adjustment for the driver's seat and premium JBL audio system.

Okay, it's not a lot. But it's definitely nicer (especially the sound system upgrade) and it's only another $2k. Ditch the weather shields and side mouldings if you want some extra funding towards the Limited upgrade. Do that anyway, actually. Please.

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the Toyota Hilux SR5 Limited like to drive?

The SR5 Limited automatic 4WD comes with the well-proven (that's a polite way of saying there's nothing new about it) 2.8-litre diesel with 48-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) system. If you choose manual transmission, which you still can for the SR5 Limited, you step back to the non-MHEV engine and lose some other stuff too, including (curiously) the fancier audio.

The steering has moved from hydraulic to electric, and the rear suspension of SR5 models upwards now sports a more comfort-oriented state of tune.

The diesel MHEV still does great work, and it's now got bragging rights over the 4-cylinder Ranger because the Ford has stepped back to a single-turbo 2.0 with 125kW/405Nm, which is not quite up to the Toyota's 150kW/500Nm. Or its electrification.

The Hilux sticks with a 6-speed automatic, but the hybrid system helps fill in the gaps low-down and while you'd never call the powertrain refined, it does benefit from extra noise supression.

Hilux handling is now sharper, too. The steering has moved from hydraulic to electric, and the rear suspension of SR5 models upwards now sports a more comfort-oriented state of tune that trades off a little articulation and 4x4 toughness for a better on-road ride. The Hilux also now has disc brakes all-round.

Believe it or not, this is the first Hilux we've tested this year on standard tyres - that Toyota NZ thing about accessorising again. All of the others have been riding on various states of optional chunkiness.

On Goodyear Wrangler ATs (which are still up for a bit of off-roading if needed), the updated Hilux is able to show off its noticeably improved dynamics. You still have to tackle twisty roads with caution, because it's a ute, but it's a made a worthwhile step towards safety and comfort in its handling attitude.

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the Toyota Hilux SR5 Limited warranty and servicing situation?

The vehicle is covered for 3 years/100,000km, but extended to 5 years/150,000 ("Platinum Warranty") is servicing is carried out at an authorised outlet.

Servicing is required every 12 months/15,000km.

On the whole: what do we think of the Toyota Hilux SR5 Limited?

If you're planning to use a Hilux as a dual-purpose vehicle, or its single purpose is family transport, you need to go SR5 as a minimum for a more SUV-like vibe. And if it's in budget, we'd definitely spend the extra $2k on the Limited, because the equipment just finishes things off nicely.

Come to think of it, the Adventure is only another $1k and for that you get a unique look at the front, classier matte alloys and a lighter "mineral" shade of leather. Even a couple of unique colour choices. That'd be our pick.

Toyota Hilux SR5 Limited FAQs

What kind of car is the Toyota Hilux SR5 Limited?

A double-cab wellside ute.

Does the Toyota Hilux SR5 Limited have hybrid or EV technology?

It's a mild hybrid (MHEV).

What’s the fuel economy of the Toyota Hilux SR5 Limited?

The Adventure returns 8.3l/100km in NZ's 3P-WLTP test cycle.

Is the Toyota Hilux SR5 Limited safe?

Hilux has a 5-star ANCAP rating (valid until December 2031).

What safety and assistance features does the Toyota Hilux SR5 Limited have?

What are the Toyota Hilux SR5 Limited's main rivals?

• Ford Ranger XLT 4WD ($65,990): XLT is mid-range, but still looks good and it's well-equipped.
• Nissan Navara Pro-4X ($59,990): Less than $60k gets you Nissan's fanciest Navara.
• Mitsubishi Triton VRX ($59,990): Not as dressy as sister Navara, but Triton is a bigger seller.
• GWM Cannon Hi4-T Ultra ($62,990): Still a proper 4x4, but plug-in hybrid system and extreme power.
• Riddara RD6 ($69,990): Pure-electric, mighty 360kW, tows 3 tonnes. More expensive, but think of the fuel savings.