Toyota’s Toughest Truck Takes Aim at Ford with a Rugged Super Duty Rival

The Japanese automaker’s ninth-generation HiLux just got a factory option that begs for overlanding applications.

White Toyota SUV front with black grille guard and snorkel on a grassy background.

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By Gray Van Dyke

Published May 19, 2026

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Updated May 20, 2026

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Between some refreshed looks and a first-ever BEV option, Toyota’s ninth-generation HiLux has already introduced big changes to the brand’s legend. Evidently, even pickups of its renown succumb to the inevitable march of progress.

Thankfully, electric powertrains aren’t the only way in which Toyota is breaking ground with the HiLux. Beyond a focus on emissions, this means improving its already impressive capabilities.

White Toyota Hilux pickup truck with black bull bar and snorkel parked on a dirt road with greenery in the background. — The GVM upgrade gives the HiLux a significant bump in payload.

In the case of Australia’s new variant, it amounts to some tantalizing forbidden fruit. That’s because the result is not only a truck that challenges the Ranger Super Duty but also one that promises to be a prime candidate for overlanding.

The Hilux gets a GVM upgrade

It’s a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrade. In practice, it’s an option that increases the HiLux’s payload by anywhere from 820 to 959 pounds, depending on the trim. This ups the truck’s max rating to as much as 3,362 pounds.

White Toyota Hilux pickup truck with black wheels and silver flatbed tray parked on a dirt road with grassy hills in the background. — Rated for roughly 3,362 pounds of payload, the HiLux GVM promises plenty of grunt for overlanding conversions.

What’s more, the GVM upgrade brings a slight increase in ride height, as the longer rear monotube shocks raise the HiLux by about half an inch. Toyota also says the package improves axle capacities by some 220 pounds at the front and 617 pounds at the rear.

Now, even though the ninth-gen HiLux has adopted a multi-energy powertrain portfolio, the GVM option is limited to just one engine and transmission configuration.

Close-up of a vehicle suspension system showing a black coil spring around a red shock absorber with surrounding black control arms and components. — The upgrades bring a slight increase in ride height along with upped numbers at each axle.

Under the hood, Toyota will offer the truck with a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-pot engine making 200 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque via a six-speed automatic and a dual-range part-time four-wheel-drive setup.

That said, the package will be available on a variety of different HiLux trims. From the WorkMate to SR5, Toyota plans to fit GVM upgrades to dual-cab utes and chassis trucks alike.

White Toyota Hilux pickup truck with black bull bar parked next to an orange forklift lifting wrapped pallets in an industrial area. — Much as the HiLux GVM will excel in fleet applications, we’re especially excited about its overlanding promise.

A challenge to Ford’s rugged Ranger

Much as it might seem like a lot of fuss over a truck that’ll see a lot of commercial use on the other side of the world, the GVM is a notable release. Its numbers only tell part of the story.

For starters, the option shows that Toyota is keeping a close eye on the competition. This new HiLux variant arrives as a natural alternative to Ford Australia’s awesomely rugged Ranger Super Duty midsize.

White Toyota Hilux pickup truck with black wheels and snorkel, carrying palletized cargo secured with blue straps, parked in front of shipping containers. — The raised air intake and brush guard certainly add to the rugged, outdoor-ready look.

Now, it’s not quite as capable. Because the Blue Oval’s offering brings improved cooling, locking front and rear diffs and improved brakes, among other changes, it touts better towing (9,920 pounds versus 7,717), payload (roughly 4,000 pounds) and GCM figures.

Even still, the HiLux promises to be considerably more accessible. Toyota’s GVM upgrade adds just $4,000 Australian to a base asking price in the mid $50,000s, while the Ranger starts from $82,990. Compared to some grades, that’s a hefty 30 percent premium.

As such, beyond its fleet applications, Toyota’s option could become a new standout for the overlanding crowd. In payload and at the hitch, it still offers plenty of grunt for a bed camper or a tow-behind trailer, and that lower price tag leaves room in the budget for the conversion.

Ultimately, the biggest plus comes in the form of factory support. While DIYers could previously spring for various GVM upgrades of their own, Toyota’s installation brings the benefit of a brand warranty.

White Ford pickup truck with black grille and snorkel driving off-road on a dirt trail. — The Ranger Super Duty touts impressive numbers, but it comes with a hefty premium over the HiLux.

Availability and pricing

Being based on the HiLux rather than the North American Tacoma, this particular GVM option won’t be coming to the United States.

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Australia, Toyota’s GVM upgrade will add $4,000 to the price of a compatible HiLux. It’ll go on sale starting in August.

White Toyota Hilux pickup truck with black grille guard and snorkel parked on dirt road with green bushes in background.

Toyota Hilux GVM

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About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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