AU towing capacity / Ute

Toyota HiLux Towing Capacity (Australia)

Recent HiLux configurations are rated up to 3,500 kg braked. The table below breaks down towing capacity, GVM, GCM and ball limit by year and variant, because in Australia the headline number is only one of four limits that must all hold.

Toyota HiLux tow ratings by year (kg)

YearsVariantBrakedUnbrakedGVMGCMBall max
2026- 9th generation: 2.8 diesel 4x4 (all grades, incl. 48V) 3,500 750 3,120 6,300 350
2026- 9th generation: 4x2 (WorkMate, SR) 2,900 750 2,950 5,800 n/a
2020-2025 8th gen facelift (150 kW): 2.8 diesel 4x4 (manual & auto) 3,500 750 3,050 5,850 350
2015-2020 8th generation: 2.8 diesel 4x4 3,500 750 3,050 5,850 350
2005-2015 7th generation: 3.0 diesel / 4.0 V6 petrol 2,250 750 n/a n/a n/a

Notes by range

2026-: GVM 3,065-3,120 by variant. GCM is up 450 kg on the old generation, so payload at full tow improves to roughly 450 kg. Figures from Toyota Australia’s official spec sheet.

2026-: All 2026 4x2 variants are rated 2,900 kg braked; 3,500 kg is 4x4-only. GVM/GCM shown are the WorkMate single cab figures.

2020-2025: The Aug 2020 update lifted automatics to 3,500 kg. GCM 5,850 means about 330 kg of payload at full tow. Ball limit per Redbook and instrumented tests; Toyota does not publish it.

2015-2020: Manual 3,500 kg, automatic 3,200 kg until the Aug 2020 update. Diesel 4x2 Hi-Rider: 2,800 kg; 2.7 petrol 4x2: 2,500 kg.

2005-2015: Most variants rated 1,800-2,250 kg; some late build years list 2,500 kg. Ratings this era are variant-specific, so confirm against the plate on your vehicle.

The GCM catch on the current model

At the full 3,500 kg tow, the GCM of 6,300 kg allows the loaded vehicle (including ball weight) to weigh at most 2,800 kg. That is 320 kg below its GVM: weight you must leave out of the vehicle to stay legal while towing the maximum.

Ratings vary by engine, transmission, body and build date, and some require genuine tow kits or a brake controller. Treat these as accurate ranges and confirm your exact vehicle's plate, owner's manual or VIN-specific documentation before towing. Check your combination in the caravan towing calculator.

How to read Australian tow ratings

Four numbers govern every legal combination: the braked rating caps the trailer's ATM, the ball limit caps static download on the tow ball, the GVM caps the loaded vehicle (ball weight included), and the GCM caps vehicle and trailer together. Manufacturers advertise the first number; roadworthiness, insurance and the weighbridge care about all four.

Frequently asked questions

Which Toyota HiLux tows the most?

Any 2.8 diesel 4x4 from late 2015 on (automatics from Aug 2020) is rated 3,500 kg braked. The 2026 generation keeps 3,500 kg and adds 450 kg of GCM headroom, fixing the old model’s biggest towing weakness.

Can a Toyota HiLux legally tow a 3,500 kg caravan?

Recent configurations are rated to 3,500 kg braked, so yes on paper. In practice the caravan's ATM, the 350 kg ball limit and the 6,300 kg GCM all have to check out at once. Run your exact numbers through our caravan towing calculator before committing.

Is the braked rating the same as what I can actually hook up?

Not quite. The trailer's ATM (its maximum loaded mass) must stay under the braked rating, the ball weight must stay under the ball limit, and the loaded vehicle plus loaded trailer must stay under GCM. Any one of the three can be the binding constraint.

Compare with

Ford Ranger

Up to 3,500 kg braked

Toyota LandCruiser 300 (& 200)

Up to 3,500 kg braked

Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series

Up to 3,500 kg braked

Caravan towing calculator

Check your car + caravan combination against all four legal limits.