Save money by kitting out a lower-spec Toyota HiLux with ARB gear

It’s no secret that waiting times for a new car can often be tedious. Combine that with eye-watering price tags on top-spec variants, and it’s enough to scare off many a new-car buyer.

However, despite long waiting lists for premium variants, many manufacturers often have stock sitting in showrooms for lower-spec dual-cab variants. In some cases you could even save yourself up to $30,000 by opting for a base-spec model – giving you plenty of change to splurge on aftermarket accessories and make your vehicle fit for purpose.

ARB accessories for Toyota HiLux

• Summit bull bar
• Intensity LED driving lights
• Ascent canopy
• Old Man Emu suspension
• Under vehicle protection

The Toyota HiLux is one such model with an extensive range of variants – different body configurations, powertrain and transmission options, 4x4 or 4x2, and spec levels, makes the list of models ridiculously long. The top-spec model is the GR Sport dual-cab pick-up, powered by an ECU-tuned 165kW/550Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine that runs through a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s listed at $73,990 (before on-road costs).

Below that sits the Rogue at $70,200 (before on-road costs) and the SR5 at $61,930 (before on-road costs), both in dual-cab pick-up guise. They’re both powered by the same 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, but it generates less power and torque than the GR Sport, 150kW and 500Nm in auto form, as the ECU remains unfettled.

There are other dual-cab pick-up models scattered throughout the range – SR5+, WorkMate, and of course the range of V-Active 48V variants – but one of the cheapest ways to land a HiLux dual-cab pick-up is with an SR 4x4 dual-cab pick-up. Sure, a host of cab-chassis and 4x2 models are more budget-friendly, but 4x4 dual-cab pick-ups are generally considered the most versatile.

The SR 4x4 dual-cab pick-up is powered by the same 2.8-litre turbo-diesel that powers the SR5. It runs through either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, and both cost closer to $50K before on-road costs are included. The manual fetches $51,895 and the auto $54,045.

The difference of close to $20,000 between the SR and top-spec GR Sport model does mean the lower-spec SR is packed with thriftier (and less) equipment.

The HiLux SR gets

While the HiLux GR Sport gets

ARB accessories for Toyota HiLux

The SR certainly forfeits a few key features, but a stop at one of Australia’s leading aftermarket brands should have the vehicle fit for purpose.

ARB has a catalogue brimming with equipment ready to secure to most HiLux models – old and new. Here we’ve narrowed down five ARB items you can install on your brand-new SR HiLux before you take it on its next adventure 👇

ARB Summit MKII bull bar

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Protect the front end of your HiLux with an ARB Summit MKII bull bar, which fully integrates with the vehicle’s suite of technology and safety systems. The steel bar is robust, designed to comprehensively protect vital components. The Summit bar features a multi-fold upswept and tapered wing design, for optimum strength and approach angle; a 30mm radius on wings and centre section; 60.3mm outer frames and centre cross tube; twin ARB Jack or Hi-Lift jack points; two aerial brackets; winch compatibility; and provisions to add LED lighting.

ARB Intensity LED Driving Lights

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ARB’s range of Intensity LED driving lights consists of round and light bars. The Intensity V2 round driving lights feature high-wattage OSRAM Giant LEDs and are available in larger (AR32) and smaller (AR21) sizes. The AR32 V2 in particular is available in spot and flood beams, and features 32 LEDs with a lifespan of more than 50,000 hours. One AR32 light provides 20,000 lumens, so a pair at the front of your HiLux will provide 40,000 lumens.

The AR40 Intensity V2 LED light bar features 40 also utilises OSRAM Giant LEDs, producing up to 25,080 lumens of raw light output. All LEDS are encased in a polycarbonate lens and powder-coated, extruded aluminium body with high-pressure die-cast end caps. Bull bar mounting brackets are available for quick installation.

ARB Ascent canopy

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Made from specially formulated, heavy-duty ABS plastic, ARB’s flagship Ascent canopy is designed to integrate seamlessly atop the tray of HiLux SR and SR5 models. Features include remote central locking, premium windows with tinted safety glass; lift-up windows; a high-flow canopy vent; rear-mounted spoiler with LED brake light; push-button opening; an LED interior light; and a vanishing edge design. A host of accessories can further enhance the canopy including an Ascent Window Vent Catch; a roof rack support system; and high-strength ute lines such as Sportguard.

ARB Old Man Emu suspension

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Overhaul the vehicle’s stock suspension with a kit from Old Man Emu (OME), with the brand having a huge selection of springs, shocks and accessories that will transform a vehicle into a tourer or even a hardcore off-roader. The shock absorber range includes Nitrocharger, MT64 and BP-51, and there’ll be a system suited to your needs. OME also offers GVM upgrades in line with ADR requirements.

ARB under vehicle protection

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Protecting the vulnerable essentials of a vehicle is paramount if off-roading is on the agenda. ARB under vehicle protection is manufactured from laser cut, pressed and folded 3mm steel (with all steel components protected with zinc plating), so it will protect components such as steering, engine sump, transmission and transfer case. The plate is finished in a hard-wearing silver-textured powder coat, and recessed mounting bolts are easy to remove.

Most ARB accessories are designed to be compatible with other products in the range, making it a one-stop shop for vehicle accessories.