Toyota Australia will offer a locally developed, factory-fitted GVM upgrade option on selected new-generation HiLux 4×4 grades from August 2026, giving fleet and trade buyers another way to increase payload while retaining Toyota warranty coverage.
The new Gross Vehicle Mass upgrade has been engineered in Australia and will be priced from $4,000. Depending on the variant, it increases HiLux payload by between 372kg and 435kg, allowing for a maximum payload of up to approximately 1,525kg.
For fleet operators, the key point is that the upgrade is not an aftermarket modification. It will be fitted by Toyota as a factory option, meaning the donor vehicle retains its Toyota five-year warranty and remains compatible with the vehicle’s safety systems.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations John Pappas said the upgrade was designed to add capability while giving customers factory-backed assurance.
“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,” 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.”
The upgrade will be available on work-focused HiLux 4×4 grades including 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.
Toyota says the GVM upgrade also increases ride height by up to 10mm through the fitment of longer monotube rear shock absorbers. Axle capacities are also increased, with the front axle gaining 100kg and the rear axle gaining 280kg.
All applicable variants use Toyota’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 150kW and 500Nm, matched with a six-speed automatic transmission and dual-range part-time four-wheel drive. SR and SR5 double-cab variants also add Toyota’s 48-volt V-Active technology.
For fleet buyers, the GVM upgrade could be particularly relevant for utilities that routinely carry service bodies, tools, accessories, tow equipment or additional fitted equipment. Many work utes reach payload limits quickly once bull bars, canopies, drawers, racking, fuel, passengers and towing accessories are included in the calculation.
A factory-backed upgrade gives procurement teams a cleaner pathway when assessing compliance, warranty risk and whole-of-life cost. It may also reduce the need to source aftermarket GVM upgrades after delivery, which can add complexity to purchasing, fit-out timelines and internal approval processes.
The option is also likely to appeal to novated lease buyers who need more payload capacity for recreational towing or touring, although the main application will be work fleets where payload, warranty and safety-system compatibility are important procurement considerations.
The new HiLux GVM upgrade will be available in Australia from August 2026.
