Toyota Hilux 2026 to offer GVM upgrades to help close the gap on Ford Ranger Super Duty

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Toyota Australia has confirmed it will offer a factory-fitted and certified GVM upgrade kit for select grades of Hilux ute, increasing GVM to 3500kg across all applicable grades, and upping payload capacity by between 372-435kg.

In Hilux Workmate dual-cab chassis and SR Extra cab chassis variants, payload will exceed 1.5-tonnes, while SR dual-cab and cab-chassis misses out by a whisker at 1475kg.

The GVM upgrade is set to arrive in late August at a cost of $4000, and will be available on five Hilux variants: WorkMate dual-cab chassis and tub tray (from $56,490 before on-road costs with GVM upgrade fitted), SR dual-cab tub-tray, extra cab-chassis and dual cab-chassis (from $58,990), and SR5 dual-cab tub-tray (from $67,990). 

The upgrade consists of longer rear monotube shock absorbers and new springs front and rear. Ride height also increases by 10mm, as well as axle load capacities increasing by 100kg in the front (now 1590kg) and 280kg at the rear (now 1980kg) – more kilos for fitting bullbars, toolboxes and more. 

The option is undoubtedly influenced by the sales success of Ford’s $82,990 before on-road costs Ranger Super Duty, which offers superior off-road capabilities and an increased payload of 1982kg over its standard Ranger counterpart. 

Though Hilux, even with upgrades, is not tipped to answer the 154kW/600Nm Ranger Super Duty directly – a 3500kg GVM falls short to Super Duty’s 4500kg.

Rather, the GVM upgraded Toyota Hilux looks to gain a competitive edge over rivals Ford Ranger XLT (from $61,890) and Isuzu D-Max LS-U (from $63,500) while remaining significantly cheaper than the Super Duty. 

Businesses may also find Toyota’s ‘in-house’ GVM solution more appealing, rather than chasing an aftermarket solution. Toyota has already confirmed vehicles fit with the package will retain a factory five-year warranty and will be compatible with all existing safety systems.

Importantly, the upgrade does not officially affect the Hilux’s NVES Type 2 emissions, meaning Toyota can sell more capable utes without additional penalty. 

Will the upgrade be enough to contend with Super Duty? Perhaps at the price-conscious end of the scale. The Super Duty’s furthered performance and capability improvements still win out over Hilux, and are particularly appealing for remote fleet and trade customers.

The big T undoubtedly wants to win these customers back from Ford (and other rivals) after coming out second-best in Australia’s top selling vehicle list of 2025. So far this year, the Ranger again leads the Hilux 15,023 to 13,427 units (to April ‘26).