As Australia’s most trusted car brand, Toyota has been a fixture on construction worksites for decades. Designed to withstand harsh conditions, tough enough to load up with all your gear, and a dream to drive: what’s not to love?

The great news is that Toyota’s 2026 work vehicle line-up features heavily updated, locally tested models designed specifically for builders, construction workers and tradespeople. These vehicles include all the things you already love about Toyota, along with newly engineered safety, tech and electric features. Let’s check them out.

HiLux delivers more

With its legendary reliability and durability, HiLux is the go-to vehicle for builders and tradies right across the country. The latest range, which drove into showrooms in December 2025, features extensive upgrades to technology, driveability and passenger comfort, along with an Australian-led new exterior design and completely revamped interior.

‘The HiLux has long been one of Australia’s favourite cars, trusted by customers to perform day in, day out, whether hauling tools to the job site or camping gear to the furthest reaches of the country,’ says Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations. ‘It’s a vehicle that’s baked into Australia’s identity, so it’s fitting that this new-generation HiLux can lay claim to being the most Aussie HiLux ever.’

The range includes 4X4, 4X2, single, extra and double-cab configurations, and a choice of five grades priced from just $33,9901 for the 4X2 WorkMate single cab-chassis manual. All models are powered by Toyota’s 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, with either six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The best news? Along with giving HiLux a facelift, Toyota has also improved its safety credentials. A range of comprehensive safety technologies are now offered as standard inclusions, such as autonomous emergency braking pre-collision safety system, rear-cross traffic alert, active cruise control, lane trace assist, lane departure alert, road sign assist (speed sign only), blind spot monitor and a reversing camera.

HiLux EV-olution

With growing uncertainty around fuel prices, record numbers of Australians are making the leap to Electric Vehicles (EVs). And with a brand new electric HiLux now in showrooms, you can enjoy the durability and versatility of a ute without worrying about spiking fuel prices.

The HiLux BEV, Toyota’s first-ever battery-electric light-commercial vehicle, has been designed to meet the specific needs of the construction sector while retaining Toyota’s signature quality and reliability.

‘To ensure the HiLux BEV is ready to tackle the harsh Australian environment its diesel-powered sibling is so familiar with, Toyota has conducted a comprehensive and sustained testing program,’ Sean says. Extensive trials in demanding real-world environments, from the remote outback to gruelling off-road terrains, have provided Toyota with robust insights into the performance, durability and capability of the HiLux BEV. The result? An electric vehicle with true off-road capability, built tough for the worksite and beyond.

The HiLux BEV features its own uniquely developed suspension system, and Toyota's Multi-Terrain Select system gives drivers six traction modes for low-grip situations, while ventilated disc brakes and regenerative braking combine strong stopping performance with energy recuperation. Maximum braked towing capacity is 2000kg across the entire range.

The battery-electric HiLux is available in the double-cab body style and dual-motor AWD powertrain in two grades – the mid-spec SR or SR5 if you like a little luxury.

HiLux BEV is underpinned by a battery-electric powertrain consisting of a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery and dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, providing strong and tractable driving performance. ‘The HiLux BEV’s capable electric driving range means fewer stops and more productivity, so you can focus on the job at hand, not the battery life,’ Sean says.

HiAce: Live your best VanLife

If you prefer the added security and flexible storage afforded by a van, rather than a ute, Toyota’s updated HiAce commercial van will tick all your boxes for driveability and practicality, along with a range of upgraded active safety features.

‘The safety upgrades for Australia’s favourite van are particularly relevant for those who spend long periods of time behind the wheel,’ Sean says.

HiAce is available in a range of configurations, including long wheelbase and super-long wheelbase; panel or glass rear door; and lift-up tailgate or barn-style rear doors – so whether you’re storing tools or hauling and unpacking heavy loads, you can choose a set-up that makes your workday easier.

While the exterior remains largely unchanged, all updated HiAce models now include driver assistance technologies such as lane trace assist, to help the vehicle remain in the centre of its lane when adaptive cruise control is activated. The safe exit assist feature helps you exit the car safely by issuing alerts when passing vehicles or cyclists are detected.

HiAce’s cruise control functionality has also been expanded, with high-speed adaptive capability on manual grades, with full-speed function for automatic grades.

The new active safety features join the existing suite which includes automatic high beam, lane departure alert, pre-collision safety system and speed sign assist. ‘These latest upgrades ensure improved levels of safety for both occupants and other road users, which is of particular importance given how much time drivers spend on the road in their HiAce,’ Sean says.

RAV 4: Hybrid hero

Sporty, rugged, spacious and economical, the Toyota RAV4 is the ultimate all-rounder, delivering a smooth, effortless ride whether you’re navigating speed bumps at the supermarket or a rough and ready worksite.

It’s Australia’s most popular SUV, and the newest models currently hitting Toyota showrooms include a range of forward-looking improvements aimed at keeping it in the top spot as drivers’ engine preferences evolve.

‘Toyota customers have increasingly gravitated towards hybrid technology over recent years, and the all-new RAV4 represents the next step on Toyota’s hybrid journey with the arrival of our first plug-in hybrid,’ Sean says.

With its plug-in technology combined with Toyota’s sixth-generation hybrid system, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions offer the most powerful RAV4 to date, teaming a 2.5-litre petrol engine with front and rear electric motors on AWD grades for a total combined output of 227kW. 2WD grades remove the rear electric motor and offer a 200kW combined output. A large-capacity 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides ample EV-only driving range for shorter trips and supports both 50kW DC charging and 11kW three-phase AC charging.

‘Toyota is committed to offering its customers the right powertrain for the right application and use, and we believe this mix of efficient electrified powertrains along with excellent grade choice will help to make Australia’s favourite SUV more popular than ever,’ Sean says.

Make your new Toyota work for you

‘We know that for the hard-working tradie, your vehicle is often your office, your toolbox and your workshop,’ Sean explains. ‘Our Toyota Dealers can work with you to configure your new vehicle to your requirements before you even drive away. They’ll help you determine how to best maximise things like towing, security and cargo capacity – saving you time and money so you can get on with your job.’

Decision time

Is it time to choose your new Toyota work vehicle? As a HIA member, you’re eligible for Association Fleet discounts across a wide range of Toyota vehicles. To find out more, visit the Toyota Association Fleet discount or call 1800 444 847.

This article was compiled with contributions from Toyota.