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Toyota

Hilux

N70 (KUN/GGN/TGN)· 2005-2015 ute Top pick
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Japan
Built in
Thailand

Overview

Sold as Workmate, SR, SR5, Black, Rugged and Limited trims. The pre-DPF N70 is widely regarded as one of the toughest dual-cab utes ever sold in Australia. The 1KD-FTV diesel got a substantial update in 2009 (Euro 4) which addressed the early injector seat erosion issues.

Engines & variants

3.0L 1KD-FTV (pre-2009)

Engine
D-4D common-rail (Gen 1)
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
2982cc
Power
126kW @ 3400rpm
Torque
343Nm @ 1400-3200rpm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10.5s
Economy
8.5 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
2500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 4AT, 5AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 250,000km+

Pros

  • No DPF - massive simplicity advantage
  • Tough D-4D platform
  • Easy DIY work with standard tools
  • Excellent regional parts and dealer network
  • Cheaper than the post-2009 update

Cons

  • Injector seat erosion is well-documented
  • Only 2500kg braked tow
  • Lazy 4-speed auto
  • Most examples have very high km

Known problems

high
Injector seat erosion
Pre-2009 1KDs had injector seats that erode over time from blow-by combustion gases. Symptoms: hard cold starts, white smoke, fuel in engine oil (oil level rises), black sooty deposits around injectors. Fixed in 2009 update.
Fix: Injector replacement with updated copper washers and seat machining. Diesel specialist work. Check oil level rising as warning sign.
From 150k+ km · ~$2000-3500
medium
EGR carbon buildup
EGR valve and intake manifold carbon up over time, causing rough idle, hesitation, and reduced power.
Fix: Manual EGR clean or block-plate (legal status varies). Walnut blast on the intake manifold.
From 120k+ km · ~$400-800
low
Throttle butterfly carbon
Intake throttle body builds up carbon causing limp mode and rough running.
Fix: Manual clean with carb cleaner. Easy DIY job.
From 100k+ km · ~$200-400
low
Glow plug seizure in head
Glow plugs seize in the cylinder head over time. Hard cold starts. Removal of seized plugs can be a nightmare.
Fix: Replace plugs proactively with anti-seize. If seized: penetrating fluid, heat, patience. Worst case head removal.
From 120k+ km · ~$300-600

3.0L 1KD-FTV (2009+ Euro 4 update)

Engine
D-4D common-rail (updated)
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
2982cc
Power
126kW @ 3400rpm
Torque
343Nm @ 1400-3400rpm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10.5s
Economy
8.5 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
2500kg (3000kg from 2012)
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 4AT, 5AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 250,000km+

Pros

  • Injector seat issue resolved with updated cylinder head
  • 5-speed auto from 2011 - much better than 4AT
  • Genuinely bulletproof reputation
  • Best regional parts/dealer network in Australia
  • Strong used demand keeps resale high
  • Pre-DPF - no regen drama

Cons

  • Still only 2500-3000kg tow
  • Premium pricing for condition
  • Most have high km
  • Auto only gets 5 ratios from 2011

Known problems

medium
EGR carbon buildup
Same EGR carbon pattern as the early 1KD - rough idle, hesitation, MAF contamination.
Fix: EGR clean or block-plate. Walnut blast intake.
From 120k+ km · ~$400-800
low
Throttle butterfly carbon
Intake throttle body fouls with carbon.
Fix: Manual clean with carb cleaner.
From 100k+ km · ~$200-400
low
Glow plug seizure
Same as early 1KD - plugs seize over time.
Fix: Replace early with anti-seize.
From 120k+ km · ~$300-600
medium
Turbo VGT actuator sticking
VGT vanes carbon up and stick - lack of boost, surging, limp mode.
Fix: VGT clean. Italian tune-up can free temporary sticking. Replacement turbo if persistent.
From 180k+ km · ~$1500-3000

2.5L 2KD-FTV

Engine
D-4D common-rail (entry-level)
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
2494cc
Power
75-106kW
Torque
200-343Nm
Drivetrain
RWD only
0–100
~12.5s
Economy
8.0 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
1600-2500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 4AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 250,000km+

Pros

  • Cheapest Hilux variant - smallest premium over petrol
  • Same chain-driven simplicity as 1KD
  • Better economy than 1KD
  • Genuinely reliable bottom end

Cons

  • Underpowered for a dual cab
  • Lower tow rating
  • Slow
  • Less desirable used - resale lower

Known problems

low
EGR carbon (less than 1KD)
Less stressed engine means less EGR buildup but still occurs.
Fix: EGR clean as preventive at major services.
From 150k+ km · ~$300-600
low
Underpowered for heavy work
Not a fault per se but expect long uphill struggles with load. Many owners later swap for 1KD or modify.
Fix: Live with it or step up to 1KD model. Aftermarket tuning gains limited.
From Any

4.0L 1GR-FE V6 petrol

Engine
DOHC VVT-i V6
Config
V6 NA
Displacement
3956cc
Power
175kW @ 5200rpm
Torque
376Nm @ 3800rpm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~8.5s
Economy
12.0 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
2500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 6MT, 5AT, 6AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 250,000km+

Pros

  • Sweet-revving Toyota V6
  • Fastest Hilux of the era
  • Chain-driven, very robust
  • No diesel maintenance complexity
  • Cheaper to buy than 1KD diesel

Cons

  • Thirsty - 14-16L/100km real world
  • Far less torque than 1KD for towing
  • Lower resale than diesel
  • Some carbon buildup on intake valves over time

Known problems

medium
Intake valve carbon buildup
Direct injection patterns mean carbon hardens on intake valves over high mileage. Rough idle, misfires, power loss.
Fix: Walnut blast intake valves. Catch can fitment helps slow buildup.
From 150k+ km · ~$800-1500
medium
VVT-i oil line failure
Original VVT-i oil supply line can develop pinhole leaks - sudden oil loss in engine bay.
Fix: Replace with updated braided line (TSB available). Cheap insurance.
From 150k+ km · ~$300-500
low
Water pump weep
Water pump bearing wears causing coolant weep.
Fix: Water pump replacement during major service.
From 150k+ km · ~$400-700

Common problems (all variants)

low
Front lower control arm bush wear
Front IFS lower control arm bushes wear out, causing vague steering and uneven tyre wear. Affects all N70 variants.
Fix: Polyurethane or OEM bush kit replacement. Easy DIY with basic tools.
From 120k+ km · ~$200-400 DIY
low
Steering rack inner tie rod end wear
Inner tie rod ends develop play causing slight wander at speed and vague feel.
Fix: Inner tie rod replacement, four-wheel alignment.
From 150k+ km · ~$200-500
low
Rear leaf spring sag
Rear leaf packs sag under sustained heavy load or tow ball weight.
Fix: Upgraded leaf pack (Dobinsons, Lovells, EFS) or airbag helpers.
From Heavy use · ~$400-1200
medium
Chassis rust (coastal examples)
Chassis rails and body mounts rust on examples used coastal or in QLD. Less common on dry-state examples (Vic / NSW interior).
Fix: Pre-purchase underbody inspection essential. Treat dry-state examples with cavity wax preventively.
From Any · ~Varies
low
Power window regulator failure
Common Toyota issue - plastic window regulator clips break causing window to drop.
Fix: Replacement regulator (aftermarket fine). Door card off DIY job.
From 100k+ km · ~$150-300