The Toyota Hilux has earned its reputation the hard way

It has spent decades hauling tools, towing trailers, crossing paddocks, and chewing through corrugations all over Australia. The good thing about that popularity is there is now a massive aftermarket available for it.
If you are planning a HiLux build and want accessories that genuinely improve the vehicle instead of just filling your Instagram feed, ARB says these are five upgrades worth looking at first.

1. Frontal Protection
   A bull bar is still one of the smartest first additions for a touring or work HiLux. Animal strikes are a reality in Australia and even a minor hit can leave modern vehicles stranded thanks to damaged cooling systems, sensors or headlights.
   ARB’s Summit MKII bar for the new HiLux keeps all the practical stuff people actually want: winch compatibility, recovery jack points, antenna mounts, and protection for vulnerable front-end components. The bar is engineered to integrate properly with modern Toyota safety systems too, which is something worth paying attention to when comparing cheaper alternatives.
   The Summit MKII uses folded steel construction, a zinc-coated base material, and a textured powder coat finish designed to handle harsh conditions and stone damage.
2. Suspension
   ARB says suspension is probably the accessory people underestimate most. Throw a canopy, drawers, tools, camping gear, and a bull bar onto a stock HiLux and suddenly the factory suspension starts feeling pretty average. Sagging rear ends, harsh ride quality, and poor handling show up quickly once weight gets added – that’s where a properly matched suspension setup makes a huge difference.
   ARB explains that its Old Man Emu range gives people a few different and vehicle-specific options depending on how the vehicle gets used. Nitrocharger Plus suits daily drivers and touring builds, MT64 is aimed more at long-distance comfort and heat control, while BP-51 is designed for people chasing higher-end adjustability and off road performance.
3. Canopies and Trays
   Canopies and trays have come a long way from basic aluminium boxes. Modern setups now focus heavily on modularity, storage efficiency, and integration with roof racks, electrical systems, and touring gear.
   ARB’s updated Ascent and Classic canopies feature redesigned mounting systems, cleaner body integration, and improved internal mounting options for things like compressors and power systems.
   For people wanting a heavier-duty touring or trade setup, the MITS Alloy tray and canopy range offers modular configurations with different canopy lengths, internal layouts, and accessory packages.
4. Under Vehicle Protection
   Factory underbody protection is usually pretty minimal once you leave maintained roads behind.
   ARB’s Under Vehicle Protection kits are designed to shield critical components like steering, transmission, and sump areas using laser-cut and folded steel panels. Recessed mounting hardware also helps stop bolt heads getting smashed on rocks and ruts.
5. Long-Range Fuel Tanks
   One thing that limits touring range in a HiLux pretty quickly is fuel capacity.
   ARB’s Frontier long-range tank increases capacity significantly while keeping weight sensible thanks to its cross-linked polymer construction.
   Unlike traditional metal tanks, the polymer design flexes with chassis movement and resists impacts without denting. For anyone planning remote trips, fewer fuel stops and extra peace of mind are pretty hard to argue against.

At the end of the day, the best HiLux builds are usually the ones put together with a purpose. Good accessories should make the vehicle more capable, more reliable and easier to live with day to day.
ARB says that is why a lot of people gravitate towards brands with proven testing, proper engineering, and products designed specifically for Australian conditions, like ARB.

For more information, visit www.arb.com.au