Toyota HiLux SR5 named Australia's best ute!

Toyota's new-generation HiLux SR5 has been named the country's best dual cab 4x4 in the prestigious Australia's Best Cars awards, judged by the nation's motoring clubs.

Judges said the new HiLux is smarter, more economical and tougher - building on its renowned "unbreakable" reputation with a stronger chassis and beefed-up suspension.

They said its modern drivetrain is particularly smooth and quiet with a new 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine delivering "the double punch of better performance and lower fuel consumption".

"Off-road ability has also been improved, with 20 per more wheel articulation, bigger dampers and larger disc brakes, along with greater under-body protection," judges said.

"These improvements were noted on our off-road testing - HiLux had greater clearance and articulation than the rest of our finalists."

Judges said the HiLux cabin stood out from the competition being more modern and quieter, while the finish and quality of materials provide a relatively high-class ambience for a working vehicle.

Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the award confirmed the eighth-generation HiLux is the toughest HiLux yet.

"Australia's favourite ute in 2015 inspires go-anywhere confidence, advances its role as a workhorse and is also fun to drive with SUV-like ride, handling, comfort and convenience," Mr Cramb said.

Australia's Best Cars is the largest independent new-vehicle assessment and awards program in Australia, evaluating vehicles against criteria such as value for money, design and function, and on-road performance.