Elevating Your 4WD-ing Experience with Genuine Toyota Parts and Accessories

Toyota has remained Australia’s undisputed automotive brand, with close to a quarter of a million vehicles finding new owners last year. Much of the appeal is due to the unmatched Toyota reliability, value for money, the company’s extensive dealership network, and models that have been tried and tested for demanding Australian conditions.

Fan favourites like the Hilux, Prado and Landcruiser remain staples for exploring the country’s vast and untamed expanses. These have been offered in multiple variants and trims throughout the years, with reliable and frugal diesel and petrol engines, capable 4WD drivetrains and locally tuned suspension designed especially for harsh settings.

Australia has been designated as a “Centre of Excellence” in 4WD testing, and you can find a range of genuine off-roading Toyota accessories for even the most avid off-roaders. Here are some ways you can upgrade your experience with the right parts and accessories.

Front-end Protection

It's important to equip utes and 4WD station wagons with the right protective parts when traversing rugged terrain. Genuine Toyota steel bull bars in a triple-hoop configuration provide the best frontal coverage, protecting vital engine parts like radiators from gravel and spraying debris, as well as unsuspecting collisions with Australian wildlife.

Premium bull bars are one step up in terms of overall strength, with reinforced side sections and beams to increase stiffness. Both protective parts have been extensively tested and evaluated for crash performance and work with safety inclusions like airbags and Toyota’s own Safety Sense active systems.

While most off-roaders will opt for steel bull bars, slightly less expensive aluminium variants benefit from lower weight (up to 40% less), almost comparable strength, inherent rust resistance (meaning lower upkeep) and polished looks.

Pair bull bars with matching steel brush bars to increase all-around impact protection (most roo strikes are from the side). Consider durable, anti-slip side steps to prevent damage to the door panels, wheel flares and the undercarriage.

Space and Practicality

Taking all the necessities on longer off-road trips means optimising space. Ute trays and tubs can be fitted on the Hilux with lockable and weatherproof utility storage boxes and in vehicles with a factory-fitted canopy, genuine canopy roof racks with 90 kilos carrying capacity.

Prados, 70/200/300 Series Landcruiser and dual-cab Hiluxes can take heavy-duty roof racks in rust-resistant aluminium, and roof bars to evenly distribute the weight of bulky necessities like rooftop tents, spare wheels or jerry cans, and as secure fixing points for off-roading essentials like off-road lights and awnings.

Style

Traction, grip and off-roading performance go hand in hand. And the best upgrades also bring a ton of needed style, even in red sois. Upgrade to larger diameter alloys in sizes and widths to match off-roading rubber.

Examples include genuine 17 and 18”, 6-spoke aluminium rims in matte black or metallic silver finishes, with corrosion-resistant top coats for mid-spec Hilux SR5 models. Or the rugged 5-spoke alloy designs in 18” rims for the Landcruiser. And to ensure the wheels stay on, and prevent theft, look to anti-theft alloy wheel nut sets.These are available in a premium chrome plated finish that not only looks good but prevents tampering when tightened with a unique secure-coded key.

Interior

Tackling off-roading adventures in style and comfort also means considering interior extras. The factory fabric normally doesn't last as long, and the elements can also damage the rest of the cabin.

That said, look for durable canvas seat covers in custom-fit designs for both front and rear rows. The material will endure tears, abrasions, and UV damage from the scorching sun and prevent seat damage during spills and dust or water ingress. It’s also breathable for improved comfort in hot weather.

Toyota guarantees precise and quick fit with no wrinkling, and that covers don’t impede airbag deployment or the functionality of seat belt buckles.

For a complete look and added protection, match covers with genuine Toyota dash and floor mats. Dash mats prevent glare and windscreen fogging and reduce cabin temperatures while ensuring the AC brings in clean air. Pair these with black fabric mat sets to reduce wear and tear in the carpeting and to get no-slip surfaces with the provided retention clips.

Towing and Recovery

If off-roading with a trailer at the back, ensure peace of mind with rated Toyota towbars. With braked capacities of 3500 kilograms and a sturdy steel construction, these Toyota towing accessories bolt to the chassis rails and easily get campers, campervans and cargo trailers to where they want.

Pair with tow balls or hitch receivers of the same high quality and look to compatible wiring harnesses for basic trailer braking and lighting functionality.

Toyota hasn’t forgotten hard-core off-roading fans. Its collection of recovery gear includes standalone winch cradles in vehicles not fitted with a standard winch-compatible bullbar, and high-capacity Toyota-enhanced warn winches rated for 9000 pounds of pulling power thanks to the high line speed synthetic rope or heavy-duty steel cable, a solid waterproof build, and protective electrical and safety features such as Overload Interrupt.

Use these in combination with snatch straps, recovery tracks and tree trunk protectors for ineffective and harm-free recoveries.

Why Genuine Toyota Parts?

Get guaranteed quality, fit and performance when setting out to buy genuine Toyota accessories and parts. These are manufactured to exact sizes and standards, ensuring a clean, hassle-free fit. And they fulfil demanding safety and performance expectations, shielding you and other traffic participants and getting the most out of your vehicle.

Each part comes in branded Toyota packaging with logos, part numbers and certification marks meaning they meet strict ADR compliance. Parts are also categorised to meet specifics such as paint codes, finishes and material requirements. The best way to avoid imitations is to shop for Toyota accessories online and from authorised Toyota dealers.