2023 Toyota HiLux underbody protection guide

IFS vehicles are fantastic things in terms of comfort and handling, but they do have an Achilles' heel.

When the suspension is compressed, the vulnerable underbody components like oil pans and gearboxes get closer to the ground (and potential day-ruining rocks) than you might like. The HiLux comes with some factory protection under these components, but it’s good for one whack and it’s done.

If you’re using your HiLux off-road regularly then it’s only a matter of time until the factory protection is toast and you will need to upgrade to something a little stronger. That’s where aftermarket underbody protection – otherwise referred to as bash plates – comes in.

• What it is: Armour for the underside of your vehicle.
• Why you need it: You may run over rocks, sticks and other objects which can damage the vulnerable parts beneath your vehicle and, in the worst case, stop your trip in its tracks.
• Buying tips: Have a think about underbody protection before you commit to a bull bar, as compatibility is the key. Other accessories such as long-range tanks may impact the ability to install underbody protection, so it’s worth looking at an integrated approach. Also known as Under Vehicle Protection (UVP) and Under Vehicle Armour (UVA).

Here are four products we recommend. They’re intended as a starting point, to give you an idea of what’s available.

JUMP AHEAD

• ARB
• Custom Offroad
• Brown Davis
• Bushskinz

ARB underbody protection

ARB underbody plates are manufactured from laser-cut, pressed and folded 3mm steel for superior strength, and then zinc-plated for longevity.

Specifications

• Material: Mild steel, zinc-coated
• Thickness: 3mm
• Approximate weight: 30kg

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Custom Offroad bash plate combos

Available in 3mm and 4mm stainless steel, these Custom Offroad bash plates are great for general four-wheel driving and will last years and give piece of mind.

Specifications

• Material: Stainless-steel
• Thickness: 3mm at 24kg and 4mm at 34kg
• Approximate weight: 24kg to 34kg

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Brown Davis under-vehicle protection

With more than 40 years of off-road experience and a solid understanding of what is encountered when off-road, Brown Davis has every base of design covered to ensure you have the best chance of battling the outback and winning every time.

The Brown Davis range of under-vehicle guards will protect your vehicle and give you confidence to travel into the unknown without fear.

Specifications

• Material: Mild steel, powder-coated
• Thickness: 3mm
• Approximate weight: 35kg

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Bushskinz under-vehicle protection

Made from 6mm 5052 H32 grade aluminium, these Bushskinz bash plates offer steel-like strength without the weight.

Specifications

• Material: Alloy
• Thickness: 6mm
• Approximate weight: 20kg

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How we review products

4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles and aftermarket products for more than 40 years.

When looking for the best accessories for your make and model of 4WD, there are some things essential to making sure you have the best off-roading experience.

When we compare products, here are some of the things we consider:

• Warranty
• Build quality
• Value for money
• Time and ease to set-up/install
• Weight
• Fit and finish
• How well it gets the job done
• What materials they’re made from
• Corrosion/UV resistance
• Coatings
• Compatibility with other accessories
• Compliance with ADRs and vehicle safety systems
• Country of manufacture
• Load ratings, to determine what's the best product across each price point.

We also consider user reviews and our own experience with these products to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.

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