Top Upgrades to Boost Your Toyota Hilux Off-Road Performance
When you’re planning your next off-road journey, you want a Toyota Hilux that’s ready for anything. The Toyota Hilux off-road experience is all about confidence, comfort, and capability.
This Arctic Trucks guide covers the top upgrades you need to improve your Hilux’s off-road performance.
Tyre Enhancements
1. Why Tyres Matter
Tyres are where it all starts. They’re more than just about size, and influence where and how far your vehicle can go, how it performs, and what else should be upgraded to achieve the correct balance across multiple terrains and conditions. They give you traction, absorb impacts, and help the vehicle float on soft ground like snow or sand. As such, they can make or break the Toyota Hilux off-road experience.
2. How Tyre Size Influences Performance
- AT33: 285/70 R17 for solid all-around use, with increased off-road capability
- AT35: 315/70 R17 for improved ground clearance and ride on rougher ground
- AT37: 37×12.5 R17 for more extreme off-road performance and clearance
Bigger isn’t always better. Larger tyres can impact handling, fuel consumption, and even legal compliance, so they need to be selected and balanced correctly, along with the appropriate additional parts and engineering. Let us help you find your perfect match.
Off-Road Suspension Upgrades
The right suspension system lifts your Hilux, smooths out rough trails, and improves traction when and where you need it most. Here’s a breakdown of Arctic Trucks’ most trusted setups:
1. Toyota Hilux AT33 Performance Suspension
- Features an optimised Arctic Trucks Bilstein suspension system
- Includes front springs and dampers, rear dampers, shackle extension and anti-roll adjustment
- Ideal for mixed-use drivers who want everyday comfort with rugged ability
2. Toyota Hilux AT35 Performance Suspension
- Further enhanced compared to the AT33s Arctic Trucks Bilstein setup
- Designed for increased off-road confidence and capability
- Elevation: +40mm front / +20mm rear
- Ideal for daily on-road drivability with significantly increased extreme off-road ability
3. Toyota Hilux AT37 Performance Suspension
- Fitted with the Old Man Emu BP-51 adjustable bypass suspension
- Upgraded dampers, front and rear springs, leaf springs
- Greaseable extended OME shackles
- Elevation: +40mm front / +20mm rear, with additional adjustability and body lift
- Ideal for extreme off-road conditions with little compromise to everyday use
Benefits of Arctic Trucks’ Suspension Kits
- Smooth out major lumps, bumps and dips
- Improved on and off-road handling, balanced with a larger tyre ‘suspension effect’
- Optimised ground clearance without compromising vehicle balance
- OEM quality for long-term reliability and serviceability
It’s easy to feel lost choosing between suspension kits. That’s why our Arctic Trucks team guides you based on your intended terrain, needs and comfort preferences.
Enhanced Underbody Protection
1. What Needs Protecting
- Engine sump
- Radiator
- Transmission
- Fuel tank
- AdBlue tank
- Transfer case
2. Why Arctic Trucks’ Kits Stand Out
- Precision-manufactured from durable, lightweight aluminium
- Easy to fit and compatible with other Arctic Trucks’ gear
- Proven in Arctic, desert, and mountainous environments
Repairs in remote areas are difficult. These underbody kits protect your vital parts when help is far away.
Lighting and Visibility Upgrades
1. Why Visibility is Key
Off-road travel doesn’t stop when the sun sets. Whether you’re heading into woodland trails or foggy valleys, you need to see and be seen.
2. What to Add
- Upper grille-mounted LED lighting
- Lower grille-mounted LED light bars
- Optional multi-beam setups for full surround visibility
- Work lighting
3. Benefits
- Improved safety in low-light terrain
- Better trail visibility without blinding other drivers
- Looks sharp and works hard
Light bars can cause legal issues if installed incorrectly. Our team ensures everything stays road-legal.
Interior Enhancements for Comfort and Safety
Long days behind the wheel demand comfort. You’ll want practical storage, supportive seating, and added safety.
Options to Consider:
- Durable rubber floor mats for enhanced protection, grip and easy cleaning
- Extra power sockets for charging and powering tools and equipment
Interior upgrades can help you stay sharp, comfortable, and prepared.
Common Concerns and How We Help
1. Cost of Customisation
We understand modifications are an investment. Arctic Trucks focuses on OEM-quality components, proven durability, and specialised advice so you pay for what you truly need.
2. Overwhelming Choices
You don’t have to figure it out alone. We simplify the process with step-by-step recommendations based on how and where you drive.
3. Technical Complexity
We make complex decisions easier. Our team clearly explains the why behind every part.
4. Installation Time
We manage realistic timelines and pre-check stock, so your upgrades don’t delay your adventures.
5. Legal and Regulatory Concerns
Most of our modifications are UK-compliant and checked to meet road safety and insurance standards.
6. Maintenance & Longevity
Using Arctic Trucks-grade components means improved performance, fewer surprises, and better access to parts and support.
7. Impact on Resale Value
With Arctic Trucks, your upgrades add value in addition to looks. Buyers know and trust our name.
8. Terrain-Specific Needs
Whether it’s snow, mud, rocks or sand, we match your Hilux to the job.
9. Remote Support & Reliability
We build for the long haul. And when you need help, we’re a call away.
Conclusion
Your Toyota Hilux deserves more than a lift kit and stick-on arches. With Arctic Trucks, every modification is designed and balanced with real off-road engineering to deliver real off-road results without the guesswork.
Are you ready to transform your truck into the perfect partner for your lifestyle? Visit our website or contact us at info@arctictrucks.com or +44 (0)1926 937 222. Let us help you find the ideal accessories tailored just for you. Start your journey to a more capable, comfortable, and customised pick-up truck today.
Explore Without Limits and Drive YOUR adventure!
