Bullbars not only make your Toyota Hilux look tough, but they also give you the protection you need for your off-road adventure. But what are the best bull bars for a Toyota Hilux, you ask?
In this article, we’ll look at 5 of the best bull bars that you can buy in Australia for a Hilux. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to decide which bull bar is right for your vehicle.
We’ve tried to cover as many Hilux models as possible here, so there is quite a range of bull bars.
| AFN Bullbar (Full) | Ironman Deluxe Commercial Bullbar | Max Gen II Bull Bar | XROX Bullbar | Outback Accessories Bullbar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best for n80  |  | best 2021 hilux bull bar  |  |  | |
Hilux 126 Series 2015 - Onwards & Revo N80 2015-2017 | Hilux Revo 2015-04/2018 | Hilux MY21 (07/20 Onwards) | Hilux Revo 2.8DT 4WD 07/2015-06/2018 | Hilux 4WD 08/2011-06/2015 | |
Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel | |
Powder-coated | Powder-coated | Powder-coated | Powder-coated | ?? | |
12,000 lbs | 12,000 lbs | ?? | 9,000 lbs | 9,500 lbs | |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
50 kg | 80 kg | 90 kg | 65 kg | 60 kg |
Best Bull Bars for Toyota Hilux Australia
AFN Bull Bar
Our Pick
Our pick for the best bull bars happens to be one of the most sought-after bull bars in the market.
Its popularity arises not only from its tough looks but also its insane capability and performance.
The AFN bullbar boasts a lightweight design yet solid construction. At only 50kg, the AFN bull bar has enough strength to handle the toughest Australian off-roads without weighing down your vehicle.
Furthermore, it has designated recovery points and is winch compatible up to 12,000lbs.
Unlike many bull bars in the market, the AFN bullbar seamlessly follows the natural curves of your Toyota Hilux giving it its aggressive looks and completely replacing the factory bumpers.
However, it comes at a cost, literally. AFN bull bar is the most expensive bull bar on this list. Despite the high price tag, they are very hard to get. The waitlist on these bull bars can be multiple weeks to months.
Nevertheless, we recommend the AFN bullbar for extreme off-roaders with a decent budget to work with.
Ironman Deluxe Commercial Bullbar
Best Value
If you’re looking for a sweet alternative to the AFN bullbars, this is definitely it.
It has a very similar tough look, compact, tough, equipped with parking and indicators lights, and matches the curves of your Toyota Hilux but costs significantly less.
It’s made with premium-grade steel with a powder-coated finish to prevent rust and corrosion.
Winch compatible to up to 12,000 lbs, it also has designated recovery points.
However, the Ironman Deluxe Commercial bullbar comes in at around 80kg, significantly heavier than our top pick.
Depending on your vehicle’s current setup, you may need to upgrade and replace its suspension if you want to install this beast.
Max Gen II Bull Bar
Best 2021 Hilux Bull Bar
Designed in Australia with the Australian environment in mind, the Max Gen II Bull Bar is a force to be reckoned with.
It is made with high-grade steel packed with aerial and spotlight mounting points to ensure that you can bring everything you need on your 4WD adventure.
Like the previous two, it is compatible with a winch and your vehicle's airbags. These are tested and certified to comply with the Australian standards which guarantee the quality and safety of the products.
The Max Gen II has two 4,000kg rated recovery points designed to handle the force of another vehicle pulling you out of a sticky situation.
One thing to point out, however, is that it may have a powder-coated finish and tough construction, but it fails to capture our attention in terms of look.
It’s also very heavy which means you may need to upgrade your suspension once you install one of these bullbars.
Nevertheless, Max Gen II bullbar is one of the best 2021 Toyota Hilux bull bars in the market in terms of performance and you can get them at a very good price.
XROX Bullbar
Honourable Mention
The XROX unit is a simple yet capable bullbar for those who love extreme off-roading.
It has a cross-over tube steel construction offering maximum protection without adding unnecessary weight.
It offers a steep incline on the side wings offering maximum ground clearance for approaches and ascents.
The XROX nudge bar has a total of 9 tabs for aerials, spotlights, or flags, offering you versatility and freedom to choose the layout of your mounts.
Plus, it supports up to 9,000 lbs of low mount winch directly attached to the bar.
But the best thing about the XROX unit is its winged design that allows you to completely detach the side wings allowing you to replace only the damaged part in the event of a collision.
A few things to note, however, is that it lacks steel protection in the headlights. The overall design also fails to give us the modern look of the other bullbars on this list.
Overall, XROX bull bar is an effective and simple solution for your off-roading needs. Keep in mind that they are made to order and can take up to 8 weeks to deliver, so plan ahead!
Outback Accessories Bullbar
Another option for the older Toyota Hilux from 2011 to 2015 (late N70) is the Outback Accessories bull bar.
Unlike the XROX bull bar (also for older Hilux models), it offers full front protection including the headlights. This is an important feature if you’re going to be hitting the more serious trails.
It comes complete with mounting points for all the necessary add ons, and it has a zinc undercoat to resist surface rust and corrosion.
However, there are no noted recovery points for the Outback Accessory Bullbar. You may have to confirm with the manufacturer if this is important for you.
Nevertheless, we recommend the Outback Accessory Bullbar for those who are looking for an effective, yet affordable solution to their vehicle’s front protection.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Bull Bar
Before you lock in a purchase, consider the following key points.
Weight
You have to consider the weight of your bull bar relative to your suspension. Heavy bull bars can affect the weight and balance of your vehicle.
If you choose a heavy bullbar with lots of add ons, then you most likely will have to also upgrade your suspension, which adds to the total cost of the upgrade.
Compatibility
When choosing a bull bar that you’ll use for off-roading, you’ll most likely want one that’s winch compatible. At some point or another, you’ll either get stuck, or be helping someone else who has gotten stuck.
Either way, a winch will be very handy and you’ll be glad you bought a winch-compatible bull bar. A built-in recovery point is also a huge plus.
Furthermore, you need a bull bar that’s compatible with your vehicle’s technology. Modern vehicles have an emergency braking system that can be affected if the bull bar isn’t compatible with it.
Airbag triggering can also be an issue. Vicroads has more on how bull bars affect crash safety.
Mounting Points
Are you planning to have lots of add ons like spotlights, fog lights, aerials, and flags? Then make sure your bull bar is equipped with mounting points.
Also, consider the positioning of those mounting points. Are your LED lights exposed and at risk of getting smashed upon a collision? Or maybe the mounting point of the fog lights can interfere with your view when installed?
Toyota Hilux Bull Bars - FAQ
How much does a Toyota Hilux bull bar cost?
When buying a bull bar for Toyota Hilux, expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to almost $3,000 depending on the type, brand, and features of your bull bar.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best bullbar for Toyota Hilux and you have a decent budget to work with, then you most definitely have to go for the AFN bullbar.
They’re tough not only in performance but also in aesthetic.
However, there are lots of good options on this list. You just have to choose which one is best for you and suits your vehicle.
This article may contain affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you choose to purchase a product or service after clicking on my link. This helps pay for the cost of running the website. You will not be disadvantaged in any way by using my links.
Note that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page, there may sometimes be errors. Check all specifications with the manufacturer before purchasing any product.
