Toyota has been breaking sales records Down Under for the last 13 years. Australia’s favourite car brand has topped the charts, with the Hilux, Landcruiser, Prado, RAV4 and Corolla finding more new customers than competitive vehicles in the respective categories. The rare combination of reliability, reasonable prices, proven technology, vast model range, and the largest dealer network in the country tick most boxes for most buyers.
Add the palatable servicing costs, or accessory options with affordable Toyota genuine parts, and that number grows further. Where the company gets everything right is designing and building cars for tough Aussie terrain. It also supplies its customers with compatible, long-lasting, and stylish on- and off-roading accessories that keep them and their Toyotas protected and always safe. The three best-selling protective additions are bull bars, nudge bars and skid plates.
Bull Bars
Bull bars mitigate the risks of animal strikes and collisions. They protect vital vehicle components so you can get to your destination safely. Toyota recommends properly fitted genuine bull bars that have been tested and evaluated for crash performance, including the deployment of airbags during collisions. The bars are also designed to work with Toyota Safety Sense active features such as Lane Departure Alert, Pre-Collision Safety and the array of parking sensors and cameras as a fully integrated safety system.
Genuine Toyota bull bars are vehicle-specific and made with tighter tolerances for a cleaner fit. Designs differ between hooped and hopp-less bars. Both factors mean they won’t impede airflow or impact brightness levels from the headlights. And you know that your 10-year Toyota warranty won’t be affected.
Steel or Aluminium?
OEM bars are made for the Prado, Landcruiser 70, 200 and 300 series and all cab variants of the Hilux. The choice between steel or aluminium boils down to weight, appearance, corrosion resistance and overall price. Choose steel bars if you’re regularly driving in rural areas with a higher likelihood of animal strikes, or need the outright strength. Toyota offers commercial and premium steel grades with slight weight differences.
Both are powder-coated to prevent rust, are winch and LED bar-compatible and can be used with front recovery points. Commercial steel bars have integrated mesh grilles for enhanced radiator protection, while premium steel variants promise more stiffness with integrated I-beam uprights. The latter additionally comes in more colour options for easy colour matching or branding.
Go with aluminium to rule out necessary changes to the stock suspension and prevent steering issues. These bars are up to 25 per cent lighter, have a polished finish and won’t rust even in the heaviest rain. Their lower price is reflected by slightly lower protection than steel variants, and in a standard or premium option.
Ability to Add Accessories
Both types can handle OE and aftermarket accessories with provisions for mounting driving lights, LED bars, winches, and antennas as well as indicators, plate lights and wiring harnesses.
Nudge Bars
Nudge bars protect your vehicle in minor collisions. They’re smaller and lighter and bull bars, cover less of the vehicle, and do a good job against bumps, knocks and scrapes in everyday, urban driving. They’re quicker and easier to install, don’t require a suspension tune, and come at a third of the price of full, premium triple hoops. Toyota offers aluminium and steel nudge bars for the Hilux, Prado, HiAce and other vehicles, in standard or premium finishes.
Skid and Bash Plates
Bull bars are necessary Toyota genuine parts if you’re also fitting a bash or skid plate. These provide undercarriage protection, shielding axles, the transmission, steering and other components in heavy-duty use. Like the bull bars, they’ve undergone serious testing, are made of thick, durable metals, and with high impact resistance, provide the needed protection in work and off-roading conditions. They attach to the bar via bolts, while allowing the use of recovery gear and tow points.
Other Protective Parts to Consider
Depending on which Toyota vehicle you own, and how and where you drive, the list of practical and protective parts doesn’t end here. The ute and 4WD range can be fitted with headlight and bonnet protectors to prevent chipping, scratches and dust buildup; weathershileds to enjoy the fresh air and open windows in any weather; and a full array of rated front and rear recovery tow points for technical terrain. Weatherhsields and protective covers are also sold for the RAV4, Corolla Cross and other selected models.
Compared to Aftermarket Options
Genuine bull and nudge bars are exceptional OEM options for new vehicles. They’re well-made, ensure a tight fit, come fully compatible with all safety systems and won’t void warranties. And they occupy the middle ground in terms of price compared to aftermarket variants.
While Toyota may use third-party manufacturers for its accessories line, there are evident differences, particularly with quality control and fit and finish. Like the vehicles, each part is thoroughly tested, guaranteed to protect your car and ensured to last. Not many aftermarket names can pledge the same despite their higher asking price.
