TOYOTA has slipped its new HiLux Rogue into the Australian market with little fanfare this month, the dual-cab utility bringing with it vital tools upgrades over the outgoing model, for a similar checklist worth of $70,200 plus on-road prices.
Meaning the Rogue is priced $3010 increased than its nearest four-cylinder competitor, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak (from $67,190 + ORC), which in some ways reveals how dated the eighth-generation HiLux now’s, having first debuted again in 2015. However extra on that in a short time…
Sporting what Toyota calls “vital mechanical upgrades”, the upgraded HiLux Rogue options revised brakes, suspension, and physique enhancements. Modifications to the Rogue’s suspension centre round a entrance and rear observe improve of roughly 140mm, whereas trip top has additionally been elevated by roughly 20mm.
Toyota says its engineers upgraded the HiLux’s suspension by extending the size of the entrance suspension arm and entrance stabiliser bar whereas additionally adjusting the entrance damper angle to enhance effectivity.
The rear axle of the HiLux Rogue has additionally been lengthened, and as such, the rear dampers have been moved outward to reinforce stability and damping efficiency. Eager eyes will spot the rear-end’s pronounced constructive camber (when unladen).
Additional, and for the primary time, the mannequin has a rear stabiliser bar put in which Toyota says will enhance roll rigidity by 20 per cent and improve steering really feel when cornering and altering lanes.
Braking enhancements see the HiLux Rogue outfitted with rear ventilated disc brakes to switch the present drum setup, serving to to enhance stopping energy.
Like different HiLux dual-cab four-wheel drive variants, the Rogue stays powered by Toyota’s 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 150kW/500Nm (in opposition to 154kW/500Nm for the twin-turbocharged Ranger). It’s accessible completely with a six-speed computerized transmission.
The upgraded Rogue is distinguished by its vast observe, bolstered fenders and distinguished wheelarch extensions entrance and rear. The variant rides completely on 18-inch alloy wheels with a darkened end shod with highway-biased Dunlop Grandtrek PT22 tyres in a 265/60 profile.
Different options, carried over from the mannequin’s predecessor, embody a domestically developed motorised curler cowl, trendy resin sports activities bar and a bathtub lined with marine-grade carpet.
Commonplace tools highlights embody heated entrance seats with perforated leather-based accented upholstery (as per that discovered on SR5 Premium), panoramic view monitor (360-degree digicam system), and an built-in trailer wiring harness and tow pack.
The 2023 Toyota HiLux Rogue arrives as customary with a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system and is out there in 9 exterior colors: Oxide Bronze (pictured), Glacier White, Frosted White, Silver Sky, Graphite, Eclipse Black, Nebula Blue, Saturn Blue, and Feverish Crimson.
