Overview
WE HAVE waited fairly a while to leap behind the ‘wheel of a 48-volt HiLux Rogue, the GoAuto crew not solely concerned with seeing how the car performs towards the previous turbo-diesel mannequin, but in addition to guage the rig’s towing capacity when sufficiently loaded.
After a latest stint within the HiLux SR – additionally outfitted with Toyota’s V-Lively expertise 48-volt gentle hybrid system – the chance to delve just a little deeper into elements of the car many consumers utilise on a day-to-day foundation was one we merely couldn’t go up… however extra on that in a second.
First, we expect it’s of worth to grasp the gentle hybrid system as featured within the Toyota HiLux just a little higher.
Far completely different from the parallel hybrid expertise present in fashions just like the Corolla and Camry, the HiLux system combines a 48-volt lithium-ion battery, electrical motor-generator (resembling one thing akin to a bigger alternator and set on the serpentine belt), and a DC/DC converter.
Like different hybrid techniques it presents electrical help when required and regenerative braking when coasting. It additionally supplies the HiLux with an exceptionally fast-acting idle-stop system to avoid wasting the gas in any other case misplaced to idling.
Toyota says the 48-volt expertise allows elevated efficiency and improved gas economic system, and in flip decrease emissions.
All variants outfitted with V-Lively expertise additionally characteristic Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Choose (MTS) off-road system, providing drivers six selectable modes to enhance traction throughout a variety of circumstances. Accessible modes embody Grime, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Auto in excessive vary 4WD, and Sand, Mud, Auto and Rock modes in low vary 4WD.
In any other case, the HiLux Rogue is just like the two.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel mannequin – the one outward proof of hybridisation an “EV” decal on the quantity plate and a rejigged console with mode selector, single cup holder, cellphone holder, wi-fi gadget charging pad, idle-stop swap, and twin rear USB-C ports.
Energy and torque outputs are unchanged at 150kW at 3000-3400rpm and 500Nm between 1600-2800rpm respectively, Toyota claiming a Mixed cycle gas consumption determine of seven.8 litres per 100km.
Drive continues by way of a six-speed Aisin-sourced computerized transmission and dual-range four-wheel drive system, whereas braking is disc all-round.
The HiLux Rogue measures 5325mm in size, 2020mm in width, 1870mm in peak and rides upon a 3085mm wheelbase. The entrance observe is listed at 1670mm and the rear 1705mm, offering vital advantages in stability when towing over the observe of the “slim physique” vary (1535mm entrance / 1550mm rear).
Braked towing capability is listed at 3500kg with a tow ball down weight of 10 per cent (350kg). The kerb mass of the HiLux Rogue V-Lively is listed at 2286kg and Gross Automobile Mass (GVM) 3050kg, leaving a complete payload determine of 764kg. The Gross Mixture Mass (GCM) is 5850kg.
The 2025 Toyota HiLux Rogue V-Lively is accessible from $71,530 plus on-road prices and stays backed by Toyota’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee for personal consumers or five-year/160,000km guarantee for industrial and enterprise consumers.
Capped-price servicing is obtainable throughout the guarantee interval, the HiLux requiring a go to to the service division each six months or 10,000km (whichever comes first). The primary six providers are priced at $305 with subsequent scheduled upkeep charged at $378, $816, $573, and $479 respectively.
Driving Impressions
Hiring a twin axle tipper trailer for just a little weekend farm work was a cinch. The 8.0-inch color touchscreen and its useful tips made aligning the hitch a easy course of, the coupling and fitted REDARC electrical trailer brake controller offering the whole lot wanted for protected and assured towing.
The heavy-duty tandem axle trailer, outfitted with a considerable single piston hydraulic ram for the tipper, nudged the dimensions at 800kg, and was permitted to hold 2000kg – which is precisely the place we wished it.
In all, the determine of 2800kg behind the HiLux Rogue fell 700kg in need of the utmost ranking, although it was vital we left house for a mattress filled with instruments and a few passengers to maintain the rig safely below its marketed GCM.
Noting static rear-end sag of lower than 10mm, I used to be hopeful the HiLux Rogue would provide assured and steady towing.
As a wide-body Rogue proprietor who commonly hauls a tandem automobile trailer, I famous no distinction within the dynamics of the V-Lively mannequin towards its turbo-diesel predecessor. The broad observe and agency leaf rear-end present wonderful stability in corners and at freeway speeds, decreasing the impact of crosswind and truck wash with aplomb.
The all-disc brake association – assisted with a REDARC digital brake controller over electrical drums on the trailer – present enough stopping energy too. The mix of disc brakes and a wider observe is one I reckon anybody towing commonly a bigger trailer, van, or boat ought to contemplate if a HiLux is on the buying listing.
With my ideas targeted totally on how Toyota’s V-Lively expertise would carry out within the combined velocity zones, twisting again roads, and undulating freeway grades that lay forward I used to be happy to notice not solely how energetic the electrically assisted driveline was at getting simply over 5400kg of auto, trailer, load and passengers underway, however how sensible the transmission logic felt with Sport mode chosen.
Decisively deciding on and holding the very best ratio for the terrain forward, the HiLux Rogue V-Lively supplied not solely the torque to climb steeper grades with out “looking” between gears, but in addition managed to carry a decrease gear when descending, that means fewer purposes of the brake pedal than would in any other case be required.
To be clear, this can be a trait that’s not solely particular to the 48-volt car, however one I’ve skilled by myself car. The Aisin AC60 collection six-speed computerized transmission is a sweetly calibrated unit that fits the applying extremely properly – little surprise it’s used within the Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max, (associated) Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Triton, and others…
The HiLux Rogue V-Lively comfortably held the posted 80km/h by means of the winding grades of freeway leaving city, holding fourth gear with out difficulty for everything of the climb. Nudging again to 100km/h as soon as permitted, there was little clatter or pressure, the car seemingly unfazed by the load up again.
In fact, the engine sounded prefer it was working, altering word appreciably from its unladen state. With a substantial load in tow, the 1GD diesel sounds muscular, with extra bass than earlier than, and with a wholesome dose of turbo whistle evident by means of the snorkel. As anticipated, it additionally used much more gas.
On its lonesome, the HiLux Rogue V-Lively used round 8.5 litres per 100km in a mixture of city and freeway working. With 2800kg in tow, that determine rose to a gentle 14.4L/100km. Curiously, each numbers are decrease than for my commonplace turbo-diesel Rogue which, with a number of modifications together with suspension, bar work, and off-road rubber, hovers across the mid 10s on the town and excessive 14s when towing.
General, I reckon the 48-volt system serves solely to refine what’s already a formidable car. The flexibility for the electrical motor to “fill in” the hole from step-off till the turbo spools up, and to enhance gas effectivity throughout the board, is clear, even when examined with a beneficiant load on board.
Is it sufficient for me to contemplate upgrading? In all probability not. However have been I buying new proper now, I’d don’t have any reservation signing up for a V-Lively mannequin – and neither must you. It’s actually so simple as that.
