Posted: 17/04/2018
Toyota has given its HiLux a serious dose of style, refinement and rugged off-road prowess with the launch of the new 4x4 double cab Rugged X, Rogue and Rugged models.
The three new hero models of Australia's best-selling vehicle have been designed and developed in Australia with support from Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan and Toyota in Thailand.
Explore Hilux Rogue
Explore Hilux Rugged
Explore Hilux Rugged X
Toyota Australia's vice president sales and marketing Sean Hanley said the three new halo models have been designed to meet the demands of Australian customers and Australian conditions and build on the "Unbreakable" reputation of HiLux.
"These three new HiLux heroes give customers a bold new choice in the market whether they are looking for a stylish and refined top-end ute for work and play or need enhanced protection, functionality and recovery capability for serious off-roading," Mr Hanley said.
"We know that the average HiLux customer already spends over $2000 on accessories for their vehicles so we looked at what those needs were from both a capability and style perspective and developed a raft of new features for HiLux.
"Designed and developed over a three-year vehicle program, all the new components on these stunning HiLux models are fully integrated and engineered into the core vehicle and covered by the standard factory warranty.
"The Rugged X, Rogue and Rugged are not accessorised special editions, they are fully fledged new HiLux models that our customers demanded and we can be justifiably proud that they were designed and developed here in Australia," he said.
With its off-road focus, the Rugged X builds on the SR5 on which it is based with a host of protective, functional and recovery features.
At the front, the winch-compatible heavy-duty steel front bar with integrated bash plate, LED lightbar and driving lights provides effective off-road protection and, together with the new design grille, gives the Rugged X a striking and tough aesthetic.
Further protective and recovery features include a snorkel, purposeful side rock rails that are able to support a fully laden vehicle, front and rear recovery points and a new heavy-duty steel rear bar and integrated tow bar.
The rear tub of the Rugged X has also been designed for functionality with a new steel sports bar that can support a vertical load of 75kg and, with multiple tie down points, secure up to 200kg on the floor of the tub.
Inside, the new Rugged X delivers all the comfort and style of a premium double cab ute, including leather-accented seats.
A new design instrument cluster, metallic black ornamentation and black headlining complete the interior design theme.
The new HiLux Rogue has been designed with a more urban adventurer customer in mind and features redesigned front and rear ends that reflect Toyota's global truck design DNA.
Designed in Australia and developed in conjunction with the Toyota engineering team in Thailand, the HiLux Rogue is a stylish premium HiLux model that will be sold in markets around the world.
The new more vertical front end and outboard driving lights give the vehicle a strong assertive appearance that is complemented by clean lines and a neat rear bumper - all with a contemporary black and grey colour palette.
The tub also gains the same practical and stylish sports bar as all the new HiLux models along with a bespoke hard tonneau cover for added protection and security.
As a premium model, the Rogue also gains the same interior features and trim as the Rugged X.
Explore Hilux Rogue
Explore Hilux Rugged
Explore Hilux Rugged X
The new Rugged model is based on the HiLux SR and is aimed at customers who want the extra functionality and features of the Rugged X but with the protection offered by a traditional steel bullbar.
Like the Rugged X, the Rugged also features a snorkel, redesigned grille, side rock rails, sports bar and heavy-duty steel rear bar together recovery points.
All three new HiLux models share the same mechanical specifications as the SR5 or SR models on which they are based and are powered by a proven, strong and efficient 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine.
Driving through a part-time, shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system with a full set of low-range ratios, the engine generates maximum power of 130kW and 450Nm of torque with the optional six-speed automatic transmission or 420Nm when mated to the six-speed manual gearbox.