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The updated Toyota HiLux Rogue comes with various dynamic upgrades, but the same price. Look out, Ranger Wildtrak?
The updated 2023 Toyota HiLux Rogue range-topper is set to arrive in Australian showrooms in October, with “significant mechanical upgrades” claimed to improve both on- and off-road performance.
Refreshingly, the updated HiLux Rogue will be priced from $70,200 before on-road costs – which is same price as the pre-update model.
For context it is about the same ($10 more expensive) than the Ford Ranger Wildtrak with the V6 turbo-diesel. It’s also $5770 more than the current HiLux SR5+ dual-cab pickup automatic flagship.
As previously detailed, the updated Aussie-finished Rogue gets a wider front and rear track (up 140mm), and an added 20mm of ride height. These are claimed to aid both on- and off-road performance.
Toyota engineers overhauled the existing suspension by extending the front suspension arm and front stabiliser bar length. It also adjusted the shock absorber angle.
The rear axle length has been extended, and the dampers have been moved further outwards towards the wheels.
For the first time on the HiLux, there’s a rear stabiliser bar fitted to the Rogue, designed to “enhance cornering stability and ride comfort”.
Toyota claims that roll rigidity has been “enhanced by 20 per cent” as a result of all these suspension changes.
The upgrades don’t stop there, as there are new ventilated rear disc brakes that replace the existing drum brakes.
The front disc brakes have also been upgraded to units that have a diameter of 17 inches, one inch larger than the ones on the pre-update Rogue.
Capping off the exterior upgrades to the updated HiLux Rogue are wider wheel arch flares and mud flaps to accommodate those wider track widths, as well as larger 18-inch alloy wheels with a darkened finish.
The 2023 Toyota HiLux Rogue retains its locally-developed electric roller cover for the tub, a sports bar, and tub lining made from “marine-grade carpet”.
Other notable standard features include perforated leather accented upholstery, heated front seats, panoramic view monitor, integrated trailer wiring harness, and a towball.
The 2023 Toyota HiLux Rogue comes standard with a nine-speaker premium sound system, but customers can select a six-speaker sound system for a $750 discount.
Toyota Australia says it has implemented this particular strategy to “secure continued supply of HiLux Rogue for customers”.
Like the majority of the HiLux range, the Rogue is powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2023 Toyota HiLux Rogue is available in the following exterior paint colours:
The updated HiLux Rogue won’t be at the top of the tree for long as the Japanese automaker has already announced a GR Sport “hardcore halo” HiLux variant, which is replacing the now-defunct Rugged X, will be introduced in the second half of 2023.
In a recent sparse three-paragraph press release, Toyota’s local arm described the HiLux GR Sport as its “off-road focused” range-topping ute, but offered precisely zero more intel.
Jack Quick is an emerging automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Jack recently graduated from Deakin University and has previously competed in dance nationally. In his spare time, Jack likes to listen to hyperpop and play Forza Horizon.
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