Toyota Australia has some new flavours for their bestselling model going into 2018. Due to arrive in somewhere in Q2, three new variants will join the HiLux range: Rogue, Rugged, and Rugged X.
These images are all that we know about the 2018 HiLux as no word on uniform feature additions were mentioned either. Interestingly, Toyota is aiming for the higher end of the market here as all these upcoming variants will sit above the SR5.
With that in mind, expect them to start at around $60,000 for what we assume to be the least expensive of the lot: the HiLux Rogue. Pegged as the sportier twist on the popular pick-up, it comes with a more aggressive exterior details, new fascia, and larger hexagonal grille.
Following this we have the brothers Rugged and Rugged X which adds a little more go-anywhere menace to the exterior. Aside from the bull bar that comes with the Rugged, the X takes the off-roading enthusiast theme a little further with a black honeycomb grille, snorkel, LED driving lights, high-strength front and rear recovery points, rock rails, and other heavy duty components.
Up front, the Rugged X also comes with a matching black high-tensile alloy bash plate and a winch-compatible hoop-less steel bull bar. Depending on which variant is chose, it’s pretty certain that the interior will be made to accent the each’s theme: slick and sporty for the Rogue, tough and chunky for the Rugged and Rugged X.
Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales and marketing, said: "HiLux buyers increasingly demand additional features - in fact, they spend more on accessories than any other vehicle in our range. "These new vehicles will enable them to make a statement with advanced toughness, added capability, practical comfort, first-class safety and the in-built strength that makes HiLux the indisputable No. 1,”
"HiLux Rugged X is a no-compromise vehicle for those seeking adventure with a robust and capable vehicle that makes the ultimate statement: work hard, play harder. HiLux Rogue is for people who want refinement and capability, enabling them to go for weekend adventures and do it in style. HiLux Rugged is about toughness and off-road performance - an ideal vehicle for getting off the beaten track,” he said.
Should these all be based upon the existing SR5, there should therefore be no changes in terms of the raw mechanicals. Drive will still be sent through to all four wheels via either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, while a 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder up front with 130kW and 450Nm provides thrust.
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