Toyota HiLux goes rogue with one of three new HiLux variants that have come out to spread the Ute appeal from the adventurous offroader to the more urban practical motorist.
HiLux Rogue is a great all-round vehicle with a satisfactory accessory package combined with its above average and eye pleasing exterior and interior features.
This is a serious effort by Toyota in pushing a Ute model into a highly competitive field of luxury, suburban Ute with solid off road capabilities.
Exterior
Rogue is packed with some great accessory features on the exterior shell which included a rear bumper bar, tow bar, 18 inch black alloy “Rogue” wheels, a load rated sports bar, hard tonneau cover with a very well thought of tailgate dust sealing kit.
The back tub was lined with marine grade carpet which I was in two minds about, I appreciated the soft finish for putting more sensitive, fragile items in but didn’t think it was practical when I loaded in tools, timbers and miscellaneous equipment related to my job.
The contrast of the black trim of the bars, alloys and front grille to the pearl white exterior colour of the shell seemed sensible and neutral for a more suburban based motorist like me.
Interior
The inner features are a noticeable upgrade from the SR5 model, in particular the dashboard and media console area had a sleek taper/finish with a splash of black shiny plastic edges fitted along the length of the dash and console area.
Heated leather seats provided great comfort and support for me and were easily adjustable with the electronic switches down the right hand side of the driver’s seat.
The media system was satisfactory and very user friendly, providing entertainment through its Bluetooth system and solid audio system. No Apple Car Play though. The temperature controls were self-explanatory and helped in creating a comfortable temperature at all times.
Like the SR5, there was some handy storage space in the form of easy to reach drink holders installed in both the drivers and passenger door and a double set placed in the middle, as well as slide out cupholders near the air vents, a generous sized glovebox and fair amount of flat surface on top of the dashboard for documents and various paperwork etc.
Rear seats are the same size and shape as an SR5, while they are comfortable, like a lot of Utes there really isn’t a lot of room back there.
Features
Major features include:
- Five leather seats
- 10 inch multimedia screen
- Climate control for both the cabin and two front seats
- Multiple drink holders
- Bluetooth and USB plug for all major phone devices
- Electronic seat adjustors
- Cruise control
- Seven airbags
- Active traction control
- Reversing camera
Drive and Engine
The Rogue is powered by a standard 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine making 130kW @ 3400rpm of power and 450Nm of torque from 1600-2400rpm in the 6 speed auto model. It also has the HiLux 4WD system
The off road driving experience was satisfactory enough even with the road orientated tyres. The hill descent feature was great however and is easily adjustable through the cruise control.
With a payload of around 150-200kg in the tub, the Rogue was more than comfortable as it chugged along when in a steady rhythm.
The urban commute was satisfactory and I never felt uncomfortable or too “big” when navigating through the densely choked roads of the city and inner city suburbs.
Fuel efficiency, depending on congestion hovered between a reasonable 8.8/100km to 12.6/100km on my daily commute to work and various sites both urban and rural. The suspension was more than enough for my driving experience and was solid with a payload.
Safety
With a Five Star ANCAP safety rating the Rogue safety features include:
- AFS self adjusting headlights
- Hill start assist
- Active Traction control
- Seven airbags
- Hill descent control
- ABS braking
- Reversing camera and rear parking sensors
- Trailer sway control
- Load rated roof racks
- Anchor points for securing a load located in the rear tub
What’s Good:
- Urban Style
- Surprisingly good looks
- Features
What’s Not:
- A little pricey
- Road based tyres not best for off road
- No Apple Car Play or Android Auto
Summary
HiLux Rogue provided a very comfortable driving experience overall.
I enjoyed the balance between the off road features and more sophisticated interior features this model showcased.
It made daily work driving more enjoyable and was able to easily head off road when required for recreation or work. Note my earlier comment about being let down with the off road capabilities with a road biased set of tyres provided.
With a price tag of just above $60,000 the consumer is getting a comfortable balanced driving experience in a Ute. It is clear Toyota have made an obvious effort in appealing to the more suburban based motorist, personally I would consider my options if I had this kind of money to invest into a Ute however I know for a fact this vehicle has great appeal and would provide most Ute enthusiast with a satisfactory experience.
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Facts and Figures: 2019 Toyota HiLux Rogue 4WD
- Engine: 2.8L four-cylinder Turbo CRD producing 130kW/450Nm
- Transmission: 4WD 6 speed Auto
- Warranty: 5 years/ unlimited km 5 Yrs Roadside
- Safety: Five stars
- Origin: Thailand
- Price: from $62,490 MLP*
*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.