HiLux special editions released
The trio were released in late April; a month which also saw HiLux record its best April sales since 2008. As previewed in JUST 4x4s #341, the HiLux Rugged and Rugged X are designed for off-road, while the HiLux Rogue is more of a tarmac ute. The Rugged is based on the HiLux SR model grade, while the Rugged X and Rogue use the premium SR5 as a base. Pricing starts at $54,990 for the Rugged with a six-speed manual transmission, or $56,990 with the six-speed auto. The Rogue, which is only offered with an auto, is $61,690, while the Rugged X tops the range at $61,690 for the manual and $63,690 for the auto version, making it the most expensive HiLux currently available (all prices exclude ORCs).
All are powered by the standard 2.8-litre HiLux turbo diesel engine, generating 130kW and 450Nm (420Nm with manual trans). All three specials also feature the HiLux’s part-time 4WD system with shift-on-the-fly function and low-range."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," said Toyota Australia's vice president sales and marketing Sean Hanley.With HiLux customers spending around $2,000 on accessories, according to Toyota, these special editions combine some of the most popular and commonly-fitted extras into a single package, backed by a factory warranty. "The Rugged X, Rogue and Rugged are not accessorised special editions,” Hanley adds. “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."
HiLux Rogue – from $61,690 Toyota says the Rogue was designed with an “urban customer” in mind, so the skid plates, bullbars, winches, wheelarch flares and snorkels have been dropped for a cleaner front end. Designed here in Australia and developed locally in conjunction with Toyota engineering in Thailand, Toyota says the Rogue will also be sold internationally as elements applied to this model reflect design trends in international markets. The Rogue is defined by a distinct black & white colour palette, with a modified front bumper that gives the foglights a vertical treatment and adds an all-black grille for what’s said to be a cleaner, simpler appearance. The rear bumper has also been simplified, aimed at achieving the same clean and modern appearance, while gloss black alloy wheels and side mirrors continue the monochrome effect.
A distinctive sport bar (that’s also a part of the Rugged and Rugged X spec) features in the tub, along with a hard tonneau cover that’s exclusive to the Rogue. The sports bar, while primarily decorative, is capable of supporting up to 75kg. Identifying ‘Rogue’ badging graces the grille, tailgate and sports bar. Inside, leather-accented seats are standard, along with a black headlining, while selected trim and detail parts, like the transmission shifter and sections of the door armrests, are finished in metallic black. SR5-spec interior features on this model include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, carpeted floors, floor mats, upgraded air con, additional 12-volt outlet and enhanced steering wheel functions, to name a few. The Rogue also gets a redesigned instrument cluster that’s different to the standard HiLux SR5.
HiLux Rugged – from $54,990 Looking mostly like a regular, bullbar-equipped HiLux at first glance, the Rugged adds a number of features not available on regular models. Designed for off-road, the Rugged’s practical additions for use in rough terrain include the aforementioned bullbar, as well as a snorkel, wheelarch protectors, lower door protectors and load-bearing rock rails. At the rear, there’s a boxier, more utilitarian bumper, with practicality enhanced by a pair of recovery hooks underneath.
There’s a different wheel design to the Rogue and different grille treatment, too, but the sports bar is the same, along with the blackout treatment of the side mirrors. ‘Rugged’ badging is found in the same places as on the Rogue, but this model adds a large black bonnet graphic with additional identification, as well as a small black panel to the tailgate. Being based on the SR model grade means the Rugged features cloth seats and plastic floors, simpler instrumentation and centre console switchgear, as well as a standard steering wheel. There are no model-specific interior additions.
HiLux Rugged X – from $61,690 The premium model amongst the special editions, the Rugged X is also the most unique, with a distinctive front bumper that sets it apart from any HiLux currently available. The bumper is made from heavy duty steel and integrates an LED light bar in the middle, large driving lights in the flanks and a skid plate underneath. Unlike some bumpers and bullbars, the design of this bumper doesn’t have a major impact on approach angles, but if you do get into trouble, the bumper is winch compatible and there’s also pair of recovery hooks in the front end.
As an upgrade of the Rugged, the Rugged X takes many features from that variant, including the grille insert, snorkel, wheels, rock rails, bodyside protection, rear recovery hooks and a rear bumper with integrated tow bar.The tub gets the same load-bearing sports bar as the other special editions, but adds multiple tie-down points to the tub floor capable of safely securing up to 200kg.
While the bonnet decal is the same as that of the Rugged, there are ‘Rugged X’ badges on the sports bar and tailgate. This model also features black plastic tail light surrounds that are not fitted to the Rugged. Inside the Rugged X, the same bespoke instrument cluster and leather-accented seats as the Rogue feature, along with that version’s black headlining and metallic black finish on selected detail parts (shifter, armrests, air vent surrounds, etc.). Being based on an SR5, the interior also includes premium touches, like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, carpeted floors and upgraded air con. All three HiLux special editions are available now. See your Toyota dealer for full specs and features.
