Toyota’s updated HiLux Rogue looks like it has been given a bunch of growth hormones. But if its wider and taller stance doesn’t inspire you, then the new suspension package might just do the trick.
It’s in the latter where the beefy off road focused ute has undergone some of the biggest improvements, including chassis upgrades, with a wider track (140mm) and increases ride height (up 20mm to 265mm).
Not only does that make it look better, but it enhances drivability, on and off road. Toyota’s flagship ute has a reputation for being uncompromisingly hard working, and fun to drive. It’s plenty capable as a tow vehicle too, with a 3,500kg braked towing capacity.
In the looks department, new fenders and mudguards accommodate its increased width, and there’s darkened 18-inch alloys. These are joined by a motorised roller cover, stylish resin sports bar, and a tub lined with marine-grade carpet.
You’ll also find an integrated trailer wiring harness and tow bar, while inside there’s keyless start, heated front seats with perforated, leather accented upholstery, and a 360-surround view monitor. Twin gloveboxes also feature, one with cooling.
There’s also a sunglasses holder, a centre console with a 240-volt power outlet, double central cup holders, a key tray and additional pop-out drink holders in front of each dash-end vent.
The Rogue comes standard with a 9-speaker JBL premium audio system, which produces epically good sound, making it one of the best systems in a 4×4 ute. An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use, if not a little basic.
It offers Bluetooth, voice recognition, satellite navigation and audio controls, along with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The unit is the centrepiece of a generously-sized cabin, offering good visibility.
Put to the test in a variety of situations, we drove the Rogue on the beach, highway, and fire trails, and parked in some confined places. The big Toyota handled it all like a pro. The upgraded suspension offers flatter cornering and improved firmness, on and off road.
The extended length of the front suspension arm and stabiliser bar, and lengthened rear axle, with adjustments to the front and rear dampers have made a noticeable difference towards reducing body roll and enhancing steering feel.
Likewise, the installation of a rear stabiliser bar enhances the perception of control in any driving scenario. Measuring 1,870mm in height, 5,320mm in length, and 2020mm in width, the 2023 Toyota HiLux Rogue has a kerb weight of 2,110kg.
It comes standard with 265/60 R18 front and rear tyres, and features ventilated disc brakes for improved stopping power. The tub floor is 1550mm long and 1520mm wide with 1110mm between the wheel arches.
Powered by a very responsive 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, the Rogue produces 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque, teamed exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s a pretty quiet combination.
Fuel consumption during testing was a decent enough 8.4-litres/100km from the 80-litre tank, making it good for about 952km. There’s a load of safety tech including autonomous emergency braking, ABS and electronic stability and traction control.
Trailer-sway and radar cruise control also feature, along with a lane departure system, low speed crash avoidance with braking, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. The HiLux has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Wider, taller, tougher and loaded with enhancements for on and off-road performance, the 2023 Toyota HiLux Rogue is impressive. It handles whatever you can throw at it easily, and has more than enough power for towing.
The 4WD system, with low and high range, and a diff lock, is easy and simple to operate, even for a novice. At $70,200 before on-road costs the price isn’t bad either, meaning it’s well worth checking out if you’re in the market for a beefed up ute offering.
The Rogue is available in nine exterior colours, including Glacier White, Frosted White, Silver Sky, Graphite, Eclipse Black, Nebula Blue, Feverish Red, Saturn Blue and Oxide Bronze (as tested).
Backed by Toyota’s 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, the 2023 Toyota HiLux Rogue comes with capped price servicing. You can find out more on the Toyota Australia website. If you’re keen on one, and need finance, visit CreditOne.
Our test vehicle was provided by Toyota Australia. To find out more about the 2023 Toyota HiLux Rogue 4×4, contact your local Toyota dealer.
