Honest, simple, rugged; three words that describe Toyota’s venerable HiLux perfectly. From towing a load, tackling remote wilderness, or getting to work, it’s enjoyed a well-earned reputation for the longest time.
And while new brands have introduced hybrid dual cabs, Toyota is the first big player to offer its own mild-hybrid drivetrain, in the form of 48-volt ‘V-Active Technology’. It’s a unique proposition, far removed from the traditional hybrid you might know them for.
The term hybrid conjures thoughts of an internal combustion engine working in concert with a battery and electric motor. Toyota as a brand is no stranger to this concept, but this is not like that at all.
Rather than using a battery for propulsion, it is deployed to run ancillaries that would usually rely on an alternator. By removing this piece, the engine is no longer susceptible to the parasitic fuel use that comes with it.
In its place sits a 48V battery pack that is charged by a small electric motor that uses regenerative braking to top it up. Toyota claims that this provides a small boost in acceleration and lowers idle to 600rpm (from 720rpm).
The result is a claimed 10 per cent improvement in fuel economy. In reality, we saw an average fuel usage of 9.7-litres/100km, against a claimed figure of 7.8-litres/100km with a blend of city and highway driving.
Interestingly, the last time we reviewed a Hilux Rogue, the fuel consumption was a far lower 8.4-litres/100km, albeit with a heavy slant toward highway driving. The new version gets Multi Terrain Select (MTS) with six selectable drive modes.
That aside, the rest of the HiLux Rogue remains familiar. While not a bad thing to start with, it’s worth noting that this platform is becoming rather dinosaur-like, having been around since 2015.
Nowhere is this more noticeable than in the interior accommodations. Despite lashings of leather across seating and other surfaces, the utilitarian nature is revealed in the form of hard touch materials and archaic design elements.
Big ticks for longevity, but it’s become the equivalent of the Canning Stock Route in this space. The Rogue does score comfortably bolstered seats which are heated and electrically controlled for the driver though.
An 8.0-inch touchscreen, complete with period-spec resolution allows access to various functions including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, through Toyota’s familiar interface. Tunes are handled by a 9-speaker JBL sound system.
Outputs are good, but the two speakers seemingly glued on at each end of the dashboard seemed rather odd. A pleasing by-product of the older cabin is the smattering of tactile buttons throughout, including HVAC and 4×4 controls.
A traditional gear shifter flanked by a dial to control the various drive modes is also welcomed, while a wireless charging pad supplements USB-A and C ports for front row occupants. Storage abounds in the Rogue cabin.
From a centre console bin, a cooled dash compartment, good sized door pockets and two drink holders in the centre console, there’s plenty of places to put things. There are even two more cup holders at either end of the dash.
The rear row is spacious enough to seat three with great visibility, and two USB-C charging ports. All in all, it’s a comfortable place mow down the kilometres in, or run errands around town. The Rogue sits above the SR5 but below the GR Sport.
Priced at $71,530 plus on-roads, it’s enhanced over its lesser sibling with pumped guards that take the overall width from the now-puny 1855m of the SR5 to a menacing 2020mm. It’s not a form over function thing either, the track is also widened by 135mm.
The Rogue maintains a solid axle in the rear, with outboard shocks and a stabiliser bar, while the chassis gains 20mm in extra clearance resulting from reset leaves in the rear and what seems to be a spacer up front.
The latter is a little perplexing, surely Toyota could have re-engineered a specific spring for the Rogue. Our example came in Stunning Silver, one of nine hues to choose from, with the metallic finish popping against the charcoal 18-inch wheels.
The addition of various darkened surfaces across the body result in a cohesive overall aesthetic. The first time we used the electric roller top for the tub, we were surprised by carpet lining.
Initial trepidation was dispelled once the dirt and sawdust that remained after a load of firewood simply vacuumed off. Out on the road, the HiLux is comfortable and easy to drive, although it’s hard to pick any sort of performance difference over its predecessor.
The 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre turbo diesel provides adequate mumbo to get to and comfortably settle in at highway speed, or doddle around town. It’s not a particularly refined unit, with a cacophony of diesel clatter, but it does come on song from 1600rpm.
Our only major gripe with the drivetrain emanated from the 6-speed automatic gearbox. It gets the job done, but in a world where the market leader now has an extra four ratios, we feel it could do a great deal to relax what is an otherwise solid and tractable powerplant.
Steering was a little heavier than we expected, and it always felt planted, but we uncovered an odd disconnect between the front and rear suspension through corners. We wondered if the rear stabiliser bar contributes to that.
It only really reveals itself when pushing too hard for a vehicle of this nature though. Over undulating dirt roads, the HiLux Rogue felt a little skittish when unladen, but wiping off a little speed helps, as you might expect.
With 4L engaged, the Hilux was a dependable companion when traversing more challenging terrain. In typical IFS fashion, it will pick up a wheel, but with the rear diff locked there wasn’t much we couldn’t do in our short test loop.
As with most utilitarian vehicles these days, the Hilux Rogue possesses SUV-like levels of safety gear to ensure all five occupants return from any adventure. A pre-collision safety system, pedestrian and cyclist detection and lane departure warning all feature.
That’s alongside seven SRS Airbags, BSM, and rear cross traffic alert. Overall, in the HiLux Rogue we found a stylish variant of Toyota’s perennially popular nameplate. It’s quiet and comfortable, looks good, but will still get down and dirty when you need it to.
Backed by Toyota’s 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, the 2024 Toyota HiLux Rogue 48V comes with capped price servicing. You can find out more on the Toyota Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
To get a low rate finance quote on your next vehicle purchase, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Toyota Australia for independent review purposes.
