Fasten your seatbelts Australia, the brand new Toyota HiLux is set to launch Down Under between October to December. The best-selling HiLux ute is coming to us with an improved wider body and a range of off-road enhancements to improve both off-road ability and on-road performance.
Out with the disc brakes, in with the drum brakes
For the very first time in HiLux history, we will see modern rear ventilated disc brakes replace drum brakes in this vehicle. Due to this upgrade, the Toyota HiLux Rogue is now in line with the new-generation Ford Ranger, the Volkswagen Amarok, the SsangYong Musso, the LDV T60 and the GWM Ute. The front brake discs also haven’t been forgotten and will be made 25mm larger.
Bigger is better
When it comes to the 2023 HiLux Rogue you’ll find bigger is better, or to be more accurate, wider is better. The new model will feature 140 millimetre-wider front and rear tracks, which sees the distance between the left and right side tyres increased, as well as a 20 millimetre-taller ride height. The thinking behind these? Your vehicle will have a better stance on the road and upgraded on-road and off-road dynamics. To accommodate the wider track we will also see wider wheel arch fenders and mudguards.
The front suspension arms have been extended on the vehicle and length has been added to the rear axle. Also in the rear, you’ll find that the dampers have been brought out further towards the wheels and a rear stabiliser has been added that may provide increased ride comfort and enhance cornering ability.
Is the engine changing?
It’s expected that the engine will remain the same as the current 2.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel unit. It produces 150 kilowatts of power and 500 newton-metres of torque.
How hard is this going to hit the bank?
Currently, your guess is as good as ours as no specific pricing details have been yet released.
What about the other HiLux models?
The single-cab versions (WorkMate and SR) are likely to keep the HiLux’s pre-facelift styling, with 16-inch steel wheels and a plastic front bumper. The SR5 is going to receive upgraded safety technology which includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a 360-degree camera. The HiLux Rugged X is going to be cut and replaced by a new apex off-road model which is to be announced and released at a later date that’s not currently confirmed.
With a lot of new vehicles hitting our market, the end of the year is set to be an exciting influx of new models to check out.
Rear disc brakes. Whoop Whoop. About time as Toyota is scared of loosing to the Ranger. Marketing ploy and I still wouldn’t buy one.
Think you mean out with the drum brakes, in with the discs.,..
Your comment about the the disc brakes on the Toyota is misleading. The heading is: “Out with the disc brakes, in with the drum brakes” and then you seem to talk about disc brakes being fitted? Please clarify.
New Toyota Hilux, great news for all.
Great too finally see the addition of rear discs, should have been standard years ago on all twin cab utes.
One gripe, why have Toyota persevered with the 4 cylinder 2.8 litre turbo diesel engine? especially given how many people are towing caravans with these dual cab 4wd utes.
I think it’s a big ask of these smaller engines towing up around the 3 ton mark. Ford have done the right thing and introduced the 3 litre V6, Toyota only has too look at the popularity already of this engine in the new Rangers, and the huge amount of pre orders.
I am a self confessed Toyota fan, but I have ordered a new 3.0 litre Ranger Wildtrack.
I also hope that Toyota introduce a constant 4wd system, or drive equivalent of the new Ranger as I believe that the added traction is a huge plus when towing on the road.
I look forward to the new Hilux.
Ford Ranger will still rule, The new Hilux will be over priced Lowlux rubbish in comparison to the Rangers and others.