Fresh Toyota HiLux Rugged X and Rogue utes revealed

Australia’s top-selling auto brands have made an art out of creating lucrative high-end ‘tough truck’ ute models and it looks like the nation’s dominant car-maker has gone all out with facelifted versions of the Toyota HiLux Rogue and Rugged X flagships.

Only a few images of the beefed-up utes have been released, with pricing and specs to be confirmed closer to their launch date later in the year, but it’s clear from the photos that Toyota has gone the extra mile to ensure its hero models stand out from the pack.

The bush-bashing Toyota HiLux Rugged X is expected to cost more than $65,000 when it touches down here in late 2020, given the new SR5+ grade on which it’s based now costs $62,420 (with option packs) and the outgoing Rugged X was priced at $62,490 plus on-road costs.

Boasting a completely new high-tensile steel front bar with integrated LED light bar and foglights, the 2021 HiLux Rugged X also gains a high-strength metal bashplate that’s expected to be winch-compatible like the current model’s.

There’s also a set of off-road recovery hooks, unique wheel-arch extensions, unique rock rails (side steps), black alloy wheels, a snorkel and Rugged X decals on the flanks of the tub.

Expect to see a new rear bumper with more recovery points at the back of the hard-core HiLux dual-cab ute, and the same 3500kg towing capacity as other HiLux 4x4 models.

In alignment with the rest of the of the 2021 HiLux range, the Rugged X will get a more potent version of the brand’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, pumping out 150kW/500Nm, together with updated infotainment and convenience features.

Like the current model, the new Rugged X aims directly at the top-end dual-cab 4x4 utes like the Ford Ranger Raptor and Nissan Navara N-TREK Warrior, and was designed and engineered in Australia at Toyota’s Melbourne-based conversion centre.

Toyota has made no secret of its desire to expand its operations there, with a next-generation LandCruiser 300 Rugged X also believed to be under consideration.

While the new Toyota HiLux Rugged X is designed for more challenging off-road work, the Rogue (or Rocco, as it’s called in Thailand) is aimed at those who spend most of their time in the urban jungle.

Aimed at the likes of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and developed in Thailand, the HiLux Rogue features a new-look ‘Americanised’ grille that draws inspiration from the full-size Toyota Tundra ute, which is being looked at for a possible Australian introduction to take on the popular V8-powered RAM 1500.

As well as the butch grille, other new bits include bold wheel-arch extensions which flow into the front bumper, providing a contrasting colour for the fog light surrounds.

While the side steps carryover from the HiLux SR5, the Rogue gets a unique sports bar, new 18-inch alloy wheels and is tipped to get similar tray options to the current model: hard tray lid with gas struts, remote light and marine-grade carpeting.

Specification for both the Rugged X and Rogue models are not yet clear, but expect to see loads of goodies in the cabin, such as power-operated, heated leather front seats, all the latest safety tech including adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.

Fully optioned, the new Toyota HiLux Rugged X could easily top $70,000 once on-road costs are added.

Stay tuned for more details and pricing on the HiLux Rugged X and Rogue model-grades.