New Toyota HiLux Rogue targets Ford Ranger

Toyota has responded to the launch of the class-leading Ford Ranger with the most comprehensive chassis upgrade to the top-selling Toyota HiLux since the current model’s 2015 launch.

For the moment the overhaul is limited to the flagship Rogue, which is going on sale now.

But as the changes are made on the production line in Thailand and not added locally by Toyota Australia, there seems a strong chance they will flow on to other models.

Toyota is refusing to confirm where the upgrades may end up beyond Rogue, but the forthcoming Rugged X replacement, the GR Sport, seem an obvious place to start.

It would also make sense to apply it to the popular SR5 and SR dual-cabs, although an MY22 update announced in August 2022 made no mention of a mechanical overhaul.

It would seem unlikely to be an early preview of the next-gen HiLux due in about three years, which is expected to transition to a version of the TNGA-F platform already used by the new 300 Series LandCruiser and the full-size Tundra pick-up expected on sale in Australia next year.

You can read our first drive review of the impressive new Rogue here.

The 2022 Toyota HiLux Rogue is described by Toyota Australia as a regionally developed vehicle with input provided by the local engineering group, which is recognised within the corporation globally as the 4x4 and off-road centre of excellence.

The key changes to Rogue include 140mm wider tracks for both the double wishbone front and leaf spring rear-ends, an 18mm increase in ground clearance, longer front suspension arms and stabiliser bar, a wider rear axle, rear shocks moved further outboard and a rear stabiliser bar fitted to HiLux for the first time.

The ventilated front brake disc have also grown in size to 338x28mm, while 319x28mm (the old front size) discs have replaced 295mm drum brakes at the rear.

There have been no changes made to the drivetrain of the HiLux Rogue, which continues to combine a 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine with a six-speed auto and part-time 4x4.

Given its traditional media and PR thoroughness, Toyota has been uncharacteristically low-key in launching the Rogue. It issued only two brief press releases, the latter confirming its unchanged $70,200 price compared to the old model.

But in response to a list of questions from carsales, Toyota Australia did confirm the Rogue was built in Thailand and the only local equipment additions were the sports bar and powered roll-top fitted at its Altona North conversion facility.

It was also asked to explain the objectives of the changes to the Rogue, which was previously focussed on cosmetic updates.

“The new HiLux Rogue is an improvement over the previous model,” the emailed response stated. “The new wider track enables a wider, tougher image of the Rogue. The wide track delivers improved stability and ride comfort.

“The new components are intended to deliver improved stability and ride comfort. 

“The increased suspension arm travel on the front and the new outboard shock absorber location on the rear has allowed improved changes to the shock absorber arm ratio. 

“The absorber efficiency has been enhanced to deliver improved ride comfort. 

“HiLux Rogue also introduces a new rear stabiliser bar, which has improved roll rigidity by 20 per cent and enhanced stability through improved roll feel and steering feel. 

“The new over fenders are wider to enhance the tough image of the Rogue.”

The new and old Rogue have some key dimension and weight changes which we chronicle below:

MY21 Rogue MY22 Rogue:
Length: 5325mm 5320mm
Width: 1900mm 2020mm
Height: 1795mm 1870mm
Wheelbase: 3085mm 3085mm
Front/rear track: 1535mm/1550mm 1670mm/1705mm

Ground clearance: 247mm 265mm
Overhang front/rear: 997mm/1245mm 982mm/1254mm
Approach angle: 29 degrees 31 degrees
Departure angle 27 degrees 23 degrees
Ramp-over angle: Unstated

Kerb weight: 2231kg 2256kg
Payload: 819kg 791kg
GVM: 3050kg 3050kg
GCM: 5850kg Unstated

Towing braked: 3500kg 3500kg
Power: 150kW 150kW
Torque: 500Nm 500Nm
Fuel consumption: 8.4L/100km 8.1L/100km

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