Toyota HiLux gets car tracking tech
But prices have risen across the board, as HiLux-based Fortuner SUV also picks up safety and tech upgradesAustralia’s top-selling new vehicle for the past five years running, the Toyota HiLux has been upgraded to include online vehicle tracking technology across the range.
As previously reported, upgrades to the 2021 Toyota HiLux ute and the related Toyota Fortuner seven-seat large SUV are being implemented in the Thai factory, with Australian deliveries expected to begin from October.
This could be delayed if recent COVID-related stoppages at the plant continue.
Prices rises of between $635 and $760 have been applied to the HiLux, while the Fortuner is now between $635 and $1535 more expensive.
The comprehensive 33-model HiLux range now opens at $24,225 plus on-road costs for the Workmate single-cab chassis 4x2 petrol manual, with the big-selling SR5 dual-cab 4x4 diesel auto set at $60,680 plus ORCs.
Flagship Rogue and Rugged X models are priced from $70,200 and $70,750 plus ORCs respectively.
The three-model Fortuner range now starts from $49,715 plus ORCs for the GX, rising to $55,085 for GXL and topping out at $62,945 for the Crusade.
The headline upgrade to both HiLux and Fortuner is the standard fitment of Toyota Connected Services (TCS) functionality, which Toyota says “affords greater peace of mind” for owners by helping police locate stolen vehicles, for example.
TCS extends to automatically alerting a 24-hour Toyota call centre in the event of a collision to relay the location of the vehicle. There’s also a new SOS button allowing occupants to manually trigger the emergency call and transmit their location.
All HiLux models are now also fitted with a shark’s fin antenna that is less prone to damage than the previous high-profile roof-mounted antenna.
Up-spec HiLux models get a few extra creature comforts too, with upgraded dual-zone climate control for SR5 variants and a 360-degree surround-view camera system and panoramic view monitor for the top-spec HiLux Rogue.
As well as TCS being fitted across the 2021 Toyota Fortuner range, GXL and Crusade variants get dual-zone climate control, while the Crusade adds a 360-degree surround-view camera system, a blind-spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
No changes have been made to the HiLux or Fortuner engines, which means the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (150kW/500Nm) remains the mainstay of the 4x4 fleet, with 4x2 HiLux models offered with a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel (110kW/400Nm) or a 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol mill (122kW/245Nm).
Towing capacities have not changed either, meaning a maximum 3500kg for HiLux and 3100kg on Fortuner.
An all-new Toyota HiLux based on the same platform architecture as the new LandCruiser 300 Series is expected to arrive mid-decade – 2024 at the earliest – and is set to be offered with the Japanese car-maker’s new 3.3-litre turbo-diesel V6 in a hard-core GR HiLux model.
The six-cylinder engine will be required to stay competitive with the upcoming next-gen Ford Ranger launching in 2022, which is set to come with four-cylinder and V6 petrol and diesel engines and also hybrid powertrains.
Expect to see significant upgrades to the current HiLux before its renewed mid-way through the decade, too.
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