Toyota HiLux goes rogue
This particular model released by Toyota Australia is one of three new HiLux variants that have come out to spread the Ute appeal from the adventurous offroader to the more urban practical motorist.
Rogue model for me is a great allrounder vehicle with a satisfactory accessory package combined with its above average eye pleasing exterior and interior features.
Comfortable to travel around the city in while it’s more for work it easily handled the occasional rural/offroad roads I had to commute on for various projects with and without a payload in the back tub.
This is a serious effort by Toyota in pushing a Ute model into a highly competitive field of luxury, suburban Ute with solid off road capabilities.
What is the HiLux Rogue exterior like?
Rogue is packed with some great accessory features on the exterior shell which included a rear bumper bar, tow bar, 18 inch black alloy “Rogue” wheels, a load rated sports bar, hard tonneau cover with a very well thought of tailgate dust sealing kit.
The back tub was lined with marine grade carpet which I was in two minds about, I appreciated the soft finish for putting more sensitive, fragile items in but didn’t think it was practical when I loaded in tools, timbers and miscellaneous equipment related to my job.
The contrast of the black trim of the bars, alloys and front grille to the pearl white exterior colour of the shell seemed sensible and neutral for a more suburban based motorist like me.
What is the HiLux Rogue interior like?
The inner features of this vehicle felt like a noticeable upgrade from the SR5 model, in particular the dashboard and media console area had a sleek taper/finish with a splash of black shiny plastic edges fitted along the length of the dash and console area.
Heated leather seats provided great comfort and support for me and were easily adjustable with the electronic switches down the right hand side of the driver’s seat.
The media system was satisfactory and very user friendly, providing entertainment through its Bluetooth system and solid audio system. The temperature controls were self-explanatory and helped in creating a comfortable temperature at all times. As mentioned, an added bonus for the temperature system was the greatly appreciated feature of seat warmers.
Like the SR5 there was some handy storage space in the form of easy to reach drink holders installed in both the drivers and passenger door and a double set placed in the middle, as well as slide out cupholders near the air vents, a generous sized glovebox and fair amount of flat surface on top of the dashboard for documents and various paperwork etc.
Rear seats are the same size and shape as an SR5, while they are comfortable, like a lot of Utes there really isn’t a lot of room back there.
What features/technology does the HiLux Rogue have?
Major features include:
- Five leather seats
- 10 inch multimedia screen
- Climate control for both the cabin and two front seats
- Multiple drink holders
- Bluetooth and USB plug for all major phone devices
- Electronic seat adjustors
- Cruise control
- Seven airbags
- Active traction control
- Reversing camera
What is the Engine and Drivetrain like for the Hilux Rogue?
The Rogue is powered by a standard 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine making 130kW @ 3400rpm of power and 450Nm of torque from 1600-2400rpm in the 6 speed auto model.
Hilux 4WD system and driving experience
The off road driving experience was satisfactory enough, I felt that the stock wheels that came with the car were obviously more road orientated. While good for around town and reduced road noise, they didn’t provide an enormous amount of grip or support in loose dirt. The hill descent feature was great however and is easily adjustable through the cruise control.
The auto system seemed a tad awkward when driving at low speeds and seemed to want to jump into a higher gear, as soon as I got the vehicle into a regular rhythm it chugged along effortlessly though.
With a payload of around 150-200kg in the tub, the Rogue was more than comfortable as it chugged along when in a steady rhythm.
I did find the acceleration and braking to be on the average side of good but wasn’t a major concern for me, the traction control did a solid service of helping maintain steadiness in corner and slippery conditions etc.
The urban commute was satisfactory and I never felt uncomfortable or too “big” when navigating through the densely choked roads of the city and inner city suburbs.
Fuel efficiency, depending on congestion hovered between a reasonable 8.8/100km to 12.6/100km on my daily commute to work and various sites both urban and rural. The suspension was more than enough for my driving experience and was solid with a payload.
For a diesel engine the engine noise was fairly tame but I could hear a noticeable effort when I had to accelerate quickly.
How big is the HiLux Rogue?
Rogue has a length of 5.345 metres, width of 1.855 metres, and a height of 1.815 metres, wheelbase is 3085 mm.
For off road use, the Rogue has a ground clearance of 216 mm and a wading depth of TBC mm, while its front and rear departure angles are 30 and 20 degrees respectively with a ramp over angle of 39 degrees. Fuel tank is 80L, turning circle is 12.6m kerb to kerb and the automatic Rogue can tow up to 3200 kg with a braked trailer. Payload is 826Kg, GVM is 3000kg and GCM is 5950 kg.
What are the Rogue safety features?
With a Five Star ANCAP safety rating the Rogue safety features include:
- AFS self adjusting headlights
- Hill start assist
- Active Traction control
- Seven airbags
- Hill descent control
- ABS braking
- Reversing camera and rear parking sensors
- Trailer sway control
- Load rated roof racks
- Anchor points for securing a load located in the rear tub
HiLux Rogue owner benefits
This model aims to look after the customer with a five year unlimited kilometre warranty, Toyota also offer a full replacement within the first 60 days if the vehicle is deemed undriveable, there is also capped price servicing for the Rogue capped at $240 up to the first six services for three years.
My final thoughts on the HiLux Rogue
HiLux Rogue provided a very comfortable driving experience overall.
I enjoyed the balance between the off road features and more sophisticated interior features this model showcased.
It made daily work driving more enjoyable and was able to easily head off road when required for recreation or work. Note my earlier comment about being let down with the off road capabilities with a road biased set of tyres provided.
With a price tag of just above $60,000 the consumer is getting a comfortable balanced driving experience in a Ute. It is clear Toyota have made an obvious effort in appealing to the more suburban based motorist, personally I would consider my options if I had this kind of money to invest into a Ute however I know for a fact this vehicle has great appeal and would provide most Ute enthusiast with a satisfactory experience.
What’s Good:
- Urban Style
- Surprisingly good looks
- Features
What’s Not:
- A little pricey
- Road based tyres not best for off road
- No Apple Car Play or Android Auto
Also look at:
Model 2019 Toyota HiLux Rogue Dual Cab 4WD Ute
- Model Price $62,490 MLP*
- Engine 2.8 L Four Cylinder Turbo CRD
- Drivetrain 4WD 6 speed Auto
- Power 130 kW @ 3400 rpm
- Torque 450 Nm @ 1600 – 2400 rpm
- Safety Five Star ANCAP
- CO2 Emissions 254 g/km
- Economy ADR 8.4 L/100km
- Tow Capacity 3200 kg
- Tow Ball Rating 320 kg
- Servicing Fixed Price
- Warranty 5 yr/Unlimited km 5 Yr roadside assist
*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.
Overall Rating
Overall Rating: 84/100
- Behind the Wheel 8
- Comfort 8
- Equipment 8
- Performance 7
- Ride & Handling 8
- Practicality 9
- Fit for Purpose 9
- Towing Ability 9
- Off Road Ability 10
- Value for Money 8
Toyota HiLux Rogue 2019 Review
Summary
With a price tag of just above $60,000 the consumer is getting a comfortable balanced driving experience in a Ute. It is clear Toyota have made an obvious effort in appealing to the more suburban based motorist, personally I would consider my options if I had this kind of money to invest into a Ute however I know for a fact this vehicle has great appeal and would provide most Ute enthusiast with a satisfactory experience.
