Toyota HiLux – Striking new design delivers stronger on-road presence
June 5, 2020
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A bolder, tougher-looking HiLux range has made its global debut along with an expanded line-up and significant improvements to performance, fuel economy, ride comfort, towing and equipment levels.
The updated HiLux, arriving in Australian showrooms from late August, offers beefier output from its biggest-selling 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine due to multiple new components and enhanced cooling.
Maximum power has been increased to 150kW (+15.3 per cent) while peak torque on automatic models has been ramped up to 500Nm (+11.1 per cent).
Fuel consumption also improves by up to 11.1 per cent while tuned accelerator response delivers greater driver control.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said the upcoming HiLux reaches new heights in blending performance, toughness, comfort and quality.
“More than ever, Australia’s favourite ute will inspire go-anywhere confidence for customers who rely on it as a load-carrying and trailer-towing workhorse for doing their jobs,” Mr Hanley said.
“Equally, the latest changes will advance HiLux’s credentials among customers who demand the handling, ride comfort and convenience of an SUV,” he said.
The upgraded HiLux range retains a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel and a 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine along with three transmissions, 4×2 and 4×4 drive, three body styles (single, extra and double cabs), two configurations (pick-up or cab-chassis) and five equipment levels (in ascending order: Workmate, SR, SR5, Rogue and Rugged X).
Suspension upgrades – including revised shock-absorber tuning, new bushings and improved leaf-spring design – provide a more comfortable ride, particularly over rough roads and with low loads while maintaining HiLux’s legendary off-road capabilities.
In 4×4 models with downhill-assist control, an additional traction control feature when using 2WD mode reroutes torque to assist grip in muddy or grassy conditions on worksites.
Towing capacity for automatic 4×4 HiLux variants – including new double-cab-chassis Workmate and SR5 derivatives – has been upgraded to a maximum of 3500kg to match manual versions. On 4×2 variants, all diesel automatics are now rated at 2800kg, an increase of up to 300kg.
Revised exterior styling delivers a tough, robust on-road presence for HiLux that is more in keeping with the global Toyota ute/truck family and reinforces the renowned go-anywhere credentials of Australia’s best-selling vehicle.
A stronger on-road presence is achieved by a large trapezoidal grille that dominates the front design and incorporates more pronounced horizontal elements that deliver a wider, more planted look.
Grille surrounds differ by grade while newly designed headlights are smaller for a “meaner” look and light clusters include LEDs on high grades.
Inside, all models have been upgraded to an 8-inch display screen with enhanced voice recognition and the latest smartphone integration functions, including the adoption of Apple CarPlay®1 and Android Auto™2. SR and higher grades are also equipped with satellite navigation and digital (DAB) radio.
A 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument binnacle incorporates a digital speed readout, among other new functions.
Personalisation remains a hallmark of HiLux with a wide range of accessories enabling customers to tailor their vehicles to their own work or leisure requirements.
Since its launch in 1968, the legendary quality, durability and reliability of HiLux have made it the world’s favourite pick-up. More than 18 million have been sold globally, including more than one million in Australia.
1 CarPlay® is a trademark of Apple, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Requires compatible device, USB connection, mobile data, network reception & GPS signal. Mobile usage at user’s cost. Apps subject to change. For details see toyota.com.au/connected.
2 Android Auto™ is a trademark of Google LLC. Requires compatible device, USB connection, mobile data, network reception & GPS signal. Mobile usage at user’s cost. Apps subject to change. For details see toyota.com.au/connected.
