GOING ROGUE
TOYOTA HILUX ROGUE RECEIVES WIDER WHEEL TRACK FOR ENHANCED DYNAMICS IN 2023
TOYOTA Australia has detailed updates to its best-selling Hilux ute for 2023, after the nameplate posted its highest monthly sales ever in June. The updted Hilux will launch in Australia in the fourth quarter od ‘22, with the range-topping Rogue receiving a wider wheel track and a host of other enhancements.
The wider track and updated suspension package highlight the updated Rogue dual cab, with an track increase of approximately 140mm front and rear, and a 20mm increase in ride height. Toyota claims these changes will improve off-road ability and on-road performance. to better compte with the wider ttrack under the new Ford Ranger and forthcoming Volkswagen Amarok.
Extensions have been fitted to the to the front control arms and stabiliser bar to increase the track. Meanwhile, an adjusted shock absorber angle is said to have improved performance.
The rear of the Rogue is also modified, with the axle length extended, to match the front track (when are they going to do this on the 70 Series?) the dampers moved outwards to place them closer to the wheels, and a rear stabiliser bar installed to ‘enhance cornering stability and ride comfort’. In addition, the suspension changes have improved roll rigidity by 20 per cent for a greater steering feel.
In a Hilux first, ventilated disc brakes will replace drum brakes on the rear, bringing Hilux – in line with the Ford Ranger, Ssangyong Musso, and upcoming VW Amarok. This change is limited to the top of the range, with the Workmate, SR and SR5 to retain rear drum brakes.
Other changes for the flagship Rogue include 17-inch front disc brakes (one inch larger) and wider fender flares, and front body extension.
Toyota has sold more than 17,000 of the locally-developed Hilux Rugged X and Rogue since 2018, with both vehicles developed to rival vehicles such as the Ranger Raptor and Navara PRO-4X Warrior. However, Toyota has confirmed the Rugged X is set to be discontinued for MY2023, with an as-yet-unnamed ‘apex’ off-road variant to take its place. Further details, including launch timing, will be announced in the coming months.
The brand has also fitted a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert to the Rogue. both of which include a rear radar sensor as standard across the range. This change will extend to the SR5 dual-cab pickup, which also gains a 360-degree camera and puddle lamps on the side mirrors, with the heating function deleted.
An anti-theft immobiliser, replacing the steering column lock, is new for automatic SR5 and Rogue pickup grades, while SR will gain black 17-inch alloys and body-coloured door handles, but only in extra- or dual-cab form.
Single-cab versions – in Workmate and SR – are likely to retain the Hilux’s pre-facelift styling, with 16-inch steel wheels and a plastic front bumper.