TOYOTA HILUX RUGGED X

THE flagship Rugged X is the heaviest of all Toyota Hilux variants, but the newly uprated engine shrugs off the burden.

As an auto-only proposition, it receives the full 150kw-500nm whack from the 2.8litre four-cylinder diesel, 80Nm more than manual available on lesser variants.

Granted, 0-100km/h in a shade under 11sec isn’t going to set too many hearts racing, but combined with competitive overtaking acceleration, the Hilux doesn’t seem short of grunt, feeling stronger than the numbers suggest.

Braking performance is average in the dry at a tick under 40m but on the poor side in the wet, requiring close to 60m to come to a full stop.

DYNAMICS 6.5/10

LIKE the D-MAX, Navara and Triton, the Hilux’s reputation as a tough and dependable workhorse is born of decades of experience. But previous versions of the best-selling Toyota seemed incapable of possessing both decent dynamics and a comfy ride.

Does the 2020 facelift address this? With steering modifications, the 2316kg Rugged X is now quite the nimble handler, cornering with accuracy and control, whether around town or out on the open road. You could almost call it fun.

Additionally, gaining 20kw and 50Nm in the process, the 2.8-litre turbo diesel delivers robust acceleration across a broad rev range, helped out by a slick six-speed auto. So far, so good.

Away from smooth roads however, the stiff suspension set-up undermines Toyota’s claims of extensive improvements that include longer rear leaf springs for greater comfort and performance. Simply put, the ride remains too stiff, too jittery and – for rear-seat occupants – agricultural over roads that the far more sophisticated Rangers smother with indifference. Road noise and tyre noise are ever-present passengers. And the ESC nannies are too intrusive over gravel surfaces.

There are trucks with worse ride and refinement issues, but none command prices (or blind admiration) like the Toyota. For the money, it’s simply outclassed in competition as fierce as this. An all-new Hilux worthy of the badge cannot come soon enough.

INFOTAINMENT 8.5/10

TOYOTA’S most recent Hilux facelift addressed some infotainment shortfalls, and we’re glad to see the reintroduction of volume knobs rather than touch controls.

Its eight-inch screen will handle Apple Carplay or Android Auto smartphone

mirroring and offers mytoyota app integration that serves as a handy place to store your Hilux’s warranty/servicing information and affords owners a 4c/lt fuel discount at Ampol fuel stations.

Navigating between different infotainment functions is simple thanks to button shortcuts surrounding the screen, and the instrument cluster now features a digital speed readout.

Bluetooth is easy to connect initially, and subsequent reconnections take roughly 30 seconds to take hold once you get back into the car. The Hilux Rugged X scores a JBL sound system that offers defined clarity and a strong, resounding bass – easily one of the better systems in the ute segment.

RUNNING COSTS 7.5/10

TOYOTA backs its Hilux Rugged X with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty that covers any part, panel and accessory made by Toyota. If you manage to stick to your mandated service schedule, Toyota will throw in an extra two years of driveline warranty.

Capped-price servicing is provided for the first four services of the Hilux Rugged X, which occur at 10,000km or six-month intervals. Each is priced uniformly at $250 per visit. Pricing for Toyota’s roadside assistance program begins at $89 per year.

Toyotas hold their value remarkably well and according to Glass’s Guide, the $69,990 (RRP) Hilux Rugged X should retain 58 per cent of its value after three years. Generally, the higher up the Hilux ladder you go spec-wise, the better off you are come resale time.

TOWING 8/10

20-60km/h: 7.2 seconds

I WAS amazed at how similarly the Hilux Rugged X from Toyota performed compared to the SR5 Hilux as it is carrying more weight thanks to the factory-fitted heavy-duty off-road accessories like steel rock sliders and front bar, which I felt would hamper performance.

It actually recorded the exact same acceleration time of 7.2 seconds. Suspension wise, you did notice the extra weight, but it isn’t what I’d call a dealbreaker; far from it. Brakes, as per the SR5, worked well. It did want to hold gears like the SR5 and D-MAX, shifting high in the rev range for a diesel. In the lifestyle category, the Rugged X was the best performer when it came to towing; it’s a good thing.

OFF ROAD 8.5/10

I’M a fan of the factory accessories fitted to the Rugged X, especially the rock sliders that work really well. It must be said though, I’ve never seen a vehicle that is more of a candidate for larger tyres than the Rugged X. It’s begging for them! That’s its only let-down off road.

As expected, the traction-control system found in the Hilux range is first class, pulling the Hilux through everything, even on its small highway terrain tyres. Activation of 4x4 was quick and easy, with excellent low-range gearing available.

With a bigger set of tyres and a basic suspension lift, you’d have a practical ute day-to-day and a capable 4x4 for the weekends. That’s all it needs, thanks to the factory-fitted bar and recovery points.

INTERIOR & SAFETY 7/10

THE Hilux Rugged X steps up the luxury over an SR5 with leather accenting on the front seats, gear lever and steering wheel. It also adds heating to the front seats, eight-way power-adjustability for the driver, black chrome door trim and an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror.

Its front seats offer decent comfort, support and legroom. Outward visibility is on par with rivals – except smaller rear windows penalise your over-shoulder view on the left. The sports bar also eats into rear vision beyond the C-pillar.

Like an SR5, the Rugged X comes with mod-cons like single-zone climate control, power windows with an auto function on

the driver’s side, keyless entry and start, and auto LED headlights. It misses out on auto wipers.

ANCAP awarded the Hilux with a five-star crash safety rating back in 2019. Equipped with seven airbags, it sports active safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and AEB, but forgoes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Rear occupants are treated to hard and flat seats, which split 60/40 and can be hoisted up against the backrests for extra load space. Legroom is shorter than rivals but the cupholders found in the foldable centre armrest and doors accommodate larger bottles. There are also ISOFIX anchorages on both outboard seats.

PAYLOAD 7.5/10

AT 2316kg, the Rugged X pays a weight penalty for its adventurous equipment. They eat into the crucial difference between its kerb weight and 3050kg Gross Vehicle Mass rating, leaving it with a 734kg payload.

Its tub is average-sized on most measurements and offers four tie-down points with a plastic liner on the floor to maximise load width, as well as a sports bar that is anchored on the tub floor. It does not feature soft-drop tailgate springs.

The Rugged X performs okay in laden acceleration tests, logging a 4.2-second run from 20 to 60km/h without fuss. The transmission slowly responds when kicked down and sounds agricultural.

Better news from the ride and handling loop. The Hilux feels balanced, which is expected since the ride heights even out to within 10mm once the 500kg pallet is loaded, aiding steering feel and front-end response.

The ride is a mixed bag. Although the damping is controlled, it also is firm.