TOYOTA HILUX MAKO: real Raptor rival?

Bespoke $ 80k ute goes head- to- head with Ranger Raptor

Meet Mako, the new locally developed Hilux flagship that has the Ford Ranger Raptor in its sights.

A halo model for the revised Hilux range that goes on sale in New Zealand from October, Mako is based on the Hilux SR5 Cruiser, but goes off the deep end with extreme customisation to create a genuine Toyota rival for the popular Raptor.

Off the deep end and into open water: “It’s named after the strongest, most aggressive shark in the ocean,” says Toyota NZ chief executive Neeraj Lala. “That’s what we believe we have here.”

At $ 79,900, the Hilux Mako is $ 21,000 more expensive than the SR5 Cruiser, but still $ 5k cheaper than the Raptor. There are extensive body modifications including front steel bull bar with integrated LED light bar, unique fender flares, side steps with “Mako” logos, T Custom Sports Guard non- slip deck liner, soft- close tailgate and heavy- duty rear step bumper.

Inside, Mako features custom leather and a bespoke steering wheel.

“A few months back we tested the key competitor in the segment,” says Lala. “The suspension upgrade was the thing that we really needed to work on, so we’ve gone for a full ARB Old Man Emu suspension and shock absorber upgrade.”

The wheels are 18- inch Black Rhino rims sourced from the US, wearing Maxxis Razr 265/ 60 allterrain tyres.

The only option is a $ 1500 towbar kit, which also includes prominent red rear tow hooks. The Mako gets one up on its Raptor rival by maintaining the same 940kg payload and 3500kg braked tow rating as other double- cab 4WD Hilux models.