Toyota Australia is preparing to make a few changes and upgrades to its top-selling HiLux ute for the 2023 model year.
These specification changes and upgrades will go into effect on HiLux models arriving locally from the fourth quarter of 2022, the company says.
One main highlight of this 2023 model year HiLux update is a “significant performance and capability upgrade” to the flagship Rogue 4×4 dual-cab model – presumably done with an eye on Ford’s hugely in-demand Ranger Raptor.
The updated, Aussie-finished Rouge will get a front and rear track increase of approximately 140mm, as well as a ride height increase of approximately 20mm. These are both claimed to aid both on- and off-road performance.
Rogue
In order to accommodate the track increase in the HiLux Rogue, Toyota engineers overhauled the existing suspension by extending the front suspension arm and front stabiliser bar length. They also adjusted the shock absorber angle to improve its efficiency.
At the rear the axle length has been extended and the dampers have been moved further outwards towards the wheels.
Also for the first time on the HiLux, there’s a rear stabiliser bar fitted to the Rogue which is claimed to “enhance cornering stability and ride comfort”.
As a result of all of these suspension changes to the updated HiLux Rogue, Toyota says that roll rigidity has “been enhanced by 20 per cent”.
The upgrades don’t stop there as there are new ventilated rear disc brakes that replace the existing drum brakes for better braking performance.
The front disc brakes have also been upgraded to units that have a diameter of 17 inches, which is one inch larger than the ones on the current Rogue.
Capping off the upgrades that are dedicated to the flagship HiLux Rogue are wider wheel arch flares and mud flaps to accommodate for those wider track widths.
In addition to upgraded HiLux Rogue, Toyota has announced it’s bringing a raft of other updates to many of the core variants of the HiLux range.
SR extra-cab and dual-cab models will receive new 17-inch black alloy wheels, instead of the current 17-inch steel wheels, as well as body-coloured door handles.
The SR5 dual-cab pick-up gains critical active safety equipment such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These safety features will also be standard on the upgraded Rogue.
Other new features the SR5 dual-cab pick-up receives as part of this update will include a surround-view camera, as well as puddle lamps. Heated side mirrors have been deleted.
On automatic SR5 models and above, the steering column lock has been replaced by an ID Box anti-theft immobiliser which is claimed to add extra security for owners starting the ute with the key fob.
Toyota didn’t detail any updates for the entry-level, and fleet-friendly Workmate trim level.
Although Toyota hasn’t confirmed any price changes for the HiLux range yet, expect prices to go up given the specification updates on the majority of the range.
One last announcement Toyota made about the HiLux is it’s currently working on a “new apex off-road variant” which will replace the HiLux Rugged X.
This model will likely go up against the baja-ready Ford Ranger Raptor, which is set to arrive locally in August.
Toyota says that details about this new off-road focused variant, including launch timing, will be announced in due course.
MORE: Everything Toyota HiLux
