Review of Toyota HiLux Rogue finds family-friendly dual-cab

The Toyota HiLux ute regarded as ‘unbreakable’ reveals its softer side with plenty of flashy extras designed to show off around town

Available at some dealers for about $80,000 Toyota's 2021 model HiLux Rogue.

Going Rogue has never been so appealing.

In the case of the Toyota HiLux, popularity and slim supply mean you can no longer order the top-of-the-range versions of Australia’s most popular vehicle.

The Rogue, and the Rugged X, are the hero versions of the HiLux.

Dealers do have some in stock around the country, but the asking price has risen to about $80,000 once on-roads are settled. Preceding Covid and back when semiconductor computer chips were more prevalent than a Shaquille O’Neal appearance, the Rogue could have been in your driveway for $15k less.

The HiLux is on track to ­remain Australia’s largest selling vehicle in 2022, bolstered by massive business support, and there is an updated 2023 version coming in October this year.

Rogue models in particular will have improved suspension aimed to improve its off-road performance, but we sampled the outgoing variant before the new version arrives.

Toyota’s 2021 model HiLux Rogue can no longer be ordered, but there are still some models in stock.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

KEL: This looks muscular and strong.

GRANT: It’s the flashy version of the Unbreakable HiLux – there is even marine carpet in the tub. It’s easily identified via the black grille, “sailplane” sports bar and the motorised tonneau roller cover.

KEL: With so many utes around, the Rogue does stand out from the crowd. Do all the extras improve the off-road ability?

GRANT: Not this one, it’s more show than go. Aimed at more recreational use, those who really want to battle the tough stuff should track down the Rugged X that has 17-inch tyres for better traction away from the bitumen, along with a snorkel and heavy-duty underbody equipment.

KEL: Most importantly it had heated seats, which I use even in summer. Bronze was something different in terms of external colours.

GRANT: It’s one of nine options, which also includes red, blue, white, black and greys. Given the intentions, vital creature comforts are there, like the eight-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, nine-speaker stereo, satnav and leather trim.

Inside the Toyota HiLux Rogue.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: Reasonably quiet for a big dual-cab, it’s the most car-like HiLux we’ve driven.

GRANT: That fits with the brief of being more recreational focused. Distinctly Toyota, the cabin remains functional rather than adopting a lot of the modern minalisation we’ve been seeing of late.

KEL: I’ve found some companies have made it a two or three-step process by having controls within the touchscreen menus. Adjusting the HiLux aircon is fast via the circular knobs and the seat heaters are just a press of the button.

GRANT: Although those buttons are not illuminated in darkness, you just have to know which one to press. The basic design has commonsense appeal and there is easy access to the centre cupholders, along with water bottle ­accommodation in the doors.

Easily spotted on the road, the Toyota HiLux Rogue has black alloys and “sailplane” sports bar as well as the motorised tonneau roller cover.

WHAT DIDN’T YOU LIKE?

KEL: Most of the key safety features were included, but I found the lane keeping too ­aggressive.

GRANT: The Toyota system really slowed progress rapidly if you got too close to the lines and the HiLux ducked around to get back into the middle of the lane. I wasn’t a fan of some of the ­interior finishes, including the JBL speakers which jut out from the dash.

KEL: While the carpet in the tub makes things easier for shopping bags, it’s the same issue with all utes, with items sliding around.

GRANT: Having the hard tonneau is a great feature though for safely locking away items. I had issues with the ­slectric operation, and it was the second problem within a week from the same roller cover brand on a different ute.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: There was no issue with power, the dual-cab feels meaty.

GRANT: Updates in September 2020 saw the turbo-diesel upgraded to 150kW and 500Nm – while bolstering the towing capacity to 3500kg. It’s responsive under acceleration and was especially well manned on the highway and when I stretched its legs around Somerset Dam.

KEL: I found the steering was still heavy, we’ve been in an Isuzu D-Max of late and that was easier in confined spaces. Although there was less bounce from the ride than I remember.

GRANT: This model had suspension improvements compared to the last HiLux to deal with cabin bounce when the tub is unladen.

The 2021 model Toyota HiLux Rogue.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: With good looks and the improved ride, I’d certainly be tempted by the Rogue. The new model coming looks even tougher though, and given the current price being asked by dealers, I’d be keen to wait.

GRANT: One thing about HiLuxes is the outstanding ­resale value. Even with big kilometres on the clock, they still command good coin on the used market. Buyers ­chasing a more comfortable on-road performer may be better served by a Ford ­Ranger, but nothing still beats the Toyota for hardness and value retention.

Originally published as Review of Toyota HiLux Rogue finds family-friendly dual-cab