Toyota HiLux Rogue and Rugged X Australian prices revealed

It has been the most popular vehicle in the country for the past several years, but will a big price hike to two popular versions cause sales to drop?

Toyota has updated its two most expensive HiLux utes, adding new safety tech and a more powerful engine.

The updates come at a price, though, as the range-topping Rogue and Rugged X will now set buyers back more than $70,000 by the time they get them on the road.

Toyota has priced the Rogue from $68,990 (before on-road costs) an increase of about $6500 compared to the outgoing version.

2021 Toyota HiLux Rugged X and Rogue.

The more off-road focused Rugged X has had a bigger increase, jumping by about $7500 to $69,990 plus on-road costs.

Importantly the increase puts the Rogue and Rugged X above its rival the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, which is priced at about $70,000 drive-away.

Both versions receive an upgraded engine which produces 150kW/500Nm, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. The increased grunt helps lift brake towing capacity up to 3500kg.

Both can now tow up to 3500kg.

Improved suspension should also make for a more comfortable ride when the tray is empty.

The big ticket item for the Rogue is a new locally-developed motorised roller cover for the tray. The roller cover is linked to the central locking system and has weatherproofing and dust protection built in.

Other styling elements include dark alloy wheels, rear bumper and tailgate along with a number of chrome elements.

Toyota Australia’s engineering team has worked on a number of the Rugged X’s components to help ensure optimal cooling performance over rough surfaces.

The Rugged X is pitched towards those that want to head off the bitumen.

The Rugged X’s off-road pedigree is further enhanced with the addition of standard features including a snorkel, heavy-duty front springs, rock rails, red painted front and rear recovery points.

Toyota has fitted the range-topping models with a wide range of safety gear including auto emergency braking, radar cruise, lane departure warning and a reversing camera.

Both variants are due to land in showrooms in the second half of November but may be delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions in Melbourne where the final assembly takes place.