Beefed-up Toyota Hilux Rogue introduced in Australia

MANILA: The 2023 Toyota Hilux Rogue has been formally introduced by Toyota Australia. It has undergone a number of upgrades after being first announced in July of this year.

In terms of specs, the 1GD-FTV 2.8 liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which produces 201 horsepower and 500 Nm, continues to power the 2023 Toyota Hilux Rogue. This is coupled with a four-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Wide overfenders and mudguards, along with a new front body extension that has been broadened to better merge with the front bumper, make the updated pick-up truck clearly recognizable.

The Toyota Hilux Rogue's improved suspension, which features a higher track of 140 millimeters front and rear, was enhanced by these cosmetic improvements. The front suspension arm and stabilizer bar have been lengthened by engineers, and the efficiency of the front damper angle has been improved.

The brakes also differ mechanically from the previous Rogue; drum brakes are replaced for the first time with vented rear disc brakes. The diameter of the front disc brakes has also increased by 25 mm to 432 mm. The last touch is a set of 18-inch black alloy wheels that replace the previous 17-inch ones.

Being the priciest model of the Hilux available in Australia, the 2023 Toyota Hilux Rogue includes a number of useful features, including a motorized roller cover for the bed, a resin sports bar, marine-grade bed lining, heated front seats, perforated leather upholstery, a panoramic view monitor, an integrated trailer wiring harness and tow ball, as well as a nine-speaker sound system.

The Hilux Rogue is available in eight additional colors in addition to the Oxide Bronze paint finish you see here, including Glacier White, Frosted White, Silver Sky, Graphite, Eclipse Black, Nebula Blue, Feverish Red, and Saturn Blue.

Last year, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) further expanded its Gazoo Racing-Sport lineup with the launch of the Toyota Hilux GR-S. The pickup rides on the same international multi-purpose vehicle (IMV) platform as the Fortuner.

The development of the GR-S badge was influenced by Toyota Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s global motorsports division concentrating on specialized research and production of cars developed with racing DNA.

The Toyota Hilux GR-S features a black gloss G-mesh front grille with a Toyota emblem running across the vehicle’s front. Like the Fortuner GR-S, this Hilux is equipped with 18-in alloy wheels with machine-cut finish and black-tinted clear coating.

Similar to the 2023 Toyota Hilux Rogue, the Hilux GR-S is also motivated by a 2.8 liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Again, this is coupled with a four-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, the Hilux GR-S models also feature a red, black, and smoke silver metallic-accented GR interior. The steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and sport-type front seats are all wrapped in leather with red stitching. The Fortuner GR-S gets matte carbon trims on the center cluster, while the Hilux GR-S comes with paddle shifters. Both models are also equipped with eight-way power adjustable seats and a dual zone air-conditioning system.

The GR-S variant is the first Hilux to get a panoramic view monitor. To ensure a stable ride and race-like steering feel, the Hilux GR-S is fitted with front GR brake calipers and new monotube-type suspension.

Catch Toyota — and possibly its Toyota Hilux GR-S model — at the 2022 Philippine International Motor Show that will happen at the World Trade Center in Pasay City from September 15 to 18.

Photos from Toyota Australia, Toyota Motor Philippines, and Roy Robles

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