2018 Toyota Hilux Rugged, Rugged X and Rogue

So, here we have a new offering from the Toyota design team.  Wanting to keep up with some of the utes we’re seeing that are jazzed up and beefed up for more off-road ruggedness and performance (Mercedes Benz X-Class, VW Amarok V6, Ford Ranger Raptor, HSV Colorado Sports Cat), the 2018 Toyota Hilux Rugged ute bestows itself upon us.  It’s a handy ute to have parked in the garage because when you really want to go bush this will make for a great companion in the Outback.

The 2018 Toyota Hilux Rugged ute boasts some features that have strengthened the Hilux cause for really getting down and dirty.  Capable of serious off-road performance, the new Toyota Hilux Rugged ute models have features to tough it out in the rough.  Three new dual-cab models from Toyota are known as the: Rugged X, Rugged and Rogue, and they boast a revised front-end styling and a raft of locally developed accessories.  In fact, all three models have been designed and developed in Australia.

2018 Toyota Hilux Rugged utes are based on the HiLux SR5 Double Cab Pick-Up, so the range-topping Rugged X is available with a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic – though the auto option adds $2000 to the price tag.  With the new Rugged X having a completely restyled front-end with a winch-compatible steel bar, bash plate, integrated LED driving lights and light bar, snorkel, steel rock rails, steel rear-step tow bar, front and rear recovery points, new load-rated sports bar, tub liner, 17-inch ‘Tough’ alloy wheels, leather-accented seats, front and rear all-weather floor mats, a new instrument cluster with metallic black ornamentation and a black headliner, you are easily going to match it with rivals on looks and capability alone.  Performance isn’t quite up to some of the more powerful utes on offer, but as has been the case with Toyota in the past, they will sit, wait and watch how the buyers will respond to the more powerful ute rivals, and then produce one themselves.

The other 2018 Toyota Hilux Rugged model offers the protection of a more traditional steel bull bar and costs a bit less than the Rugged X.  The Rugged model is based on the HiLux SR Double-Cab Pick-Up but has a redesigned grille, a winch-compatible steel bull bar, steel rock rails, snorkel, heavy-duty steel rear step bar, tow bar, rear recovery points, new load-rated sports bar, tub liner, 17-inch ‘Tough’ alloy wheels satnav, DAB+ radio, and front and rear all-weather floor mats.  This is a nice choice, and one that won’t get stuck easily when you get out in the rough stuff.

There is one other ‘toughed’ up model which Toyota has called the Hilux Rogue which is more angled towards capturing the urban-adventurer’s attention.  The Australian-designed Rogue was co-developed with Toyota in Thailand, and it is also sold in various markets around the world.  It features a revised front bumper and grille, and additional equipment over HiLux SR5 includes a grey rear bumper with wider step, tow bar, load-rated sports bar, hard tonneau cover with integrated light, tailgate dust-sealing kit, marine-grade carpet tub liner, 18-inch ‘Rogue’ alloy wheels, and the same interior features and trim as the Rugged X.

If you like things a little cushier then the Rogue has a very comfortable leather interior. All models, however offer good seat comfort, space and practicality.

2018 Toyota Hilux Rogue Interior

All new 2018 Toyota Hilux Rugged, Rugged X and Rogue models come with a 3 year/100,000 km warranty.  The service intervals are every 6 months or 10,000 km.  You get the coveted 5-star safety tick from ANCAP, and the utes use Toyota’s familiar 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel which is rated at 130 kW at 3400rpm, and 420 Nm between 1400-2600 rpm (manual) and 450 Nm between 1600-2400 rpm (auto).

The 2018 Toyota Hilux Rugged, Rugged X and Rogue utes provide the adventurer with a part-time four-wheel drive system that will return an average fuel consumption of around 8-to-9 litres/100 km for normal everyday travel.

The Hilux has always been a big practical workhorse with unrivalled reliability.  These Rugged, Rugged X and Rogue Hilux models, look meaner and more serious, can tow plenty, offer a decent ride height for off-road work and still remain very well built utes that last the distance.

2018 Toyota HiLux Rugged X

The 2018 Toyota Hilux Rugged model series includes the:

• Toyota Hilux Rugged
• Toyota Hilux Rugged X
• Toyota Hilux Rogue

For any more information on the 2018 Toyota Hilux or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Toyota dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!