Thought Toyota was going to leave the Isuzu D-Max alone on its big day in Australia?
Ha, good one. Toyota Australia has today revealed more details about the updated HiLux, which will go head-to-head with the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, and all-new Isuzu D-Max revealed today.
The latest version of Australia’s best-selling vehicle will hit dealerships on August 27, four days before the new D-Max touches down.
Pricing has been revealed for the WorkMate, SR, and SR5, while the range-topping Rugged-X and Rogue (above) have been outed in photos, but not yet priced.
Toyota Australia has played a role in developing the updated car’s suspension, which has been retuned for a smoother unladen ride and a more composed drive when towing.
Braking towing capacity is up from 3200kg to 3500kg in 4×4 variants, bringing it into line with the Ford Ranger.
The steering has also been made lighter in four-wheel drive turbo-diesel models to make parking easier in the city.
Headlining the changes is an upgraded 2.8-litre turbo-diesel. With 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque, it packs 20kW and 50Nm more than the current model.
The upgrade brings the HiLux into line with the 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine available in the Ford Ranger, which makes 157kW of power and 500Nm.
It also gives the HiLux a boost over the Nissan Navara (140kW/450Nm), Mitsubishi Triton (133kW/430Nm), and the upcoming Isuzu D-Max, which packs 140kW and 450Nm.
Inside, the new HiLux gains a fresh 8.0-inch infotainment system complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with physical knobs for volume and tuning.
The instrument binnacle has been redesigned, and the whole range features a 4.2-inch trip computer between the dials.
From the outside, you’ll be able to tell the new HiLux from its predecessors from its tougher new nose.
Inspired by the American-market Tundra and Tacoma, it’s dominated by a more prominent chrome grille and redesigned bumper. The headlights have also been reworked.
Along with new alloy wheel designs, the HiLux has also been treated to a new set of tail lights.
When it lands in August, the new HiLux will go head-to-head with a tougher-than-ever crowd of dual-cab rivals.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for a full pricing and specifications breakdown today.
