Toyota HiLux 2023 review: Rogue - GVM test

The new Rogue, which is now the flagship of the HiLux range, is available only with Toyota's ubiquitous 2.8-litre turbo-diesel and six-speed torque converter automatic for a list price of $70,200 plus ORCs, meaning the latest chassis and body enhancements have not resulted in a price increase.

In addition to these changes (see Design) it's equipped with new 18-inch alloys and 265/60 R18 tyres with a full-size spare and retains unique standard luxury features including a locally developed motorised roller-cover which is integrated with the vehicle’s central-locking system.

The Rogue wears 18-inch alloy wheels. (image credit: Mark Oastler)

It includes an anti-jam function, integrated LED tub lighting and high levels of weather and dust protection for the load tub, which is fully lined with marine carpet. There’s also a stylish composite sports bar/rear window shade and 3.5-tonne tow-bar and wiring harness.

Inside are heated front seats with perforated leather-accented trim and eight-way power adjustment for the driver. There’s also a multi-info driver’s display and a premium nine-speaker JBL audio system, controlled by an 8.0-inch central multimedia touchscreen offering multiple connectivity including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB digital radio and more.

The 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel produces 150kW at 3400rpm and 500Nm between 1600-2800rpm.

The smooth-shifting six-speed torque converter automatic offers three drive modes (Normal/Power/Eco) and the option of sequential manual-shifting, which is handy when hauling and/or towing heavy loads in hilly terrain. There’s also part-time, dual-range 4x4 and a lockable rear diff.

The 2.8-litre diesel engine, produces 150kW/500Nm. (image credit: Mark Oastler)

Toyota claims a combined average of 8.4L/100km but the dash display was showing 11.1 at the end of our 347km test, which was mostly city and suburban driving and did not include our usual GVM test (see Practicality).

Our own figure, calculated from fuel bowser and tripmeter readings and with only short use of the Power and Eco modes, was slightly higher than the dash display at 11.5L/100km which is a bit thirsty. So, based on our figures, you could expect a real-world driving range of around 700km from its 80-litre tank.

Deducting the Rogue’s 2231kg kerb weight from its 3050kg GVM results in an 819kg payload rating which is far from class-leading. However, it is rated to tow up to class-benchmark 3500kg of braked trailer but with its 5850kg GCM (how much it can legally carry and tow at the same time) that would leave an impractical 119kg of payload capacity. In other words, the weight of a driver and not much else.

A more practical approach for owners would be to base its tow rating on the 3050kg GVM, which drops the trailer weight from 3500kg to 2800kg but retains the full 819kg payload rating. This would suit most towing requirements, as few (if any) Rogue owners would need to tow more than 3000kg.

The load tub has no front anchorage points. (image credit: Mark Oastler)

The load tub floor is 1550mm long and 1520mm wide with 1110mm between the wheel arches, which means it can’t fit a standard 1165mm-square Aussie pallet but could take an 800 x 1200mm Euro pallet.

However, given that the upper load length is shortened by the roller-cover assembly and the load tub has no front anchorage points, you could not safely secure a loaded pallet or any other heavy payload. That makes the Rogue impractical for many trade duties, but we suspect such limitations are of no concern to the ‘urban adventurers’ it’s aimed at.

Front cabin storage includes a large-bottle holder and storage bin in each front door, an overhead glasses holder plus upper and lower gloveboxes with handy a/c cooling in the top one. The centre console has a shallow storage tray up front, two small-bottle/cup holders and storage nook in the centre and a box at the back with a padded lid that doubles as an elbow rest.

Rear passengers get a large-bottle holder and small storage bin in each rear door, pouches on the front seat backrests and a pair of small-bottle/cup holders in the fold-down centre armrest. The split-fold base cushions can swing up to access two underfloor storage compartments, or be stored in vertical positions if more internal load space is needed.

We couldn’t do our usual GVM test due to the absence of front load anchorage points in the tub. It would have required trying to secure around 700kg using only two rear anchorages, which was a safety risk we weren’t prepared to take.

The HiLux is covered by Toyota's five years/unlimited km warranty with capped-price of $260 for each of the first six scheduled services. However, the service intervals are relatively short at six months/10,000km whichever occurs first.