2023 Toyota HiLux: New ‘apex off-road’ variant rendered

Toyota Australia announced recently that its flagship HiLux Rugged X will be replaced by a new “apex off-road model” – but what could it be?

In detailing the updated 2023 HiLux earlier this month – including the new widebody Rogue – Toyota remained tight-lipped regarding the new variant.

“In a further upgrade to the HiLux range, Toyota plans to launch a new apex off-road variant, replacing the HiLux Rugged X. Details, including launch timing, will be announced in due course,” the company said.

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Above: the wider new Rogue variant

It is likely to be designed by Toyota Australia, with modifications made at its Melbourne Product Centre – as is the case for the current Rugged X and Rogue.

As part of the model-year 2023 upgrade, the HiLux Rogue gains a wider track, an updated suspension package, rear disc brakes, and styling enhancements.

These changes are expected to carry over to the Rugged X successor, whatever it may be called. (HiLux Apex does have a ring to it, though...)

Although official details are thin, rendering artist Theottle has imagined the new off-road HiLux, taking inspiration from 2017’s Tonka concept and the current Rugged X, along with the HiLux GR Sport available overseas.

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While the new variant is unlikely to be quite as extreme, the HiLux Tonka concept – designed and developed locally – features a six-inch lift, 35-inch tyres, six-millimetre bash plating, and heavier-duty suspension.

One possibility is for Toyota Australia to take the HiLux GR Sport – available in four versions for Japan, Thailand, Europe and South Africa – as a base, with further off-road enhancements in Melbourne.

Existing modifications for the HiLux Rugged X include; a hoopless steel bull bar, bash plates, rock sliders, sports bars, heavy-duty recovery points, revised front springs, an LED light bar, and a snorkel.

The new apex variant will likely bring specialised off-road suspension, improved brakes, and possibly more power.

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Don’t expect the 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine to make way for a six-cylinder mill, though.

In South Africa, the HiLux GR Sport has 165kW of power and 550Nm of torque – up 15kW and 50Nm over the Australian-market HiLux.

This would rule out a more-powerful competitor to the Ford Ranger Raptor, which is designed for global markets, including the United States.

The new-generation Raptor features a 292kW/583Nm twin-turbocharged petrol V6 engine, a far cry from the 150kW and 500Nm outputs in the current HiLux.

Of the 17,000-plus pre-orders for the 2023 Ford Ranger launching this week, Ford Australia claims around 4000 are for the flagship Raptor set to begin arriving next month.

Toyota has sold more than 17,000 examples of the HiLux Rogue and Rugged X in Australia since launch in 2018, with both variants specific to Australia.

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2017 Toyota HiLux Tonka concept

A stripped-back Rugged variant, based on the mid-spec SR, was also available until mid-2020, sporting a regular steel bull bar, standard tow kit, and a snorkel.

The brand is far from alone in selling locally-developed utes, with many competitors receiving a local touch to some extent.

For instance, the Ford Ranger and its new Volkswagen Amarok twin have substantial Australian influence, the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior is re-engineered in Melbourne by Premcar, and Walkinshaw’s agreement with Volkswagen will continue for modified Amaroks.

Below: The current 2022 Toyota HiLux Rugged X

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