Toyota Hilux

One of the big trends in the Australian automotive space over the last few years has been the seemingly ever-increasing amount of money that people are willing to spend on robust cars. Vehicles like the Volkswagen V6 ultimate, Ford Ranger and the new Mercedes-Benz X class are seriously pricy. The SR5 already accounts for a quarter of the entire sales of the Hilux range. So, Toyota has picked up on this increasingly premium nature of the ute market and decided to introduce a few new Hilux models priced above the SR5. One of which is the Rugged X and it is officially the most expensive Toyota Hilux. There are five trim levels on offer, Workmate, SR, SR5, Rogue, Rugged and Rugged X. 

Hilux flaunts a prominent exterior design. Body-colored bumper is present on the SR, SR5, Rogue. Multi-reflector headlamps are standard on all the variants. LED headlamps with auto leveling and LED DRLs are equipped on SR5, Rogue and Rugged X. SR5 comes with a sporty stainless steel bar that enhances the overall look. Whereas the Rogue, Rugged and Rugged X flaunts a functional black sports bar with attachment points. Body side mouldings, wheel arch mouldings, rock rails, and heavy-duty bumpers are present in the Rugged and Rugged X. If you are in search of a sober and tough car, then go for Workmate or SR. But if robust look and features are your priorities, then SR5, Rogue, Rugged and Rugged X will fulfill your requirements. 

Opening the doors, you will find standard leather seats. Premium gear lever and steering wheel are included in the SR5, Rogue and Rugged X. This car features front air-conditioned cooler box in all trims except for the workmate. Standard features that all the trims come with are power steering, 4x4 transfer switch, drive mode, cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls and power mirrors. Coming to the infotainment system, the Workmates gets a 6.1 inches colour touchscreen display with CD player. However, other trims get 7 inches colour touchscreen display with CD player.

There are three engine options on offer. The 2.7L petrol engine puts out 163 hp of power and 245 Nm of torque. The 2.4 L 16 valve DOHC turbo diesel engine is capable of producing a maximum power of 147 hp and a peak torque of 400 Nm. However, the other one is the 2.8 L 16 valve DOHC turbo diesel engine, which churns out 174 hp of power, 420 Nm of torque in manual transmission and 450 Nm in automatic. Both the diesel engine comes with the option to mated itself either with a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission. Whereas the petrol engine offers a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. 

Talking about the safety features, Hilux comes equipped with a plethora of safety features. The standard safety features available in all the trims include anti-lock braking system, stability control, traction control, brake assist, hill start assist, plenty of airbags, door ajar warning light and more.