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Review
2022 Toyota HiLux Rogue review: improving on a winning formula
Regularly Australia’s top-selling car, the updated 2022 Toyota HiLux Rogue is proof there’s still improvement to be had in the old warhorse yet.
The current-generation of the Toyota HiLux has been Australia’s top-selling vehicle very year since 2016. That’s pretty impressive. In fact, that’s probably a better result than the vehicle’s driving quality has sometimes warranted.
If you’re a HiLux lover and looking for the best model to drive in the fleet, then the new Rogue is it.
The Toyota HiLux Rogue won’t be the first choice for every HiLux buyer, simply because it is expensive and things like the carpet in the tray and roll-top aren’t really practical features for working utes.
Hopefully Toyota will soon transfer the excellent changes made to the Rogue to the other HiLux models – they’ll all be better for them.
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Changes to the Rogue's footprint gives it the best drive performance of any HiLux to date.
Toyota HiLux Rogue pricing, specs, and performance
Toyota HiLux Rogue pricing
Despite some key mechanical upgrades that revolve around the way the 2022 Toyota HiLux Rogue drives, it remains priced at $70,200 plus on-road costs.
Key standard exterior equipment includes a resin sports bar and a powered roll-top for the tray, which is also trimmed in swish marine-grade carpet rather than the usual plastic tub liner.
Inside there are heated front seats with perforated leather-accented upholstery and eight-way power adjustment, dual-zone climate control with adjustable rear air-con outlets and a 220V three-pin outlet in the centre lidded bin.
A nine-speaker JBL audio system is standard, but some buyers could be offered a $750 discount to cop a six-speaker sound system. This is because of the global microchip shortage.
Currently, the Rogue is the flagship of the entire HiLux line-up and that pitches it up against some tough competition including the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain and the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior.
The Rogue comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a capped price servicing plan that will cost no more than $260 per service scheduled over the first three years. However, intervals are a short six months/10,000km.
Toyota HiLux Rogue specs
The 2022 Toyota HiLux Rogue has a familiar powertrain that comprises a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, six-speed automatic transmission and part time 4x4 drive system that runs in rear-wheel drive on bitumen, can engage all four wheels on slippery surfaces and drop into low range for the gnarly stuff.
This is not a cutting-edge drivetrain. It doesn’t accelerate all that powerfully and it is a bit rattly, especially when cold. And it’s been further exposed by the smooth, silent engines in the latest Ford Ranger.
The six-speed auto is a willing and able accomplice, extracting the best it can from the engine.
A five-star ANCAP safety rating, seven airbags and autonomous braking round out the Rogue's safety features.
Toyota HiLux Rogue performance
The key changes to the 2022 Toyota HiLux Rogue are under the body. Essentially, what Toyota has done has given the vehicle a wider footprint, changes some suspension layouts and pieces and improved the brakes.
The result is the HiLux Rogue drives better on-road than any other HiLux. Ever. It has more grip and steering surety in corners and rides better over the bumps. The vehicle is easier and more enjoyable to drive smoothly.
Off-road the primary improvement is delivered by increased ground clearance. On the downside, being slightly wider overall than before impinges on manoeuvrability that little bit.
Owning a Toyota HiLux Rogue: interiors, fuel efficiency, and safety rating
Toyota HiLux Rogue interiors
The 2022 Toyota HiLux Rogue is not cutting edge when it comes to interior technology.
The 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen screen in the dashboard is small and there is no wireless smartphone connection or charging and only a single USB-A connector mounted in the dash.
The Toyota operating system is clunky enough to quickly encourage the use of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The front seats provide substantial and sizable support, and the steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake, so the driver should be able to get comfy.
It’s tighter in the backseat for adults with a typical-ute knees-up sitting position.
The Rogue is left wanting for modern interior tech, with no wireless smartphone connection or charging.
Toyota HiLux Rogue safety rating
The 2022 Toyota HiLux Rogue comes with include a five-star ANCAP rating based on 2019 protocols, seven airbags and autonomous emergency braking.
Other key driver assist systems include adaptive cruise control, a very intrusive but easily switchable lane departure warning and road sign assist. Drive Start Control prevents collisions caused by pedal misapplications.
Manoeuvring in tight spaces is aided by a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.
There are dual ISOFIX child seat mounts and top tether mounts in the rear bench seat. All five passengers get lap-sash seatbelts.
Toyota HiLux Rogue fuel efficiency
While the 2022 Toyota HiLux Rogue doesn’t have the most dynamic powertrain it has always been regarded as impressively fuel efficient. The official claim is 8.4L/100km and our on-test average came out at 9.6L/100km. That’s pretty good for a ute.
Of course, attach a caravan – up to 3500kg allowed – or drop into low range for some serious off-roading and that average is going to climb quickly and steeply.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
