As an icon in the automotive industry, the Toyota Hilux (Specs | News) has made its mark as the go-to choice for drivers seeking a reliable vehicle. Since its inception in 1968, this vehicle has been a top seller, with close to 19 million units sold to date. From the rugged terrain of agricultural fields to the harsh conditions of the battlefield, the Hilux has proven itself to be a dependable workhorse, a fact that cannot be disputed.

However, in today's market, there is a growing demand for lifestyle trucks and SUVs, as regular consumers aspire to own these types of vehicles. Car manufacturers are well aware of this trend and are working hard to cater to the needs of this specific demographic. In this highly competitive market segment, the battle for dominance is fierce, with the Toyota Hilux Rogue facing tough competition from rivals such as the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, Mitsubishi Triton Athlete, Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, and even its own stablemate, the GR Sport. It's a challenging environment, but the Hilux Rogue is up for the task.

2023 Toyota Hilux Rogue Exterior: No-nonsense attitude

In terms of its exterior, the Hilux Rogue embodies a no-nonsense attitude that is befitting of its rugged nature. Toyota has taken note of the trend towards high-spec, dressed-up pickup trucks with powerful engines, and the Hilux Rogue is its answer to this demand. The external features of this vehicle are well-suited to its intended purpose, with Bi-LED headlights, LED fog lights, and a skid plate to protect the suspension from dings. It's also designed to handle wet conditions with ease, with a wading depth of up to 700 mm, ensuring that drivers can navigate even the floodiest parts of the country.

From a design perspective, the Hilux Rogue plays to its tough-guy persona. The vehicle features a squared-off front bumper, gunmetal grey 18-inch wheels, and a thick sports bar (optional extra, RM 1,555), along with telltale graphics along the rear quarter fenders, all of which contribute to the vehicle's distinctive and rugged appearance.

2023 Toyota Hilux Rogue Interior: Robust to remind you of its roots

Moving on to the interior, the Toyota Hilux Rogue offers an impressive range of features that elevate the overall driving experience. The leather seats, which are power-adjustable for the driver, are a welcome touch, as is the leather steering wheel, six speakers, and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity. In a recent update in November 2021, the dual-zone air-conditioning system was added, further enhancing the comfort level of the vehicle.

While the list of features may not be extensive, the thoughtful additions make a significant difference. For instance, the drinks cooler in the glovebox is a unique feature that sets the Hilux Rogue apart from its competitors. Additionally, the rear air-conditioning vents are a welcome touch that provide extra comfort to passengers. During a photoshoot in the blazing, barren Cyberjaya, the drinks cooler and rear air-conditioning vents made the experience more tolerable.

The ergonomics of the Hilux Rogue are spot-on, as one would expect from a Toyota vehicle. There is a rich number of cubby spots, making it easy to store and access essential items while driving. As a result, the driving experience is seamless and not at all clumsy.

Essentially, the Hilux Rogue offers everything a good SUV should have. However, the Rogue does not attempt to coddle its passengers. Everything in the vehicle feels like it's built to last, which is a positive attribute for some drivers. The absence of rattly trim pieces even years into ownership is certainly a joy.

Nonetheless, there are a few areas where the vehicle falls short. The seats are the most significant drawback, with the short base of the front seats providing very little thigh support. The rear seats are also too straight, making passengers feel propped up rather than settled. Long journeys can become a chore due to the discomfort caused by the seats. While the recently-launched Hilux GR Sport attempts to address this issue with new seats, it remains to be seen if they will make a significant difference. The Triton Athlete and its signature J-curve seats remain the high-water mark in this regard.

2023 Toyota Hilux Rogue Driving and comfort

When it comes to driving and comfort, the Toyota Hilux Rogue is unmistakably a pickup truck, but that's not entirely its fault. The combination of a tall ride height, ladder frame, leaf springs, and inherently lopsided weight distribution when unladen make it challenging to achieve unblemished on-road manners. However, the Hilux Rogue manages to achieve a more settled down ride at the rear compared to most pickup trucks, and body roll is quite well contained for such a tall beast, which is a commendable feat.

Nevertheless, there are some drawbacks to note. The Hilux Rogue can feel a bit jostly when coming off bumps, and the steering wheel is a little sluggish and twirly. Its wide turning radius of 6.4 meters also makes mall parking and U-turns less than enjoyable.

However, the story is different on highways. The 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, producing 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque, is just the right amount of power and torque. When paired with the six-speed auto gearbox, it is quite long-legged, and you're rarely caught wanting for more oomph crossing state lines. The fuel consumption test results net about 10 litres/100 km, mixed between city and highway driving.

On the mechanical side, the Hilux Rogue is blessed with a rear differential lock (standard across the entire Hilux range), an auto limited-slip differential (LSD), and a variable flow control steering system. Active Traction Control (A-TRC) is also part of the pack, which comes in handy when you accidentally stuff the rear wheel in a hole in a jungle somewhere.

Additionally, the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system is bundled in, including autonomous emergency braking (PCS, Pre-Collision System), Lane Departure Alert with Yaw Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control (DRCC, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control).

While the Triton Athlete and D-Max V-Cross are better in terms of on-road, in-town performance, the Hilux Rogue achieves a balance between off-road capabilities and everyday driving, without alienating either its core following or lifestyle truck buyers. The Triton Athlete, in particular, excels with its car-like visibility and class-leading turning radius of 5.9 meters, which can make all the difference between parking or making another round. However, the trade-off to the Triton's better driving dynamics is a smaller bed and tighter cabin.

2023 Toyota Hilux Rogue Aftersales and warranty

The Hilux Rogue is backed by a five-year/150,000 km warranty coverage, applicable to all variants, with service intervals being 10,000 km or every six months.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Hilux Rogue is an interesting character. It manages to give buyers a choice – it can be used for day-to-day activities or for hiding away in the jungle for a weekend without much worry. The pricier GR Sport may be more suitable for those who prefer a clean city slicker, but the Hilux Rogue is for those who appreciate its strong character and robustness, which serves as a constant reminder of its working roots, without feeling like you're stuck in the fields yourself.