COTY 2020: At RM 150k, is the Toyota Hilux Rogue still the undisputed king of pick-ups?
Sanjay · Jan 6, 2021 07:00 PM
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UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) unveiled the facelifited version of the locally-assembled (CKD) Toyota Hilux pick-up truck range in October 2020. We've said much about the new looks - imposing, intimidating, sharper, take your pick.
But beside the reskin, there's a new variant too: the range-topping, RM 150k Rogue, now fitted with a beefier engine and a bunch of goodies. With this, Toyota goes for the jugular of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Mitsubishi Triton Adventure X, both long-time competitors in the pick-up truck scene.
There's more welcome improvements than Toyota initially let on, and that's why the Hilux Rogue is fighting for our 2020 Car of the Year Awards (COTY) crown. Let's get into it then - is the pick-up truck that's fit for royalty maintain its monarchal status?
Great to drive, with good features
The Hilux has built itself quite the reputation along its 52-year history, and long story short, it's now the pick-up truck people think about whenever the term is mentioned.
This time around, UMWT's update to the Hailak bumps it up that much more to make it an altogether more compelling package - especially in terms of powertrain and safety.
The Rogue is outfitted with a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel (1GD-FTV) that now makes 204 PS and 500 Nm - a 27 PS and 50 Nm bump from before (177 PS and 450 Nm) courtesy of improvements to the turbo's cooling system and increase in fuel rail pressure.
Toyota also claims there's a 4% improvement in fuel economy. Still, the new engine now makes the Hilux Rogue the second-most powerful pick-up truck you can get for RM 150k:
2020 Toyota Hilux Rogue vs Mitsubishi Triton vs Ford Ranger
Model
Powertrain
Power and Torque
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
2.0-litre twin-turbodiesel
10-speed automatic
213 PS / 500 Nm
Toyota Hilux Rogue
2.8-litre turbodiesel
6-speed automatic
204 PS / 500 Nm
Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure X
2.4-litre turbodiesel
6-speed automatic
181 PS / 430 Nm
Other than the engine and visual improvements, the Rogue now comes with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), in the form of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). The Rogue gets an edge here because its ADAS suite is more extensive than its rivals'.
Functions include:
Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Lane departure alert with Yaw Assist (LDA, no steering assist)
Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (BSM, RCTA).
Other than that, it gets the customary anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution (ABS, EBD), stability control (VSC), 7 airbags, and ISOFIX tethers.
In addition, the Hilux Rogue now comes with 'Variable Flow Control' steering, which adjusts power steering assistance depending on driving speed. Having tried it myself, the system makes you feel like you're just driving a tall sedan.
Meanwhile, the improved Superflex suspension (with a 6% longer main leaf and reduced spring stretch, alongside an additional 'helper' spring) combine to give the car a more SUV-like level of comfort when going over rough roads - without losing the suspension articulation the Hilux is known for.
Also, don't forget that it comes with a Automatic Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD) and Active Traction Control (A-TRC), which helps with off-roadiness.
The steering has tilt and telescopic adjustments.
Improvements to the damping and steering characteristics are tangible. The Hilux feels at home on twisty roads, and on less-than-stellar, pockmarked ones, it remains fairly comfortable. We'd even go as far to say how it drives belies its body-on-frame construction.
The rear seat folds up completely.
And remember - at this price, most buyers would likely use it as a 'lifestyle' truck more than anything. For the money, occupants get rear air-conditioning vents, a drinks cooler in the two-layer globox, blue LED ambient lighting, electrical seat adjustments, and more cubby spaces than you know what to do with.
Probably the best sub-RM 150k pick-up truck in Malaysia
At RM 146,880, the Hilux Rogue certainly doesn't disappoint: thanks to its powerful engine, good safety kit and creature comforts, and an exterior that looks equally at home whether you're in Pos Keding or Pavillion. For the money, it's certainly a complete package.
Which is why the Toyota Hilux Rogue is in contention for our COTY award. But don't just let us get carried away - we want to hear what you think so quickly cast your votes and win some fantastic prizes while you're at it!
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
