• New Hilux Rogue gets wider track and increased ride height
• Suspension and brakes upgraded to compensate
• Rumours of a Ranger Raptor fighting Hilux grows by the day

Toyota Australia has announced a significant performance upgrade for their flagship Hilux Rogue 4x4 that comprises a wider track and updated suspension package for Q4 of 2022.

The new dual-cab Hilux Rogue will boast a track increase of approximately 140 mm while the ride height has also been bumped up by about 20 mm. Both enhancements will lend the Hilux Rogue with off-road ability as well as on-road performance.

To accommodate the track increase, Toyota engineers overhauled the Hilux suspension by extending the front suspension arm and front stabiliser bar length and adjusting shock absorber angle to improve efficiency.

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At the rear, axle length has been extended, dampers have been moved further out towards the wheels, and for the first time on Hilux, a rear stabiliser bar has been installed to enhance cornering stability and ride comfort. As a result of the suspension changes, roll rigidity has been enhanced by 20 per cent.

Stopping power has also been upgraded with new rear ventilated disc brakes replacing the existing drums while the fronts get larger 17-inch discs.

To house the increased track width, the usual overfenders and mudguards treatment was applied.

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Toyota Australia didn’t just stop at the Hilux Rogue; they’re introducing upgrades to core variants of the range.

The SR extra-cab and double-cab models receive new black 17-inch alloy rims and body-coloured door handles.

As for the SR5 double-cab pick-ups, it gains extra active safety equipment as standard, with the addition of blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. There’s a panoramic view monitor now as well

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In a further upgrade to the Hilux range, Toyota plans to launch a new apex off-road variant that will replace the Hilux Rugged X. Based on the excitement and success of the Ford Ranger Raptor, this is a no-brainer for the Australian market, especially considering that the Hilux Rogue and Hilux Rugged X have amassed more than 17,000 sales since their launch in 2018.

This apex Hilux would likely be powered by a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel from the Land Cruiser 300. The engine’s current output of 309 PS and 700 Nm of torque should take the fight to the Ranger Raptor with its arsenal of 397 PS and 583 Nm of torque.

While the track and ride height upgrades don’t quite indicate an apex Hilux, it’s no secret that the only thing missing from that list of enhancements is more grunt under the hood.

Speaking of that hood, the Hilux did previously pack a 4.0-litre petrol V6 in the Aussie market that was dropped in 2017, so it should easily swallow the Land Cruiser’s 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel.

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Toyota themselves have already toyed with the idea, having prepared a Land Cruiser-powered Hilux in the shape of the GR DKR Hilux T1+ that competed in this year’s Dakar Rally.

It packed the 405 PS and 660 Nm of torque 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 from the 300 Series and the related Lexus LX. Toyota themselves admitted that only repositioning of the factory intercooler was necessary for fitment in the Hilux, with the rest of the engine certified capable enough for Dakar duty in standard form.

Will this purported apex Hilux be taking the fight to the Ranger Raptor down under? We’re all excited to find out.