Toyota Australia will this week announce an upgraded version of the nation’s most popular new vehicle, the Toyota HiLux.
Technically, the only change will be the fitment of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration switch for 2.8-litre turbo-diesel models, as seen in the revised Toyota Prado released this week.
The 2018 HiLux ‘tech change’ addresses concerns that extended low-speed running doesn’t allow the DPF to be sufficiently heated for automatic filter regeneration, or burn-off, risking clogging and expensive replacement.
However, it does not address the 2.8-litre diesel HiLux’s faulty air inlet system that allows dust to pass around the air filter, a fix for which remains at least a year away.
Nor is there any sign of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity, or more advanced safety features such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), which is standard in the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, available across the 2019 Ford Ranger line-up and offered in the Toyota HiLux in Europe.
Cosmetically, 4x4 and 4x2 Hi-Rider versions of the premium Toyota HiLux SR and SR5 will adopt a similar front-end design to the HiLux Rogue, including its front bumper and grille (which features more chrome for SR5 variants).
As with the 2018 Toyota Prado, pricing is not expected to change. In fact, a range of Toyota dealers are already offering the new-look 2018 Toyota HiLux SR5 4x4 dual-cab for $55,540 drive-away, with a leather-accented interior and powered driver’s seat costing $2000 more.
Currently, the Toyota HiLux SR5’s list price is $54,440 plus on-road costs, with the Rugged variant priced at $54,990 plus ORCs and both the Rugged X and Rogue topping the range at $61,690 plus ORCs.