Toyota HiLux upgrade coming
Australia’s top-selling model to get more tech and vehicle tracking later this yearToyota Australia has confirmed an upgraded Toyota HiLux ute will arrive on local shores from October this year, bringing several new features including connected-car technology.
Modest price rises are expected for the enhanced 2021 Toyota HiLux, which is currently priced between $23,590 and $69,990 (plus on-road costs), owing to the inclusion of Toyota Connected Services (TCS) on all models.
Up until now, TCS has only been offered on the Toyota Yaris Cross and Toyota Camry.
The upgraded ute could also include the Toyota HiLux GR Sport variant, which is tipped to get overhauled suspension to take on Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara tough trucks.
“HiLux will get an upgrade from August 2021 production onwards,” a Toyota Australia spokesperson told carsales, confirming that the first shipment of vehicles are set to roll into Aussie showrooms from October.
“There will be upgrades to some convenience features as well as the addition of Toyota Connected Services.”
Like the FordPass Connect system on the Ford Ranger, the HiLux will now feature a vehicle tracking system designed to locate stolen vehicles, along with an automatic collision notification and SOS call system.
The latter can determine if a crash is serious and, if so, automatically contacts emergency services and sends location details.
The look of the Toyota HiLux is not expected to change with the update, except for a shark fin-style aerial replacing the conventional item, but there will be incremental upgrades on some models, such as the fitment of dual-zone air-conditioning on up-spec models such as the Toyota HiLux SR5, Rogue and Rugged X.
This will put the top-selling Toyota on level footing with flagship versions of newer 4x4 dual-cab utes like the Isuzu D-MAX, Mazda BT-50 and Nissan Navara.
It’s understood that urban-savvy HiLux Rogue models will get a new 360-degree parking system that makes use of four cameras.
There will be no changes to powertrain, with most models across the comprehensive 30-variant HiLux range sticking with the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (150kW/500Nm) that is also used in the Toyota Prado and Fortuna SUVs.
The Toyota HiLux came in for a mid-life upgrade in August 2020 in order to keep it fresh as rivals continue to deploy facelifted or completely new models. This included an updated exterior design, improved fuel economy and a higher towing capacity.
The cabin was also enhanced with an improved infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Expect several more HiLux upgrades over the next few years before a new-generation model is launched in 2024 or 2025, which could include a rip-snorting GR-badged twin-turbo petrol V6 model good for around 300kW and 600Nm.
Stay tuned for more details.
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