Toyota HiLux Rugged X 2018 review: snapshot

The most hardcore version of the additions to the 2018 Toyota HiLux model range is the 2018 Toyota HiLux Rugged X.

The Rugged X is based on the SR5 model, and is priced at $61,690 for the manual and $63,690 for the auto.

Being based on the high-spec SR5 it has features like smart key and push-button start, dual-zone climate control AC, plus LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. And gone is the chrome sports bar of the SR5, in favour of a black one.

Inside, the Rugged X has new black perforated leather-accented seats with seat heating and electric adjustment up front, plus metallic black ornamentation, a black roof headliner, front and rear carpet floor mats, a new instrument cluster design with white illumination and orange needles.

You can tell a Rugged X from the outside by its 17-inch alloys (identical to Rugged), heavy-duty steel front bar and bash plate, revised grille design, LED light bar and spread beam driving lights, front and rear recovery points, heavy-duty steel rear bar with integrated step, side rock rails, snorkel, towball and tongue (with seven-pin flat trailer wiring harness).

It also has black wheel-arch and body side mouldings, a black sports bar with multiple tie-down points, a tub liner with tailgate protection, gloss black exterior mirror caps and door handles, matte black tail lamp surrounds, a black tailgate handle and dark grey badges and Rugged X decals.

The Rugged model is available with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. It runs a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel with 130kW of power and 450Nm in the automatic transmission, while the manual is rated at 130kW/420Nm.