2023 Toyota HiLux Reviews

It's been eight years since the eighth-gen HiLux landed in Australian showrooms, and it is the country's favourite vehicle - by sales. But newer rivals like the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max have taken a bite out f its market share in recent years. How does the dual-cab HiLux stack up in 2023?

Rogue is the top-grade variant in Toyota's HiLux line-up now that the Rugged X has been discontinued and the range-topping GR Sport hasn't arrived here yet.The Rogue has new suspension and is now wider, taller and, supposedly, tougher than ever before. But can it compete with the likes of Ford Ranger Wildtrak, Nissan Navara Warrior, or even Ford Ranger Raptor?

In 2018 Toyota Australia launched three 'halo' variants of its HiLux dual cab 4x4 ute comprising Rugged, Rogue and top-shelf Rugged X. Although the Rugged had an early departure due to slow sales, the 'urban adventurer' Rogue and 'hardcore off-road' Rugged X have proven popular with premium-grade HiLux buyers, finding more than 17,000 homes.

Australia's bestselling vehicle, the current Toyota HiLux is now in its twilight years, and must mostly rely on reputation to stay ahead of an increasingly stronger pack, led by the 2023 Ford Ranger. On the other hand, the popular SR5 Double Cab still looks great, is reassuringly familiar and is quite the performance powerhouse, thanks to a host of Aussie-influenced tweaks. But do they do enough? Particularly around town?