Facelifted Toyota HiLux revealed, here in March

TOYOTA Australia has revealed its facelifted HiLux utility ahead of the model’s March arrival promising significant design and feature updates in addition to the introduction of 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain assistance on selected grades.

The importer says the popular Thai-built model will bring a new sense of rugged style to its portfolio with a refreshed front-end design that “gives an even more muscular look” to the most popular double-cab automatic diesel variants – suggesting that the 4x2 range will remain unaltered.

With a new-look octagonal grille and GR Sport-inspired front bumper, the updated HiLux adds a trapezoidal lower intake section with a “bold outer bumper” that houses fog lights on SR5 grades and above.

For four-wheel drive WorkMate variants, a black honeycomb mesh grille is now applied for a “tough and sport look” paired with a black lower and body-coloured side bumper finish.

A tailgate damper is added to all pick-up variants.

The front bumper on WorkMate single-cab chassis and petrol double-cab variants has been changed from a dark grey finish to black while SR grades add a silver-coloured lower bumper finish.

For the SR5, a black upper grille mould, dark-tinted LED headlamp cluster, gloss black fog lamp bezels, exterior mirrors and outside door handles round out the all-new look.

Four-wheel drive SR5 and Rogue double-cab variants will now arrive as standard with 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain assistance, the technology available optionally on the four-wheel drive SR double-cab grade.

Toyota says the system provides fuel consumption improvements in the vicinity of six to 10 per cent, depending on variant, the arrangement paired with the carryover 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

The 48-volt mild hybrid system comprises a motor/generator, battery, and DC/DC converter which supports an idle-stop system while also enhancing driveability and fuel efficiency. Toyota says the system also serves to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

The technology is also said to provide improved off-roading capabilities with the addition of Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select four-wheel drive modes. The driver selectable system provides six individual settings that are said to “enhance performance in challenging conditions”.

For SR grades fitted with the 48-volt mild hybrid system, we also find dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and ignition, auto up/down power windows, and carpet floor mats added to the kit list.

Regardless of powertrain choice, all SR double-cab automatic pick-up grades now feature two front- and four rear parking sensors to help make navigating tight spaces easier.

Finally, and for SR5, Rogue and GR Sport double-cab grades, Toyota has included a wireless charging pad alongside the gear shifter and the addition of two USB-C charging ports alongside the rear air vents.

“Introducing 48-Volt technology on double-cab HiLux models is an exciting step forward, improving fuel efficiency while still providing performance and capability that the HiLux is known for,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing, and franchise operations Sean Hanley.

“Combined with dynamic styling and improved specification, the HiLux range has never looked more appealing.”