The Toyota Hilux has long been a staple for fleet managers and off-road enthusiasts alike. The 2024 Hilux Rogue comes with some subtle yet significant updates, particularly with the introduction of Toyota’s 48V mild hybrid system. While much of the design and functionality remain familiar, Toyota’s efforts to improve fuel economy and performance are noteworthy. In this review, we’ll delve into the things I liked and the areas where I believe the Hilux Rogue could still improve.
Exterior and Design: Tried and Tested, With a Few Tweaks
The 2024 Hilux Rogue continues to sport its iconic design, which hasn’t seen any major changes in nearly a decade. While this can feel like stepping back in time, Toyota’s “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach holds some merit, especially for loyal Hilux enthusiasts.
I do appreciate the subtle updates that add to the vehicle’s aggressive stance. The wider wheel track and the fender flares give it a muscular look without going overboard. Toyota’s decision to move the high-mount stoplight to the tailgate and add an electronic roller shutter enhances both functionality and style.
However, the design does feel a bit outdated compared to its competitors. For instance, the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max offer more modern aesthetics and advanced features in their latest models.
What I Liked:
- Wider wheel track for a more aggressive stance.
- Gas struts in the tailgate – a simple but handy feature.
- Electronic roller shutter and carpeted tray – practical for fleet use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Overall design feels dated compared to rivals.
- The cabin, while functional, could benefit from a more contemporary redesign.
Performance and the New 48V Mild Hybrid System
Under the bonnet, the 2024 Hilux Rogue retains the familiar 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine, delivering 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission and part-time four-wheel-drive system are also unchanged. However, the real star of the show is the new 48V mild hybrid system.
The mild hybrid system is designed to smooth out the Hilux’s sometimes rugged, agricultural feel by assisting with acceleration and deceleration. It also makes the auto start/stop function smoother and less jarring, which is a welcome improvement.
When it comes to fuel economy, Toyota claims the Hilux Rogue can achieve 7.8L/100km. However, after a week of varied driving, including freeway runs, urban commutes, and off-road beach adventures, the best fuel efficiency I managed was between 9.6L and 9.8L/100km. While not bad, it’s not quite the leap forward I had hoped for from the hybrid system.
What I Liked:
- Smooth start/stop system thanks to the mild hybrid.
- Enhanced acceleration and overall smoother driving experience.
What Could Be Improved:
- Real-world fuel economy doesn’t quite match the claims.
- While improved, the diesel engine still sounds a bit too rugged for my liking.
On-Road Comfort and Driving Experience
Inside, the Hilux Rogue offers a familiar and comfortable cabin. The leather seats, large infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay, and convenient features like seat warmers and wireless charging make for a pleasant driving experience.
However, compared to competitors like the Ford Ranger, which offers a more modern and tech-forward interior, the Hilux’s cabin feels dated. The analog dials and overall layout haven’t changed much since 2015, and it’s starting to show.
On the road, the Hilux Rogue drives as expected: solid but a bit bouncy, especially on uneven surfaces. This isn’t surprising, given its off-road capabilities, but newer competitors have managed to balance off-road toughness with on-road comfort better than the Hilux.
What I Liked:
- Comfortable leather seats and seat warmers.
- Large infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay.
- The cabin layout is familiar and user-friendly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cabin design is outdated and lacks the modern touches found in newer models.
- Ride comfort on bumpy roads could be improved.
Off-Road Capability and Towing
As always, the Hilux shines when taken off-road. The Rogue variant, with its wider track and upgraded suspension, handles tough terrain with ease. Key numbers such as the 31-degree approach angle and 265mm ground clearance mean you can tackle most off-road challenges without a problem.
Towing remains a strong suit for the Hilux, with a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500kg. However, fleet managers should keep in mind that when fully loaded, the Rogue’s payload capacity drops to 414kg due to its higher curb weight. This can become an issue if you’re carrying heavier loads or need to pack in additional equipment.
What I Liked:
- Excellent off-road capability with multiple terrain modes (sand, mud, rock, etc.).
- 3,500kg towing capacity remains competitive in the segment.
What Could Be Improved:
- Payload capacity could be higher, especially when towing.
- Ride quality could be more refined for on-road driving.
Fuel Efficiency and Real-World Testing
While Toyota’s official fuel economy numbers for the Hilux Rogue (7.8L/100km) sound impressive, my real-world experience tells a different story. Across varied driving conditions, I averaged between 9.6L and 9.8L/100km, which is decent for a diesel, but not as efficient as Toyota’s claims.
What I Liked:
- 48V mild hybrid system helps slightly with fuel efficiency.
What Could Be Improved:
- Real-world fuel efficiency still lags behind Toyota’s claims.
Fleet Manager Considerations
For fleet managers, the Hilux remains a strong option due to Toyota’s reputation for reliability, strong resale values, and robust after-sales service. The Hilux Rogue’s 48V mild hybrid system is a step in the right direction for improving fuel economy, though the real-world benefits may not be as significant as advertised.
Fleet managers will also appreciate Toyota’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, which can be extended to seven years for the engine and drivetrain with regular servicing. However, the six-month/10,000km service intervals are less competitive compared to models like the Ford Ranger, which offers 12-month/15,000km intervals.
What I Liked:
- Toyota’s strong reputation for reliability and resale value.
- Five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, extendable to seven years.
What Could Be Improved:
- Shorter service intervals compared to competitors.
Final Verdict: Is the Hilux Still the Right Choice?
The 2024 Toyota Hilux Rogue 48V offers incremental improvements in fuel economy and driving comfort, thanks to the mild hybrid system. It’s still a solid, reliable vehicle, and for fleets, the Hilux’s long-standing reputation is hard to beat.
However, with newer, more refined competitors like the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max pushing the envelope in terms of design, technology, and comfort, Toyota may need to do more in future updates to keep the Hilux ahead of the pack.
In Summary:
- Strengths: Proven reliability, off-road capability, strong towing capacity.
- Weaknesses: Dated design, real-world fuel economy below expectations, shorter service intervals.
As a fleet manager, choosing the Hilux Rogue comes down to balancing these pros and cons against the needs of your fleet. While the Hilux remains a workhorse, newer competitors offer fresher designs and more modern features, making the decision tougher than it used to be.
