The 2024 Toyota Hilux Rogue 48V is a versatile workhorse that has been a favourite for fleet managers across Australia for years. With its combination of rugged reliability and off-road capability, the Hilux remains a go-to for fleets needing a tough vehicle for both urban and off-road use. In this article, we’ll focus on three key aspects of the Hilux Rogue that are crucial for any fleet manager: towing capacity, payload, and off-road angles.
Towing Capacity: Ready for Heavy Loads
Towing is one of the standout features of the Hilux Rogue. Like many 4×4 utes in its class, the Hilux Rogue offers a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg. This puts it on par with competitors such as the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, and Mitsubishi Triton, all of which also boast this industry-standard figure.
This towing capacity allows the Hilux to handle large trailers, boats, or work equipment with ease, making it a dependable choice for fleets that need to transport heavy loads regularly. Whether it’s for commercial use or recreational towing, the Hilux’s 3,500 kg capability ensures that it can take on the big jobs without breaking a sweat.
Towing Capacity Breakdown:
- Maximum Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500 kg
- Unbraked Towing Capacity: 750 kg
However, it’s important to note that towing at the vehicle’s maximum capacity has implications for the vehicle’s payload, so fleet managers need to be mindful of the combined weight when towing heavy loads. This leads us to the next important consideration: payload.
Payload: Balancing the Load
The 2024 Hilux Rogue 48V has a payload capacity of 764 kg, which refers to the maximum weight the vehicle can carry, including passengers, fuel, cargo, and any additional equipment. While this is a solid figure, it’s worth noting that the Hilux’s payload capacity is slightly lower than some of its rivals, such as the Isuzu D-Max and Ford Ranger.
One key thing to remember when towing with the Hilux Rogue is how the payload is affected by the trailer’s tow ball weight. The tow ball weight, generally around 10% of the trailer’s total weight, directly impacts the Hilux’s available payload. For example, if you’re towing a 3,500 kg trailer, the tow ball weight would be approximately 350 kg. This 350 kg counts as part of the vehicle’s payload, reducing the total remaining payload to 414 kg.
Payload Breakdown:
- Payload (without trailer): 764 kg
- Payload (with 3,500 kg trailer): 414 kg
This reduced payload means fleet managers need to carefully consider the total weight of passengers, cargo, and any additional gear, especially when towing near the vehicle’s maximum capacity.
Off-Road Angles: Built for the Toughest Terrain
Off-road performance is where the Hilux Rogue truly shines. Designed to tackle the toughest terrains, the 2024 Hilux Rogue boasts impressive off-road angles that make it well-suited for various challenging environments, from muddy tracks to rocky inclines.
The approach angle, which determines how steep an obstacle the vehicle can climb without damaging the front bumper, is a solid 31 degrees. This ensures that the Hilux can handle steep climbs without scraping or damaging the front of the vehicle.
The departure angle, which is the angle at the rear of the vehicle when descending off an obstacle, is 23 degrees. This gives the Hilux enough clearance to handle steep descents without hitting the rear bumper or undercarriage.
Ground clearance is another crucial factor for off-road driving, and the Hilux Rogue offers an impressive 265 mm of ground clearance. This allows the vehicle to clear large obstacles like rocks or tree roots without damaging the underside of the vehicle.
Off-Road Angles Breakdown:
- Approach Angle: 31 degrees
- Departure Angle: 23 degrees
- Ground Clearance: 265 mm
These off-road angles, combined with the vehicle’s four-wheel-drive system and multiple terrain modes (such as sand, mud, and rock), make the Hilux Rogue a capable off-roader, able to tackle difficult environments that would challenge less robust vehicles.
Practical Implications for Fleet Managers
For fleet managers, these three factors—towing capacity, payload, and off-road angles—are critical when assessing the suitability of a vehicle for their fleet. The Hilux Rogue offers strong towing capabilities and competitive off-road performance, but its slightly lower payload when towing could be a limiting factor for fleets that regularly carry heavy cargo alongside a trailer.
On the upside, Toyota’s renowned reliability, strong resale value, and after-sales service make the Hilux a dependable long-term investment for fleets. The vehicle’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, extendable to seven years with regular servicing, adds another layer of reassurance for fleet operators.
