The updated 2020 Toyota HiLux has been revealed ahead of an Australian arrival in August.
Headlining the changes to Australia’s best-selling car is an upgrade to the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine. When matched to the automatic transmission, it now produces 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque, up 20kW and 50Nm over the outgoing model.
Despite the power bump, Toyota says fuel consumption has improved by up to 11.1 per cent while the tuned accelerator response delivers greater driver control.
Toyota will continue to offer the HiLux range with three body styles (single, extra and double cabs), two configurations (pick-up or cab-chassis) and five equipment levels (Workmate, SR, SR5, Rogue and Rugged X).
Underneath, the suspension has been tweaked with revised shock-absorber tuning, new bushings and an improved leaf-spring design. Toyota says the changes deliver a smoother ride over rough roads and with low loads while maintaining the ute’s off-road capabilities.
Towing capacity for automatic 4x4 HiLux variants - including new double-cab-chassis Workmate and SR5 variants - has been upgraded to a maximum of 3500kg to match manual versions. On 4x2 variants, all diesel automatics are now rated at 2800kg, an increase of up to 300kg.
4x4 models with downhill-assist control gain an additional traction control feature to provide more grip in muddy or grassy conditions when using the 2WD mode.
Design-wise, the updated HiLux gets a large trapezoidal grille that incorporates more pronounced horizontal elements for a wider look. The grille surrounds are determined by the model grade.
There are also smaller headlights for a "meaner" look, new taillights and fresh alloy wheel designs.
On the inside, every variant gets a 4.2-inch driver information display in the instrument cluster, along with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Higher grades are also equipped with satellite navigation and DAB digital radio.
The updated HiLux is due to arrive locally in August, full specs and pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.
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