Best 4x4 dual cab ute in Australia? 2023 Toyota HiLux Rogue review

Sorry to break it to you, but it's not the best 4x4 pick-up. It's not even close.

While it might be improved over the standard HiLux, a lot of the old niggles and annoyances remain. It rides better, yes, and it looks tougher than ever. But this grade is more expensive, has a lower payload, and doesn't have a power bump over the standard models.

It also has a slightly more impressive cabin, but it's SO FAR BEHIND THE TIMES in terms of interior design, technology and finishes, that it feels like it is stuck in the late twenty-teens.

It's also got shorter service intervals than most utes, and still rides horribly, in comparison.

So why would you choose it over any other ute? You tell me. I'd love to hear anything other than "because it's a Toyota", "great off road", "best resale value", or "unbreakable".

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00:00 Intro
00:33 Is it the right price?
01:33 What's the best competitor?
02:29 Is it the right size?
04:18 Interior
07:35 Under the bonnet
08:14 Driving
11:20 Efficiency
11:57 Is it safe?
12:36 Ownership
13:18 Verdict

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[sufyanalzubaidi]

If I have to go for a trip around Australia would I choose the Hilux or Ranger? personally I would choose the Hilux for peace in mind.
The comparison is made based on brand new trucks, the fair and accurate comparison should be made between them @ 50, 000 and 100, 000 Km's then the reliability and practicality will play big factor in deciding which one is better.
I used to own a wild track ranger @ 100, 000 Km's all 4 shocks started leaking, all bushes gone, gearbox playing up, annoying noises in the interior and dashboard, AC fans and vents needed replacement, and much more. thus, I replaced it with Hilux Rogue 23, not because of the riding dynamics is better nor the tech's but because I wanted a reliable truck that can serve me for years to come with no headache.
Thanks

[nidhinmohanvazhetta]

When considering fuel efficient and power, Hilux is a great vehicle.

[markhansford]

Love my Hilux. And I disagree about the ride quality Matt. My Hilux is a current generation single cab cab-chassis and I have no complaints about the ride. Its firm but never harsh or uncomfortable even on long trips. And I regularly average 8L/100km, and sometimes less.

[tonym]

I buy Toyota's because of 100% proven reliability. Bells and whistles on other utes are nice if you're a city driver or travelling on the blacktop between cities.
I nearly considered the Ranger, but common sense got the better of me. You should do a segment on what brand car gives their owners confidence and peace of mind in the outback. Out there, Toyota dominates for that reason.

[quinnsteer]

Newest spec sheet isn't always best. I've just ordered one of these over the Ranger as I cannot trust a vehicle that has so much tech and a fresh powerplant (too many unknowns). Hilux has a tried and tested platform which has had all of the bugs worked out. Ranger 5 years from now maybe. I've owned 4X4's that I couldn't trust and there is no worse feeling when you are remote.

[cmp]

I think then new face lifted Musso will be worth checking out.
At the moment I'm looking at getting a new dual cab, most likely a Musso but the Canon and Triton are in the mix. Bottom line, I'm not someone who is not going to spend much more north of $45k because I'm not that way inclined.

[johnnumbat]

Thanks Matt - I drive a 2010 diesel auto SR Hilux and quite impressed with its off-road ability and reasonably comfortable on road performance - like the Rogue I enjoy the confidence of analogue dials and knobs on the infotainment system - the Ford Ranger has been highlighted in recent media stories of failing LCD panels, failed electronic parking brake and stopping immediately at 80 km per hour without warning - with the new Hilux also having a conventional handbrake instead of electronic parking break means I’m likely to always have breaking ability when stationary - I’ll always choose a Toyota ute over any other brand for reliability and build quality - not negotiable - the only elephant in the room is the fact the new Landcruiser V6 diesel burns a lot of oil which may be an issue if the next gen Hilux has it - I’d choose a basic SR Hilux and put the A$ savings towards accessories including hydraulic struts on the rear tailgate as I’ve done with my N70 Hilux - the problem with a wider track/body is narrow bush tracks will be a no go unless you’re happy to scratch the duco.

[magmum]

The Hilux is more about reliability and keeps its resell value for so long but in my country there is only one dealer and they don’t provide good service. So I did choose the Mazda Bt50 for a better service and the design. Features are better than the hilux.

[Levi-cf]

The most reliable mid size ute in the world.

[wos]

Matt, great honest review… do you feel the Pro 4X warrior is a good Ute? I’m after an outta the box competent 4wd… I have a triton now, but has no diff lock or super select x it’s a GLX-R and I think ive reached the point in 4wd where I’ve reached the limit of the triton in standard form, so I either throw money at the triton or buy something else with better out of the factory performance.

Thanks Rob

[staind]

thanks for the video. Who's got the best interior do you think? cheers

[eaglesnest]

I have owned 3 hiluxs and they have never let me down they are reliable.
My current rugged model is the best so far with the lovells GVM and GMC up grade and transmission cooler and ARB frontier tank and ute master hard lid .
I am looking at getting the pedders rear disc brake up grade next .

[richardwalsh]

Seriously mate, just driving around getting 8.6l per 100 from mine. Loving it compared to mates new Ranger 12 to 13 l per 100 same driving

[trickster]

Straight and to the point Mat. I like that you have not been indoctrinated into the Toyota religion, where if you point out all the wrong doings of Toyota - nerds keep buying them and always throw up the "reliability" point card. (lets not mention the DPF ), to justify their purchase decision. I sometimes wonder if the Toyota buyer, buys on supposed reputation, rather than researching and taking an understanding of the mechanics and engineering? Don't get me wrong, they make a good product - but it is a product that is not streets ahead of anything else, segment to segment. I thought the Rogue was pitched at off-road market, but then rolls on highway treads? Guess it's a price thing.

[Heardbydeaf]

It is so bizarre to see how most of the car-reviewers in Au hate Hilux year after year, but it is still the most sold car in Au :D
Maybe car reviewers should change their approach ;)

[LCBBuilders]

Test drove a Hilux a couple of years ago and was pretty shocked at how harsh the ride was, Doesn't sound like much has changed. I like the way they look.... but they seriously have to update the interior, Even the new GR sport still has the iPad tacked on.looks fricken terrible.

[brentonl]

Would be interested in a comparison between top spec Triton and the Rouge. As I don't know squat about 4x4 Ute's I just hear about the reliability of the Mitsubishi and there gearbox set up. I'm not a brand fan so any help would be great.

[kalomboC]

Matt, do the GWM P-Series. Not just a regular review, but speak to the long term ownership pro's & con's, known issues, owner feedback

[daniel]

Im abit confused with this review, 4x4 utes are known for there off road abilities, i think alot of people who buy these utes would prioritise off road ability and reliability over how comfortable they are driving to work. I think this should be taken into account when comparing or determining what the "best" ute is. If all you plan to do is drive around your local streets then yes your review meets that buyer but for the most part i think off road ability is important. I also think re sale value should be added to your review, in 5-10yrs time having the ability to claw back some of the 70k will be handy for most people and the hilux holds there value like crazy. Not a toyota owner btw and i liked your review, but i am looking to buy a 4x4 ute and these things are what im looking for in a review cheers!

[pheonix]

Does Toyota think people have forgotten their terrible/ notorious avoidance on warranty issues - too the point, people were forced too sue ( DPF ) and Toyota was found guilty and now they have serious oil consumption issues with the LC300. I was a die hard Toyota customer but not anymore nor will I touch a Ford they have major transmission overheating issues. When are these companies going to stop using Australians as their own R&D mugs and stop dumping inferior quality vehicles that have huge price tags on the Australian market.For the record I defy anyone too prove what I have stated above too be incorrect.