What's the difference between Toyota Hilux rugged and rugged X?
Towards the tail end of 2020, the whole Hilux lineup was, as a matter of course, given a refresh, during which time the automobile underwent a few necessary revisions. The 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine now delivers 150kW and 500Nm in its Rugged X configuration. This is an increase of 20kW and 50Nm in comparison to the previous model.
Because of this, its maximum towing capacity has increased from 3200 kg to 3500 kg. Only an automatic gearbox with six speeds is available for purchase with the Rugged X trim level. Unfortunately, there is no manual cog-swapper available.
The interior also got a much-needed facelift, and as part of the revamped dashboard and center console, which now have a more streamlined appearance, Toyota installed a touchscreen with an eight-inch display that is both larger and easier to use. The touchscreen is capable of running all of today's current technology luxuries, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the integration of Toyota's own myToyota app.
And maybe most significantly for the 4x4 community, volume knobs have made a triumphant comeback. The Rugged X comes standard with a JBL sound system, which is widely regarded as one of the superior options available from the manufacturer in the dual-cab market.
Leather is used for the accents on the comfy pews, which also provide support, as well as the gear lever and steering wheel. The front pews include heating for chilly mornings, and the driver's seat has eight different power adjustments to choose from. The rear seat occupants aren't as pampered as those in some of the Hilux's most direct competitors since there is less leg space in the back. A plastic liner, four tie-down points, a sports bar that is securely fixed into the tub bottom, and a soft-drop tailgate are all included with the tub.
As part of the update, Toyota also gave the Rugged X a grille that has a more modern appearance. It was engineered and developed in Australia, and it has a bigger mouth. It went through numerous hours of testing in the local area to ensure that it supplied ideal cooling while not interfering with the smart safety-system cameras.
Not only is the Rugged X the costliest variation of the Hilux truck, but it also comes in as the heaviest at a total of 2316 kg. The Rugged X has a GVM of 3050 kilograms, leaving it with a payload of 734 kilograms. This is something that we will investigate further while we have it in our possession to see how much further weight can be reasonably added.
The Rugged X, despite its weight, drives with a sense of nimbleness and control both on open roads and in suburban environments. On the test tracks at Werribee, where we made our one and only attempt at off-roading, it didn't make a single mistake, and it felt measured and composed through all of the technical obstacles. Although this, the car maintains a level of rigidity on bitumen thanks to the suspension setup, which, despite being updated for 2020, has not changed.
The traction-control system is top-notch, and it just takes a few turns of the dial in the center console to activate both the four-wheel drive and the low-range transmission. It also maintains a high degree of safety, as shown by the fact that it was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety certification in 2019. The safety package includes seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking (AEB).
The Rugged X performs really well-off road, much like the SR5, and our little experience with it has shown that it is an accommodating and capable four-wheel-drive vehicle, with an interior that is thoughtfully designed and driving dynamics that are adequate.
Even if the Toyota air intake snorkel may not have the most attractive design of all the ones that are available, having one is still preferable than having none at all. The factory-set wading depth of 700 millimeters is unaffected by having it installed.
The heated leather seats and the JBL sound system were two of our favorite features found inside the X. It is fantastic to be able to get into a ute where the speakers do not sound as like they are being kept in the doors with wire ties when the music is turned up very loud.