Toyota Hilux Rogue 2.8 – Much Improved But Still Strong on Reliability and Durability

The new Toyota Hilux is a huge improvement on its predecessor, especially the Hilux Rogue 2.8, which is the model flagship. The Hilux line-up available in Malaysia is quite comprehensive, with five variants.

There are two base variants, both 2.4 litre diesels equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions, and a choice of either a single cab or a double cab build. These are the ever reliable, super robust workhorses of the Hilux family. Then there are another two 2.4 litre diesel double cab pick-ups, both with six-speed automatic transmissions, but in two levels of trim, including leather interior trim for the higher spec variant. Topping the range is the Hilux Rogue 2.8, which comes equipped with, amongst others, Toyota Safety Sense features normally found in cars. 

If you are wondering why a pick-up truck would have Toyota Safety Sense features, such as Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure alert and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control – it is because more than 50 percent of all pick-up trucks sold are used for ‘recreational’ or ‘lifestyle’ purposes – and Toyota are responding to the challenge by making the Hilux more car-like, not only in driving feel, but with the sought-after safety features as well. The Hilux interior trim, with the Hilux Rogue 2.8 particularly in mind, is more car-like now, with combination leather seats, a steering wheel that would looks just as at home in a sedan, and electrically-controlled seats, in addition to tilt and reach adjustability. The main allure of course, would be the commanding view of the road – the Hilux sits above normal traffic, and allows one to look much further ahead in traffic, not to mention that in our frequently flash-flooded streets of Kuala Lumpur, the high ground clearance is something to smile about when other vehicles are drowning.

So, the question that does come to mind is, in the process of ‘softening’ the Hilux, have the engineers lost any of the heritage reliability and durability qualities?

From the outside, the Hilux still retains a robust body – through the years the Hilux has lost the metal front bumpers, but retains a solid rear bumper, and the Rogue 2.8 has a centre step for ease of access. The rear deck is better nowadays for wear and tear because of the vinyl protective cover to take the brunt of abuse. What has changed over the years is the gradual increase of the cabin size, a direct response to the buyers who are now demanding more living space within the cabin, not to mention wider-opening and larger rear doors, and side steps, which were originally local add-ons, are now part of the nomenclature, as they really help the not-so-tall in ingress and egress – the grab handles on the inside help greatly too. Thus, from the body point of view, the Hilux remains reliable and durable – the improvements go towards creature comfort, and do not compromise reliability.

Alloy wheels are the norm for most pick-ups, and wheel sizes have sort of grown. The Hilux Rogue 2.8 and the next-in-line 2.4V carry 18-inch alloys as standard. Bigger wheels actually improve handling and also the ride over rough terrain. They also provide a bigger ‘footprint’ so overall grip is improved. Note though, that the tyres offered are either HT (Highway Terrain) or AT (All Terrain). I remember a time when Hilux’s were supplied with MT (Mud Terrain) tyres, but time and user requirements mean that there is a higher percentage tarmac usage; anyway, tyres can be changed, so the overall score for reliability and durability still stands.

Zooming in on the drive train, we note the Hilux has electronic controls for switching from 2H, 4H, and 4L, plus a diff lock. The drive components have remained the same, and only the actuation parts have changed. My personal Hilux has been with me for four years now, and so far there have been no problems with the reliability and durability. Another point to note is that automatic transmissions are available, along with manual transmission, and both are 6-speed, highly robust and well-proven transmissions. I do love manual transmissions, but personally, I find that automatic transmissions are actually just as good, if not better (simply because they are easy to use) in off-road conditions. Anyway, Toyota provides an alternative – you can still buy a Hilux with a manual transmission.

Toyota are always ‘conservative’ in adoption of new features, making sure they are thoroughly tested before introducing them, and after that, changes are usually made in ‘baby steps’ fashion, one little component at a time, so to speak, in order to ensure durability and reliability and this can be seen in the evolution of the Hilux. An items that has remained relatively unchanged, is the 4-piston fixed caliper front brakes. This arrangement has been in the Hilux for as long as I can remember – yes, the size of rotors, the size of calipers, and pad materials have evolved, but the basic build remains the same.

Looking at it from the engine perspective, the 2.8 litre engine and 2.4 litre diesel engines are built on the same engine platform, and are well-proven in terms of reliability. The latest tune gets 204PS and 150PS respectively, and the 2.8 litre engine delivers 500Nm versus the 2.4 litre engine that delivers 400 Nm. These are respectable figures, and totally conservative; just because the designers want to keep it reliable and durable. The rationale behind building a durable and reliable engine and trying to squeeze every available horsepower from an engine is totally at cross-purposes with each other.

Despite the fact that the Hilux is becoming more car-like, it is still very at home in off-road situations. Let me rattle off a few features. In addition to the normal 4 x 4 features, there are a few interesting features that make the Hilux Rogue 2.8 superior to many other 4 X 4 machines. To start off with, there is an electronic Differential Lock that locks the two rear wheels together, something only hard-core off-roaders will understand easily as it really helps you to get out of ‘no traction’ situations in the mud. Then there is the Limited Slip Differential that gives grip to the inner wheel in corners, and the A-TRC (Active Traction Control) which transfers drive to the wheels needing more grip, working silently in the background as you go through deep mud, allocating drive to where it is needed most. One may wonder if these ‘electro-mechanical gizmos are reliable and durable. Of that, I am not too sure – but my 4 year old Hilux has A-TRC and the Diff Lock (I think I may not have the electronic LSD), and none of the parts have failed as yet. Like I said, Toyota is conservative when it comes to stuff like this.

What about the Toyota Safety Sense features? Will they be just as reliable and durable? I really have no answer to that – but these same features are available in the passenger car range, and so far we have not heard or seen of any major issues, so I suppose we have to leave it at that. As for me, I am pretty confident, looking at Toyota’s history of reliability and durability.

Finally, after looking at all the aspects of the new Toyota Hilux, we do conclude that whilst being ‘softer’ for the sake of its buying audience, the Toyota Hilux remains one of the world’s most reliable and durable pick-up trucks that you can get.