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Toyota HiLux Rugged X 2026 review: snapshot

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EXPERT RATING
7.3

Likes

Most sophisticated HiLux to date
Powerful 2.8L turbo-diesel
Looks suitably off-road like

Dislikes

Cramped interior compared to larger rivals
Short warranty and service intervals
Not as inexpensive as we’d like
Photo of Byron Mathioudakis
Byron Mathioudakis

Contributing Journalist

2 min read

The Toyota HiLux Rugged X is the current flagship, and the off-road version of the ninth-gen range.

Taking aim at the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, it starts from $71,990 (all prices are before on-road costs), and is a 4x4 automatic only.

Based on the SR5 specification, Rugged X equipment levels are adequate if not generous.

They include LED lighting, 12.3-inch instrumentation display, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, sat-nav, keyless entry and push-button start, heated seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, bolstered front seats, a surround-view monitor, voice command, smartphone charger, USB-C ports front and back, rear-seat armrests, privacy glass, and electric park brake and 18-inch alloy wheels.

In line with its adventure-seeking attitude, the Rugged X also features a 300-watt inverter, side steps, a locking tailgate, tyre-pressure monitors, damped tailgate on pick-up, side-step entry into the tub, four-wheel disc brakes, standard towbar, multi-terrain monitor, an emergency driving stop system that safely stops the vehicle if the driver becomes incapacitated, connected services for emergency callouts, eight airbags where possible including a front-centre airbag, and Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) technologies like AEB, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot warning.

Only the Rugged X gets a unique front-end treatment, boasting a hoop-less bullbar with bash plate and LED light bar, as well as a bedliner, unique sports bar, special decals and a towing trailer wiring harness.  

Toyota’s venerable (1GD-FTV) 2.8-litre common-rail twin-cam four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine lives over the front axle, giving 150kW of power and 500Nm. The transmission is a six-speed auto.

Additionally, there’s 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, courtesy of an 8.5kW/65Nm electric motor generator and small lithium-ion battery combo, for smoother and faster stop/start performance, while also helping to cut fuel consumption.

The 0-100km/h sprint-time is about 11 seconds while top speed is 176km/h.

The 4x4 set-up is a part-time system with high- and low-ratio off-road gearing, a rear differential lock, downhill-assist control and multi-terrain mode. Note that all 4x4s bring 3500kg of braked trailer towing capacity.

Finally, the official combined-average fuel consumption figure is 7.6L/100km for the auto (equalling 201g/km of CO2 emissions). Over 1000km between refills of the 80-litre fuel tank is possible.

Read the full 2026 Toyota HiLux review

Toyota Hilux 2026: Rugged X 48V (4X4)

Engine Type Diesel Turbo 4, 2.8L
Fuel Type Diesel/Electric
Fuel Efficiency 7.6L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $71,990
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$33,990
Price is based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the lowest priced Toyota HiLux 2026 variant.
LOWEST PRICE
$33,990
HIGHEST PRICE
$82,990
Photo of Byron Mathioudakis
Byron Mathioudakis

Contributing Journalist

Byron started his motoring journalism career when he joined John Mellor in 1997 before becoming a freelance motoring writer two years later. He wrote for several motoring publications and was ABC Youth radio Triple J's "all things automotive" correspondent from 2001 to 2003. He rejoined John Mellor in early 2003 and has been with GoAutoMedia as a senior product and industry journalist ever since. With an eye for detail and a vast knowledge base of both new and used cars Byron lives and breathes motoring. His encyclopedic knowledge of cars was acquired from childhood by reading just about every issue of every car magazine ever to hit a newsstand in Australia. The child Byron was the consummate car spotter, devoured and collected anything written about cars that he could lay his hands on and by nine had driven more imaginary miles at the wheel of the family Ford Falcon in the driveway at home than many people drive in a lifetime. The teenage Byron filled in the agonising years leading up to getting his driver's license by reading the words of the leading motoring editors of the country and learning what they look for in a car and how to write it. In short, Byron loves cars and knows pretty much all there is to know about every vehicle released during his lifetime as well as most of the ones that were around before then.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$71,990
Lowest price, based on new car retail price.
For more information on
2026 Toyota HiLux
See Pricing & Specs

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