Toyota finally has a proper Ford Ranger Raptor rival, except it doesn’t build the dual-cab ute. Instead, it’s off-road specialist Arctic Trucks that’s taken the HiLux and given it the next-level AT35 treatment.
While Arctic Trucks itself converts the UK-market HiLux’s Invincible X flagship into the AT35, it’s Toyota’s local dealer network that’s responsible for selling it for a £22,536 ($A40,328) premium.
That’s a lot of coin, but you do get plenty in return, with the AT35 upgrading to lifted suspension (front: +40mm/rear: +20mm) with Bilstein performance dampers as well as 17-inch ET-25 Arctic Trucks alloy wheels with 315/70 BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tyres.
The AT35 therefore increases the Invincible X’s ground clearance by 65mm and improves its approach and departure angles by nine and three degrees respectively. Overall, it’s 90mm wider and taller, and 115kg heavier, with maximum payload up 43kg to 1043kg.
Interestingly, the AT35 also gets re-geared front and rear differentials as well as a re-engineered ladder frame, inner arches and bodywork to ensure it can cop a beating off the beaten track.
Visually, the AT35 stands out from the Invincible X crowd with extended fender flares, enlarged and strengthened side steps and mud flaps, a rear height bar with an integrated 2.0-inch multifunction receiver hitch, and unique badging, among other features.
That said, the AT35 carries over the Invincible X’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine and six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, with the former’s outputs recently increased to 150kW/500Nm as part of the HiLux’s facelift.
While the AT35 would be a no-brainer for Australia, Toyota is yet to confirm a release here, with the locally converted Rugged X ($69,990 plus on-road costs) currently handling flagship responsibilities for the HiLux range, albeit without seriously upgraded suspension.
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