New Hilux Model Differences
Posted: Sun, 27 Mar 2022 5:06 +0000So I am looking at buying a new Hilux in Australia. There are quite a few different models available. The main ones I am interested in are the SR5, Rogue and Rugged X. I have spoken with quite a few dealers here in Victoria and I keep getting different answers so I am hoping that someone with mechanical knowledge on this forum might be able to help me.
I am aware of the feature and cosmetic differences on the different models but what I am not sure about is are all of them fundamentally the same vehicle? eg: all of them come into the country as an SR5 and then the different features get slapped on or do they come to Australia as totally different vehicles? I have asked many dealers and aftermarket accessory suppliers this question and I am getting both yesses and nos. The most common answer that I am getting is that the Rogue and Rugged X are essentially final builds and that they can't really be modified further.
Some of the aftermarket suppliers have even said to me that if I was to purchase a Rogue or Rugged X and wanted a commercial style bull bar fitted that I would need to completely remove the Rogue / Rugged X front end and replace it with a SR5 front end and get lots of fabrication work done to make it all work.
At the end of the day what I am looking for in my new Hilux is a bull bar, winch, side steps, snorkel, and maybe scrub bars. Ideally I would like front and rear parking sensors too but I have been told by dealers that these can play up when installed in steel bars, which is why the Rugged X doesn't come with them. I am looking at doing some towing of a caravan too so I have been looking at Clear View towing mirrors also but I have been told by them that they don't make mirrors for the Rogue yet(cameras in mirrors).
From the research that I have done the Rugged X ticks all of the boxes except for the winch from factory. Which I understand can be added on later with a winch cradle and hoopless steel bull bar winch conversion kit, however even with the standard bull bar that comes with the Rugged X I have been told both that any winch will fit and also that there are only a few winches that will fit into the small cavity.
If anyone can help me out here with mechanical information that would be great as I am so confused at the moment.
I am aware of the feature and cosmetic differences on the different models but what I am not sure about is are all of them fundamentally the same vehicle? eg: all of them come into the country as an SR5 and then the different features get slapped on or do they come to Australia as totally different vehicles? I have asked many dealers and aftermarket accessory suppliers this question and I am getting both yesses and nos. The most common answer that I am getting is that the Rogue and Rugged X are essentially final builds and that they can't really be modified further.
Some of the aftermarket suppliers have even said to me that if I was to purchase a Rogue or Rugged X and wanted a commercial style bull bar fitted that I would need to completely remove the Rogue / Rugged X front end and replace it with a SR5 front end and get lots of fabrication work done to make it all work.
At the end of the day what I am looking for in my new Hilux is a bull bar, winch, side steps, snorkel, and maybe scrub bars. Ideally I would like front and rear parking sensors too but I have been told by dealers that these can play up when installed in steel bars, which is why the Rugged X doesn't come with them. I am looking at doing some towing of a caravan too so I have been looking at Clear View towing mirrors also but I have been told by them that they don't make mirrors for the Rogue yet(cameras in mirrors).
From the research that I have done the Rugged X ticks all of the boxes except for the winch from factory. Which I understand can be added on later with a winch cradle and hoopless steel bull bar winch conversion kit, however even with the standard bull bar that comes with the Rugged X I have been told both that any winch will fit and also that there are only a few winches that will fit into the small cavity.
If anyone can help me out here with mechanical information that would be great as I am so confused at the moment.
