Toyota HiLux 2018 facelift revealed

High-spec versions of the Toyota HiLux ute have been given a minor facelift, with the brand also announcing additional technical kit for all HiLux models, and revised fuel consumption for some auto versions.

The new-look front end sees the SR and SR5 versions of the HiLux brought into line with the Rogue variant, with an Australian-designed grille and repositioned fog lights apparently “giving it a broad stance and imposing presence on the road”.

As with the pre-facelift versions, the SR models retain halogen headlights and now get halogen fog lights, while SR5 versions get LED headlights and LED fog lights.

The styling change applies to all extra cab and dual cab versions of the SR and SR5 models, while WorkMate models are unchanged.

The styling change applies to all extra cab and dual cab versions of the SR and SR5 models.

There are further minor changes to efficiency for most models fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission. For example, 4x2 SR and SR5 variants are now claimed to use 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres (down 0.2L) and CO2 emissions are down to 209g/km (was 213g/km). 

For SR and SR5 4x4 models, the claimed drop is a little less - now 8.4L/100km (down 0.1L), with CO2 emissions of 220g/km (was 223g/km).

Every HiLux now also comes with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) switch, which is allows the driver to “manually initiate a ‘burn’ to cleanse the system and reduce harmful emissions”. 

DPF systems capture fine particles in the exhaust system, and burn those nasties away at high temperatures. The system should be self-managing, with the ECU (electronic control unit) judging when it needs to be done, with no input from the driver required.

But according to Toyota, the switch offers a back-up for vehicles that aren’t driven long enough at high speeds to enable an automated burn.

The Toyota HiLux ute range is still the country's best-selling vehicle.

This system is now fitted to all HiLux models - be it with the 2.4-litre diesel, or the 2.8-litre unit - and the Fortuner SUV also gets the system. 

No other specification changes apply to the HiLux range, meaning it still lags behind the likes of the Ford Ranger and Mercedes-Benz X-Class in terms of available high-tech safety equipment - so, there's still no auto emergency braking (AEB) on any grade. And that's despite the fact the company offers AEB on European-market HiLuxes as part of the 'Toyota Safety Sense' kit, which also features pedestrian detection, lane departure alert and road sign recognition. 

As for pricing, Toyota has left the majority of models unchanged, with only the 4x2 SR Hi-Rider and 4x4 SR variants (extra cab-chassis, double cab-chassis and double cab pick-up) attracting a nominal $80 price jump.

After topping the full-year sales charts for the first time in 2017, the Toyota HiLux ute range is still the country's best-selling vehicle - and the company has stated that it has no intention of giving up the crown in 2018. 

"The ute market has clearly shifted in the past decade and as Australia's best-selling vehicle, HiLux now offers a more contemporary, bold and refined style to go with its 'unbreakable' reputation," said Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley.

Are you a fan of the updated look for the 2018 Toyota HiLux? Tell us what you think in the comments below.