2021 Toyota HiLux Rugged X and Rogue delayed until January
The 2021 Toyota HiLux Rugged X and Rogue won’t be available for customer deliveries until January even though demonstrator models have begun arriving in dealerships across Australia.
Both models were meant to be on sale by now, however a chronic production bottleneck at the Melbourne conversion facility – caused by extended lockdowns in Victoria during the coronavirus crisis – has prompted the delay.
Although most dealers have either the 2021 Toyota HiLux Rugged X or Rogue – or one of each – the vehicles are demonstrators to “sell from” and can’t yet be sold to eager customers.
While all new Toyota HiLuxes sold in Australia are manufactured in Thailand – where most other utes such as the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton are sourced – the Rugged X and Rogue gain finishing touches at a Toyota facility in Melbourne.
The Rugged X gets the biggest overhaul, with the fitment of a new front bar, extra LED driving lights, heavy duty side steps, sports bar, and rear bar, as well as a bash plate and hardcore tow hooks front and rear. A snorkel and stickers are also added.
The new Rogue arrives with the new power operated roller shutter hard lid already fitted, though the Melbourne facility fits the marine carpet lining in the ute tray, as well as Rogue stickers.
Despite the streamlined process, the prices of the Rugged X and Rogue rose dramatically with the arrival of the new model, now priced from about $75,900 drive-away and $74,900 drive-away respectively (prices vary from state to state, these are NSW prices which tend to be the median among all states).
Prior to the arrival of the new model, the Rugged X and Rogue were available for as little as $62,990 and $61,990 drive-away respectively.
This means the new prices represent increases of close to $13,000 for each model.
Toyota says the price increases have been driven by exchange rates between the Australian dollar and the Thai baht, as well as additional standard equipment, and extra power for the 2.8-litre turbo diesel (150kW/500Nm).
The 2021 versions also gain a digital speed display, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and JBL premium audio.
The first customer deliveries of the flagship models are due from late January onwards.
Despite the setback, the Toyota HiLux has an unassailable lead in the new-car sales race and is on track to be the top selling vehicle outright for the fifth year in a row.
Never before has a ute held the top sales spot in Australia for so long.