More power and tech for Toyota HiLux 

The all-conquering Toyota HiLux – Australia’s most popular new vehicle for the past four years and a popular choice for caravanners – is about to get more appealing thanks to improvements to its turbo-diesel powertrain and several tech and design upgrades.

Toyota Australia had originally planned to release the upgraded ute range around July, but we understand the 2020 Toyota HiLux could now arrive as late as November.

Our sources say the tech update will bring infotainment upgrades including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and several cosmetic enhancements both inside and out are also forecast.

However, the big news for many will be under the bonnet, where there will be a modest power boost for the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that currently produces 130kW/450Nm (auto) and 130kW/420Nm (manual).

Significantly, a fix for the engine’s problematic diesel particulate filter (DPF) is also expected.

The HiLux has weathered a particularly nasty storm of negative publicity and a class action that claims DPF issues have resulted in vehicles billowing smelly white smoke and increasing fuel consumption.

It's understood these issues will be addressed with the upgrade, but it’s unclear when a similar fix will come for the same engine in the Prado and Fortuner.

It also remains to be seen whether the HiLux's power boost will see the 3200kg towing capacity of automatic versions increase to match the manual's 3500kg.

There's also been lots of online chatter about a high-performance GR-branded HiLux and more light may be shed on this with the update later in the year.

The existing Toyota HiLux is currently priced between $21,865 and $62,490, with the flagship Rugged X model sitting at the top of the ute’s family tree.

The timing of the upgrade, five years after the current HiLux made its global debut in Sydney in mid-2015, is crucial as key rivals sharpen their knives.

A new Isuzu D-MAX is due mid-year and will be followed within months by the closely related 2021 Mazda BT-50, and the all-new Chinese-built GWM P-Series ute.

But next year will see the arrival of the only model that could realistically dethrone the HiLux from top spot – the all-new Ford Ranger.

The 2021 Ford Ranger is all but certain to get a brand-new engine when it lobs next year (possibly a turbo V6) along with significant tech upgrades to match the latest SUVs.

While a new Mitsubishi Triton is also due in 2021 and the new Ranger's Aussie-engineered 'T7' ladder platform will form the basis of the new Volkswagen Amarok in 2022.

Toyota Australia’s senior product specialist, Orlando Rodriguez, wouldn’t be drawn on timing or features for 2020 HiLux nor the hybrid powertrain due for the next-generation Toyota HiLux by 2025.

"As the number one selling vehicle, Hilux is a product we know we need to get right for the Aussie market. When we're ready to announce updates we'll let the market now," he said.