2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue AT 4X4 Review

2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue AT 4X4 is a mainstream pickup truck in the Malaysian market that balances hardcore off-road capability with household practicality, featuring comprehensive and safe configurations.

RM 158,880

2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue AT 4X4

Segment

4x4

Body Type

Pickup

Capacity(L)

2.8

Engine Power(PS)

204

Transmission

Driven Wheels

All Wheel Drive

View Toyota Hilux > View Full Specs >

Review

User Review

Specs

In the Malaysian pickup truck market, durability, practicality, and safety features have always been the core demands of consumers. The 2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue AT 4X4 version further upgrades these requirements. This vehicle not only continues the rugged genes of the Hilux series but also incorporates more comprehensive active safety features and comfort-oriented designs. Can it balance off-road capability while meeting the dual requirements of daily home use and work? This test drive will provide a comprehensive analysis of its actual performance, from static experience to dynamic performance.

In terms of appearance, the 2020 Hilux 2.8 Rogue retains the tough style of a pickup truck, with straight and powerful overall lines. The front face features a large trapezoidal grille, paired with a blackened front bumper for high recognition. The slightly flared wheel arches on the side of the body, and 265/65 R17 tire specifications not only increase the ground clearance (279mm) but also enhance the off-road vibes. The rear design is relatively simple, with a combination of LED tail lights and rear fog lamps ensuring nighttime visibility. Although the cargo bed does not feature special modifications in this version, the factory-applied scratch-resistant coating is sufficient to meet daily loading needs. As for the lighting system, automatic headlights and front and rear fog lights are standard, adapting well to Malaysia's variable weather conditions.

Inside the cabin, the interior features a predominantly dark color scheme, with a considerable use of hard plastics for materials, though the joints are neatly finished. The center console is clearly laid out, with a 6.75-inch touchscreen centrally positioned. It supports the Sound Plus function and is paired with a six-speaker system, which is sufficient for daily audio needs. Below are physical buttons for air conditioning adjustment and multimedia control, with an operational logic that is simple and intuitive. In terms of features, the 8-way electrically adjustable driver's seat makes it easy to find a comfortable seating position. The rear 60:40 split-seat can fold to expand storage space. The front row is equipped with manual air conditioning, while the rear row has standard air conditioning vents to alleviate heat for rear passengers. Practical features include keyless entry/start, a 4.2-inch multi-function instrument panel, and a 220V power outlet, making daily use more convenient.

In terms of space, the vehicle measures 5330/1855/1815mm (length/width/height) with a wheelbase of 3085mm, dimensions that are considered mainstream in the same segment of pickup trucks. The front row offers sufficient space, with a 175cm-tall individual having about a fist's worth of headroom. The rear-seat legroom is approximately two fists, and headroom is about one fist. Although not particularly spacious, it easily accommodates adult passengers for short trips. In terms of storage capacity, the door panel storage compartments can hold two water bottles. The central armrest box has a moderate depth, while the space under the rear seats and the area created when the seats are folded can store tools or small luggage. The overall practicality is in line with the positioning of a pickup truck.

In terms of dynamic driving, the 2.8L turbocharged diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 204PS/3400rpm with peak torque unleashed as early as 1600rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power response at startup is immediate, with a light press on the accelerator showcasing the distinctive torque output of a diesel engine. It also performs well in climbing steep slopes or overtaking under full load. The transmission transitions smoothly, maintaining a cruising speed at around 2000rpm while on the highway, resulting in favorable fuel economy. The official combined fuel consumption is 8.5L/100km. During the test drive, the fuel consumption was about 9.2L/100km on urban roads and approximately 7.8L/100km on highways, which aligns with expectations.

The combination of the front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear leaf spring strikes a balance between off-road capability and load-bearing capacity. When dealing with bumpy roads, the suspension can filter out most of the minor vibrations, although the rear suspension feels slightly stiff when unloaded but becomes relatively softer when fully loaded. The steering feel is on the heavier side, but it is relatively precise, and the body roll during cornering is kept within a reasonable range, resulting in good overall stability. With the addition of a four-wheel-drive system, it provides a certain level of off-road capability and ensures good passability on unpaved roads or in light off-road recovery scenarios.

Safety features are one of the highlights of this vehicle. In addition to three airbags (driver, passenger, knee), it also comes equipped with ABS, vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, active braking, and other active safety systems as standard. These features are relatively high-level among similar pickup trucks and enhance safety during daily driving. In terms of noise control, the diesel engine noise is slightly prominent at idle, but wind noise and tire noise are well-controlled while driving. Overall NVH performance meets household usage needs.

In summary, the core advantage of the 2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue AT 4X4 lies in its balanced performance: rugged off-road capability to meet work requirements, enriched safety features and comfort-oriented design that cater to family use, and Toyota's reputation for reliability, making it stand out in its segment. Compared to the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, its active safety features are more comprehensive; compared to the Isuzu D-Max, it has a higher brand recognition and resale value.

This vehicle is suitable for two types of users: one, those who need to balance work-related loading capacity with family use, and two, off-road enthusiasts who place importance on reliability and safety features. If you're looking for a pickup truck that can handle construction site conditions while occasionally taking the family on outings, the 2020 Hilux 2.8 Rogue will be a practical choice.

Pros

The appearance is rugged and imposing, the exclusive Rogue package enhances its recognizability, suitable for Malaysian road conditions.

The interior is finely crafted and practical, with 8-way power seats and rear air-conditioning vents that enhance comfort.

The 2.8T diesel engine delivers powerful performance, excelling in climbing and fully loaded conditions, adapted to local road conditions.

Cons

High-speed acceleration becomes slower after exceeding 120km/h, and low-speed starts feel slightly sluggish

Original halogen headlights are insufficiently bright, providing poor illumination on rural roads at night

Fuel consumption is higher than the official figures in urban traffic jams

Overall Rating

4.4

Excellent

From 5 Reviews

Section Rating

Performance

4.0 / 5

Interior Design

4.4 / 5

Safety

4.6 / 5

Exterior Design

4.6 / 5

Showing 5 reviews

5 Excellent

ImprezaWRX

Owner of 2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue AT 4X4

As the owner of the 2020 Hilux Rogue, after driving it for nearly two years, the exterior and interior have really not let me down! First of all, the exterior—this pickup truck parked under the flats or near the market in Malaysia has super high recognition. With its muscular wheel arches, black front grille, and 17-inch big tires, driving on bumpy roads like Jalan Lama makes me feel particularly "manly." My friends all say it looks much more imposing than the standard Hilux. The interior also deserves praise. Although it's a pickup truck, the craftsmanship is not at all rough. I drive long distances daily from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan in East Malaysia, and the 8-way electric adjustable driver’s seat feels comfortable even after sitting for three or four hours straight. The 6.75-inch touchscreen on the center console is very responsive. Even my mom, who isn't very tech-savvy, can easily connect Bluetooth to play her favorite Malay songs. The rear air conditioning vents are incredibly practical in Malaysia's 30-something degree weather. When I take my family to the islands, the kids in the back seat no longer complain about the heat. In conclusion, the exterior and interior are truly perfect for someone like me who needs a vehicle for both cargo and family use!

4 Excellent

FocusRS

Owner of 2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue AT 4X4

As the owner of a 2020 Toyota Hilux Rogue 2.8, after driving it in Malaysia for almost two years, I genuinely feel that this vehicle suits the local road conditions perfectly! Let’s talk about its performance first. I’ll give it 4 stars because the 2.8T turbo diesel engine is really powerful—during traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur, it doesn’t feel sluggish when starting, and on weekends, when taking my family to Genting Highlands or Cameron Highlands, it delivers high torque at just 1600 RPM while climbing hills. It's effortlessly capable, even when fully loaded with five people and luggage. However, accelerating beyond 120km/h on the highway feels a bit slow. After all, it’s a pickup truck, and I’m already quite satisfied with its performance. The interior gets full marks! Sitting inside, it’s nothing like a traditional “rough” pickup truck—the 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat is incredibly friendly for someone like me who often goes on long drives. When adjusted to a comfortable position, I can drive for two hours without any back pain. The rear air vents are an absolute necessity in Malaysia, and now my family no longer complains about the heat when sitting in the back. The 6.75-inch touchscreen in the center is very responsive, and even my father, who isn't very tech-savvy, can quickly figure out how to use it. The attention to detail is the most surprising, like the door storage compartments that can fit large water bottles, and the center console box is deep enough to conveniently store toll cards and phone chargers. For the exterior, I’ll give it 4 stars. The overall design is very rugged, and the Rogue version’s black fender flares and chrome trims are more imposing compared to the standard version, giving it a high level of recognition when parked in the neighborhood. However, the halogen headlights on the front are somewhat dim when driving on rural roads at night. I had to replace them with LED bulbs later on, which made a big improvement. It would be perfect if the factory had included full LED lights by default. All in all, whether it’s for daily commuting, family trips, or occasionally driving on unpaved roads, this car can handle it all in Malaysia. The value for money is truly excellent!

5 Excellent

i30N

Owner of 2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue AT 4X4

As the owner of a 2020 Toyota Hilux 2.8 Rogue and having driven it in Malaysia for almost two years, I truly feel I made the right choice with this pickup truck! First of all, the exterior definitely deserves a 5-star rating! The rugged muscular lines combined with the Rogue's exclusive black sporty kit draw a lot of attention in KL city traffic jams – even the uncle at the petrol station asked me if it's been modified. On weekends, when going down the muddy paths at the base of Genting Highlands, the height and wide tires of this vehicle inspire confidence. My friends even said, "Your pickup looks more imposing than my SUV!" The interior gets a 4-star rating, mainly for its practicality. The 8-way electric seats make long-distance adjustments very convenient, and the rear air conditioning is a lifesaver in Malaysia's 35-degree weather. When taking the family to Penang, the kids in the back no longer complained about the heat. However, the central control screen is only 6.75 inches, so you need to lean in a bit to check the navigation. It would be perfect if it were larger. Performance also gets 4 stars. The 2.8T diesel engine is quite powerful when overtaking trucks on the highway—you can feel that push-back sensation at 3000 RPM. Last month, while driving on rural roads in Sabah, switching to 4X4 mode handled all the potholes and small slopes with ease. Fuel consumption was only about 9L, which was better than I expected. The only downside is the occasional jerks when shifting at low speeds, but given Malaysia's traffic conditions, it doesn't matter much. Overall, I'm very satisfied!

4 Excellent

KLCityDriver

Owner of 2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue AT 4X4

As the owner of the 2020 Hilux 2.8 Rogue, I've been driving it for almost three years, and it has been quite handy under Malaysian road conditions. Let’s start with the appearance, I’d say it deserves a 4/5 rating, no exaggeration—Rogue’s black fender flares, smoked taillights, and large tires really stand out, attracting plenty of attention on Kuala Lumpur's highways. Even my kid says, "Dad's car looks like a Transformer." However, if the front grille could be more imposing, it would be even better. The current design is still on the conservative side and lacks a bit of a “wild” feel. As for performance, I’d also give it a 4/5. The 2.8T diesel engine performs exceptionally well when overtaking on the East Coast Expressway, delivering high torque at just 1600 rpm. It handles the uphill roads to Genting Highlands effortlessly, even when fully loaded with family and luggage. The most impressive feature is the 4X4 mode—last time, I took some friends to a jungle campsite in Pahang, and we easily tackled muddy trails after switching to four-wheel drive, which was far more dependable than my previous sedan. However, the fuel consumption in city traffic can go up to around 10L per 100km, higher than the official figure of 8.5L. It would be perfect if it were more fuel-efficient. Overall, this car is highly practical for use in Malaysia. Whether it's for daily commuting or weekend off-roading, it can handle it all. That said, there’s still room for improvement in some details.

5 Excellent

EVO_X

Owner of 2020 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue AT 4X4

As the owner of a 2020 Toyota Hilux 2.8 Rogue AT 4X4 who has been driving it in Malaysia for nearly two years, I truly feel that I made the right choice with this pickup truck! Let’s start with the exterior, it’s a perfect 5 out of 5! The black trims and 17-inch large wheels of the Rogue version really stand out in the traffic of Kuala Lumpur. Every time I park in front of Pavilion mall, people always turn their heads to look. The body lines are rugged but not bulky, even my wife says, "It looks so much better than a regular Hilux." Safety is absolutely top-notch! With Malaysia’s many highways and narrow rural roads, the standard Lane Departure Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking have been lifesavers. For instance, on the North-South Expressway, the system automatically slowed down to avoid a rear-end collision when the car in front suddenly braked. When taking the kids to Sabah, the ISOFIX mounts and knee airbags gave me the confidence to drive on mountainous roads. Performance gets a 4 out of 5, mainly because the diesel engine feels a bit sluggish at low speeds, but it smooths out once it gets going. I often use it to carry tools to construction sites, and the 2.8T torque has no trouble climbing muddy slopes. Cruising at 120km/h on the highway is stable too, though you do need to give it a bit more throttle to start. For Malaysia’s road conditions, the 4X4 mode is more than enough to handle flooded roads during the rainy season, and the 8.5L fuel consumption meets expectations. All in all, this pickup truck is really practical and worry-free in Malaysia!