The facelifted 2020 Toyota Hilux is upon us (we’ve given you a round-up here). Of which, the star of the show is the new 2.8-litre Rogue. 

At RM 146,880, it's RM 13,000 more than the current next-best spec (2.4 V at RM 133,888). It's also an RM 7,000 increase from the pre-facelift flagship, the Hilux Black Edition. What's new? Are the additions worth it? Let's go over them, and we'll wait for your arguments in the comments.

Exterior – bulkier bits for a tougher outlook

Whatever you say, it's undeniable that the new range-topper looks miles tougher than its predecessor. Soft lines have given way for angular blocks, and as a result, the Rogue exudes a stronger 'let's go offroad!' vibe.

It's because the front's got a completely new fascia - comprising of a discernibly squared-off bumper, grille, hood garnish and also fog lamp bezels.

Note also that the Rogue's got redesigned bi-beam LED headlights as well.

• Round the back, there’s new LED taillights with a new illumination pattern. It's chunkier now compared to the pre-facelift's curvier units.

The wheels have gotten a refresh too, with a two-toned finish this time around. Note that the overfenders also look different, and are bigger now.

Interior changes

As expected with most facelifts, the interior hasn’t changed much, barring a few details. For one, gloss black trim takes over from silver pieces.

Another welcome change is in the instrument cluster - it's now way less fussier and much easier to read. There's also a set of new pointers as well. 

Performance updates

The biggest news has to be the Rogue's improved 1GD-FTV engine.

Now making 204 PS and 500 Nm, that’s a 27 PS and 50 Nm bump (from 177 PS and 450 Nm) from the Black Edition. 

Also, Toyota claims the engine now returns 4 percent better fuel economy compared to its previous application due to improvements in the turbo cooling and fuel rail system.

Meanwhile, latest additions to the Rogue are the variable flow steering and auto limited-slip differential that works together with the traction control system. These additions should improve driveability and also help in getting out of a pinch.

Also, Toyota has fettled with the cabin mounts and shock absorbers across the Hilux range. This should bring comfort up a notch from the pre-facelift.

Biggest addition - Toyota Safety Sense

Undoubtedly the biggest improvement to the Hilux Rogue is the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).

It comes with:

• Autonomous emergency braking (PCS, Pre-Collision System)
• Lane Departure Alert with Yaw Assist
• Adaptive cruise control (DRCC, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control)

In our review, we found the system to be quite good, and definitely not overly-intrusive.

DRCC was easy to operate and works rather well.

However, the lane departure assist does not come with steering assist, but instead uses the brakes to bring you back to your lane. 

Conclusion - worth it?

The new Rogue takes its place as the range-topping Hilux now, just over a year since the Black Edition was introduced. What do you think, is it worth the crown, and would you pay the premium over the 2.4 V?

Wapcar.my was given the chance to drive it before its launch, and maybe our in-depth thoughts here can help you.