Delivered
The Toyota Hilux SR5 Cruiser has been given a wider track, improved suspension and more safety stuff.
Toyota has given the range topping Hilux SR5 Cruiser a handful of performance upgrades, which will be available before the end of the year.
These include a wider track, with 140mm front and rear, and a ride height increase of 20mm.
To cope with the increase in trail, Toyota engineers overhauled the suspension by lengthening the front wishbone and front anti-roll bar and adjusting the angle of the shock absorber.
DAMIEN O’CARROLL/FOOTAGE DELIVERED
The Stuff Top Ute for 2020 is the Toyota Hilux.
At the rear, the axle length has been extended, the shock absorbers have been moved further towards the wheels and, for the first time on the Hilux, a rear anti-roll bar has been fitted to improve cornering stability and ride comfort.
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As a result of the suspension changes, roll stiffness has been improved by 20%, improving steering feel when cornering and changing lanes.
Delivered
Off-road performance has been improved, while roll stiffness has increased by 20%.
Stopping power has also been improved, with new vented rear disc brakes replacing the existing drum brakes for improved braking performance – the first time a Hilux has discs on all four corners – along with 17-inch discs in the front, an inch higher.
To accommodate the wider track, wider fenders and mud flaps were installed, while the front body extension was also widened to integrate seamlessly with the front bumper and fog lamps.
Additional safety features for the new wide-track SR5 Cruiser include a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Crossing Traffic Alert (RCTA), which extend the SR5 Cruiser’s existing safety package.
Toyota New Zealand General Manager New Vehicles, Steve Prangnell, said: “The new Hilux 4WD SR5 Wide Track Cruiser adds even more value and performance to our range.
“It not only offers improved off-road capabilities, but also, and especially for New Zealand drivers, a more stable and comfortable driving experience on public roads with improved braking performance.”
The refreshed SR5 Cruiser will be available in Q4 2022. Any price changes have yet to be announced, but the current model starts at $62,990.