The ninth-generation Toyota HiLux has been unveiled with a 16 model line-up, 12 of which are 4×4.

The range includes single-, extra- and double-cab bodies; 4×2 and 4×4 drivelines with manual or automatic transmissions; and WorkMate, SR, SR5, Rogue and Rugged X grades. All 4×4 models come with an automatic transmission, with no manual offered. 

The 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV diesel engine is now the only engine offered with the new HiLux, meaning the 2.4-litre 2GD version and the 2.7-litre petrol engine have been discontinued – the 2.8 will be offered across the entire range. The only real point of interest caused by the loss of the lower-grade engines is what it will mean to the price of the basic models.

Higher-spec models will come with Toyota’s V-Active technology to boost the 2.8L engine. This tech uses a 48-volt system with an 8.5kW/65Nm electric motor generator and DC/DC converter for improved driving feel during take-off.

All new HiLuxes ride on the same wheelbase and wheel track as the previous generation, and there will be no wide-track models such as the GR Sport offered, for now at least. Upper-spec variants also get the comfort-oriented rear leaf suspension tune designed to provide a more compliant and supple ride. The comfort suspension retains the HiLux’s load-carrying and towing capabilities but is designed to deliver a more comfortable ride.

New but not new 

Despite what many predicted and hoped for, the 2026 HiLux is not an all-new car. There were credible reports doing the rounds that the next HiLux would ride on the same TNGA-F platform that underpins the Toyota LandCruiser, Prado and Tundra, as well as Toyota USA’s mid-size HiLux equivalent, the Tacoma pick-up. 

Instead, Toyota has continued with its conservative ‘don’t fix it unless it’s broken’ mantra and retained the current chassis, suspension design and powertrain as the outgoing vehicle that was commonly known as the N80 HiLux. 

1

Refreshed chassis

The ninth-generation HiLux rides on the ladder-frame chassis that is essentially a carry-over item with all the same hard-points and mounts, but it has been significantly modified with extra welding and strengthening at key points such as suspension and body mounts, plus modifications at the front to accommodate the latest crash and safety equipment. 

The adoption of electrically assisted power steering (EPS) has allowed TMCA to employ proper lane keeping and collision avoidance technology into its Safety Sense suite of ADAS functions, which are standard across the HiLux range. On models with multiple drive modes, drivers are able to change the feel of the EDS by switching between the Comfort and Sport modes. 

The suspension mounted to the chassis retains the coil-sprung IFS at the front and a live axle over leaf springs at the rear, but these components have also been revised – the spring and damper calibrations, in particular, with a choice of two suspension settings available depending on the model grade.

1

Battery Electric HiLux

While most expected the new HiLux to offer a hybrid variant to join the many other hybrids in Toyota’s new car range – and a growing number of PHEV 4×4 utes in the category – there will not be a hybrid HiLux at launch. While Toyota’s 48-volt V-Active technology comes standard on higher-spec variants, the company doesn’t call this a hybrid, even if other manufacturers call their similar system hybrid or mild-hybrid.

Instead, Toyota will launch a full battery electric (BEV) HiLux in the near future. BEV HiLuxes will be powered by electric motors driving each axle, paired with a lithium-ion battery. We didn’t get a look at the BEV so can’t comment on its tray and load-carrying capabilities, but with its fleet focus we expect them to be uncompromised in this regard. More details on the BEV HiLux and its powertrain will be revealed closer to its launch.

The HiLux BEV will be aimed at fleet operators when it goes on sale in the first half of 2026, with Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, saying he has received considerable interest in the BEV and orders from existing Toyota fleet customers.

Locally developed design

Toyota entrusted the design and engineering of the new HiLux to the team at Toyota Australia, following their good work on vehicles like the GR Sport and development of models such as the Rogue and Rugged variants. 

The main cabin section of the body remains essentially unchanged, but the team at TMCA Altona gave the front and rear ends a thorough going over. So much so that the team says this is the most Australian HiLux ever in the 57-year history of the nameplate. 

“Over the past 10 years, we have been working on significant HiLux updates, special models and of course accessories for global HiLux family models, alongside our partners at the technical centre in Thailand,” said Nic Hogios, Toyota Design Australia, Senior Manager, as the new car was unveiled at the design centre in Altona. 

1

“So, it was only natural that Toyota headquarters selected us to design the exterior for the next generation, again in close collaboration with the teams in Japan and Thailand and our global Head of Design and Chief Branding Officer, Simon Humphries.

“Not only that, we have more recently been building our interior design capability to match our exterior design output. Our interior theme was designed to complement the exterior direction, ultimately selected as the target for production design – our interior lead designer supporting in Japan on a two-year assignment,” added Hogios.

The all-new front end was designed to give the HiLux a more modern look with a rounder nose, slim headlights and body-coloured grille. The team was challenged to adapt the fresh front-end design with the existing A-pillars which are a carry-over from the previous model along with the rest of the passenger cabin, but they made it work.

1

The cargo tub has also been refreshed with new sheetmetal and tail-lights. There’s now a step in the rear bumper which is a trend we are continuing to see on utes, while the sports bar/sail plane is also a new design on models that have them.

The Australian team was also kept busy designing and developing a range of accessories for the new HiLux including items like bull bars, underbody protection, side steps, rock rails, sports bars, a winch mounting, roller covers and more. The new front end design and revised cargo tub required new accessories to fit and look right on the car as well as being compatible with ADAS systems. A lot of thought was put into the design of these accessories in an effort to get buyers loading their HiLuxes with Toyota genuine accessories and not spending all their money with the aftermarket.

The interior redesign was also handled by the Australian team and includes a new dash and multimedia screen, new console and transmission shifter and new model-dependent trims. All 2026 HiLux models get a new 12.3-inch multimedia screen well placed high in the centre of the dash. The latest generation multimedia system offers compatibility with wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto, Toyota’s embedded satellite navigation and voice command.

17

The console hosts the 4×4 functions including the transfer case activation, newly included MTS and drive modes but still there’s no option of full-time or on-demand 4×4 driving. Like the engine and transmission, the transfer case is carried over from the old model and Toyota is really falling behind other utes in this segment in this regard. 

Also behind other utes is the size of the cabin, with the carried-over body only offering the same proportions as the outgoing model. We’re seeing more mid-size utes increase the size – particularly the width of their cabins – and this has been greatly appreciated by consumers. 

Time will tell how those consumers feel about the heavily revamped HiLux. Has Toyota done enough to make gains on the Ford Ranger while staving off the growing pack of new utes chasing its tail?

Stay tuned for model-specific equipment lists, pricing and our first drive impressions. Coming out later this week!

MORE HiLux news and reviews!