New Toyota HiLux launches in Aus next month

TOYOTA has revealed its new-look HiLux ahead of next month's Australian showroom debut, the popular ute range confirmed to introduce both battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains across its lifespan, while reintroducing the Rugged X off-road variant. 
 
With new sheetmetal front and rear, plus a heavily revised cabin, the HiLux brings greater levels of connectivity and safety technology to the range. 
 
Toyota Australia says it will offer the HiLux with a choice of 21 different diesel-powered variants, again in single-, extra-, and double-cab body styles. 
 
As before two- and four-wheel drive configurations will be offered, as will both manual and automatic transmission options in familiar Workmate, SR, SR5, Rogue, and Rugged X grades. 
 
Effectively replacing the GR Sport from the outgoing line-up, the Rugged X is said to offer improved off-road capability with the “standard fitment of a range of specifications designed for protection and recovery in off-road terrain”. 
 
From launch, all grades of the 2026 Toyota HiLux will be powered by the manufacturer’s long-serving turbocharged 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, spelling the end for the 2.7-litre petrol and lower-capacity diesel. 
 
Power and torque figures are listed at 150kW and 500Nm respectively when paired with the carryover six-speed automatic transmission, falling to 420Nm when paired with the six-speed manual, which is also carried over from the previous generation vehicle. 
 
A 48-volt mild hybrid system is standard on automatic double-cab SR grades and higher. 
 
Toyota’s Australian design team played a significant role in the creation of the ute’s new look, working alongside Thai and Japanese designers to bring the ‘Cyber Sumo’ design theme to life and evoke images of strength and modern style.  
 
Key differentiations over its predecessor are redesigned front- and rear-ends with slimline headlights and sharp lines. 
 
Inside, the cabin is overhauled with improved “comfort, technology, and ergonomics”. 
 
A three-tiered dashboard sits flatter than the current N80-series design to improve forward visibility and is joined by a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster for Workmate and SR grades, or a larger 12.3-inch panel on SR5 and above. 
 
The central 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen runs Toyota’s latest-generation multimedia system, which now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, embedded sat-nav, voice control, and an expanded suite of connected services. 
 
Other updates to the cabin include a wider centre console, taller central console storage bin with sliding armrest, newly developed seats front and rear, and up to eight-way power adjustment for the driver. 
 
The climate control panel retains physical buttons or knobs that allow the driver to keep their eyes on the road ahead, the steering wheel also redesigned with an updated button layout grouped in three distinct zones – infotainment, audio, and driver assistance. 
 
Active safety technology has also been enhanced with the adoption of the latest Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance suite as standard across the range. 
 
Highlights include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, lane trace assist, road sign assist (speed signs only), and auto high beam. 
 
Other standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and, on pick-ups, front and rear parking sensors. 
 
Electrically assisted steering is said to enable greater ADAS cooperation, and revised suspension offered in comfort and commercial tunes. 
 
The new HiLux is also the first Toyota to feature a new cabin detection alert system, which uses a radar to detect passengers in the rear seats and notify the occupants when exiting the vehicle. 
 
A locking rear differential and ‘Multi-Terrain Select’ four-wheel drive control is now offered on SR grades and above, with the latter said to have undergone substantial localised tuning. 
 
Double cab automatic SR5 grades and higher add Toyota’s Multi-Terrain monitor, using a series of cameras to provide “a range of views of the vehicle’s surroundings and underbody”. 
 
More details including local specification and pricing will be revealed closer to the new model’s arrival in Australia from this December.