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New Toyota HiLux: What changed beyond looks?
Matt Brogan
2025-12-09
WHILE the ninth-generation HiLux is based upon the previous model – with much the same driveline, chassis, cabin, and tray bed as before – beyond the bold new look it promises to be a significantly different vehicle when it comes to driveability, technology and comfort.
As detailed by GoAuto earlier, the new 2026 Toyota HiLux range will be offered in five grades: WorkMate, SR, SR5, Rogue, and Rugged X, with 4x2 drivelines available in WorkMate and SR only.
The GR Sport variant has been dropped from the range – for now, at least – while final specifications of future battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell versions remain unconfirmed.
Exterior design
With visuals spearheaded by Toyota Design Australia, the ‘Cyber Sumo’ styling of the new HiLux is said to convey a sense of agility and modernity, comprising assertive lines and a slender face to deliver a powerful on-road presence inspired by Toyota’s ‘Hammerhead’ design language.
Slim LED headlights and a body-coloured grille are said to offer an unbroken impression from corner to corner, while the trapezoidal air intakes give the fascia a muscular motif.
Taut surface language continues along the side of the vehicle with a taller bonnet and ‘pumped out’ wheelarch flares, and on SR5 grades and above, uniquely designed sports bars.
From the A to C pillars, the cab of the new HiLux is virtually unchanged over its predecessor – at least on the outside.
At the rear, the new HiLux features revised sheetmetal on pick-up variants with revised lighting and stamped T-O-Y-O-T-A letting across the tailgate. A side step is now introduced on pick-up variants to allow easier access to the tub, while a tailgate damper with lift assist improves convenience.
New alloy wheel designs are offered across the range with 17- and 18-inch designs available. Steel wheels can be optioned at no cost.
Among the seven exterior paint colours are new Ash Slate and Sunglow hues. Other choices include Glacier White (standard), Frosted White, Stunning Silver, Feverish Red, and Eclipse Black.
Interior design
Within identical cabin dimensions as previously is with a significant shift in dashboard and console design reflecting that of the 250 Series LandCruiser Prado and 300 Series LandCruiser ranges.
More squared-off than before in terms of looks, the décor blends soft-touch and hardwearing materials in a ‘utilitarian style’ that Toyota says retains all of the HiLux’s rugged functionality.
Several storage options are found throughout, while favourites like the dashboard level drink holders are retained. Ergonomics are improved with functions grouped by use (infotainment, safety, off-road controls, and instrumentation), and the dashboard level lowered to increase the driver’s line of sight.
Redesigned steering wheels feature across the range with urethane or leather-accented rims depending on grade. SR5 grades and above add a heating function for the first time.
A 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster is offered on WorkMate and SR grades while a configurable 12.3-inch array is adopted in SR5 grades and above.
Every grade scores a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with content variations between variants – but all now offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
All new HiLux variants also offer improved Toyota Connected Services functionality, providing real-time vehicle information via the myToyota Connect smatphone app. The first 12 months of access is complimentary
Newly designed seats aim to bring occupants greater comfort on longer journeys while enhancing safety with the fitment of a three-chamber side airbag (front). All grades also receive a new head restraint design that aims to reduce whiplash in the event of a collision.
However, Toyota has not changed rear-seat flexibility for its latest HiLux dual-cab, which has the same limited under-seat storage as before. The rear backrest also remains fixed, limiting storage and the fitment of auxiliary equipment such as an air compressor or slimline battery).
Chassis and suspension
Testing the new HiLux in Australia’s remote regions – and working with long-standing customers – Toyota worked to improve the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) properties of the vehicle while maintaining key off-road, load hauling and towing capabilities.
A new electric power steering system (replacing the hydraulic system of the outgoing HiLux) is said to benefit active safety functionality while improving low-speed manoeuvrability.
Toyota says straight-line stability is likewise improved, the revised steering also said to reduce unwanted feedback when driving on rough roads.
Steering assistance is adjusted according to vehicle speed while a failsafe function ensures the system will remain operable in the event of a fault.
One of the other significant changes to the HiLux chassis for 2026 is the availability of two distinct suspension tunes.
A heavy-duty setup is offered on WorkMate and SR variants – those designed primarily for work – while a lighter-duty tune is offered on SR5 grades and above, biased toward offering “greater ride comfort when driving unladen”.
New body mounts and hydraulic engine mounts aim to further improve NVH, while more than 30 additional spot welds on the vehicle’s underfloor are said to improve structural rigidity.
Stopping power arrives courtesy of ventilated 319mm front discs with four-piston callipers on WorkMate and SR grades, and larger 338mm front rotors elsewhere. Base grades feature 297mm drum brakes at the rear while higher grades have 335mm discs with a single-piston calliper.
Grades with a disc-brake rear-end also gain an electric park brake for the first time.
Driveline
Emissions regulations spelled the end of the road for Toyota’s long-serving 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, while a lack of interest killed off the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel.
That leaves the ubiquitous 1GD-FTV series turbocharged 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel (now with AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid as a requirement on all grades) as the only option across the range, augmented in select variants with Toyota’s ‘V-Active’ 48-volt mid hybrid technology with 8.5kW/65Nm electric motor-generator.
Outputting 150kW of power between 3000-4000rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1600-2800Nm in six-speed automatic models (420Nm of torque between 1400-3400rpm in six-speed manual models), the engine is offered with both two- and four-wheel drive configurations, augmented with a rear locking differential and hill descent control on SR grades and above.
Four-wheel drive variants with an automatic transmission (SR grade and above) also include Toyota’s ‘Multi Terrain Select’ system offering up to five different modes – but no Crawl Control as found in the LandCruiser Prado and 300 Series.
Safety
Toyota has significantly upgraded safety technologies for the ninth-generation HiLux range, with enhancements to the range of features within its ‘Toyota Safety Sense’ suite.
An enhanced pre-collision system includes pedestrian, cyclist and motorcycle detection, along with preceding and oncoming vehicle detection.
Intersection collision avoidance support is now capable of detecting vehicles crossing at an intersection, as well as oncoming vehicles when making a left or right turn.
Emergency steering assist is included – the electric power steering system further improving lane departure and lane trace functionality – as is low-speed acceleration suppression, a new feature designed to detect unintentional strong throttle inputs when the HiLux is driving at low speeds.
The adaptive cruise control system is now able to detect two vehicles ahead, while curve speed reduction and road sign assistance join an additional inter-vehicle distance setting (for a total of four).
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert is now available across the range and a reversing camera is now standard on all grades, while SR5 grades and above have a 360-degree camera system for use during low-speed manoeuvres.
SR5 grades and above further gain an Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS) aimed to help bring the vehicle to a stop if sensors determine that the driver is no longer operating the vehicle.
All HiLux variants now include auto high beam functionality and eight airbags.
Accessories
Toyota will offer a range of 25 genuine accessories for the new HiLux, all of which it says were tested in Australia to evaluate damage resistance, functionality, rattles, serviceability, and water resistance, among other measures.
On the accessories list from launch are bull bars, side steps, sports bars, roller covers, trays, driving lights and more, each designed to be compatible with the new ute’s active safety systems and to “make sure there were no negative impacts on the vehicle”.
A full list of available accessories for the 2026 Toyota HiLux range will be made available shortly.
“Australian HiLux customers demand a lot from their vehicle, whether it’s tackling harsh outback terrain in extreme temperatures, or hauling a tray full of tools around suburbia day in, day out,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley.
“This new-generation HiLux retains its legendary reliability, durability and class-leading off-road capability while delivering vastly improved comfort, functionality and advanced technology.
“Its bold, contemporary exterior design, led by our local design team in Australia, along with the extensive testing and evaluation carried out here, make it the most Australian HiLux yet.
“Adding a BEV variant to the HiLux range in 2026 will be a boon for businesses looking to reduce the carbon footprint of their light-commercial vehicle fleet and showcases Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to electrification.”