Toyota has introduced the new ninth generation HiLux pick-up car in global markets ahead of sales starting next year. The new HiLux brings with it several major changes, including the provision of an electric variant for the first time and the confirmation of a fuel-cell electric variant arriving in 2028. Toyota has also confirmed that the HiLux will continue to be sold with petrol-diesel engine options, including a diesel mild hybrid option.
The new HiLux brings with it a completely new design with a layered front fascia and more attractive surfaces than its predecessor. The slim main headlamps sit high above the facia and are joined by a black trim insert. These have the Toyota logo, the grill is at the bottom and there are triangular vents on both sides. The petrol-diesel model (top image) has a cheese-grater-style rectangular grille, which is enclosed in the electric vehicle (bottom image). The bumper design is quite attractive, with a wide series of cladding, a large central air vent, a skid plate element and fog lamps at the lower edge.
Talking about the sides, the new HiLux gets square wheel arches at the front and rear, while at the rear, there are vertical tail lamps with LED light guides and Toyota embossed design on the tailgate. Toyota says that the new Hilux will be available completely in double cab design.
The cabin design seems to be inspired by other modern Toyota SUVs, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a freestanding central touchscreen measuring up to 12.3 inches. The central air-conditioning vents are located at the bottom and are equipped with a thin LED display and several physical buttons for the air-conditioning function. The physical controls for drive modes and off-road controls are at the bottom of the center stack. Toyota has also confirmed a number of safety technologies for the new HiLux, including ADAS features such as low speed acceleration suppression, proactive driving assist, blind spot monitoring and emergency driving stop system.
Talking about powertrain, the new HiLux Electric Vehicle (BEV) is the biggest news. The first electric version of this pick-up will be equipped with a 59.2 kWh battery which will be connected to an electric motor on each axle. Toyota claims the front and rear electric motors make 205 Nm and 269 Nm of torque respectively, although final power figures are awaited. Toyota says that the HiLux electric vehicle will give a range of up to 240 km when fully charged and will be capable of carrying a payload of up to 715 kg and a tow load of up to 1,600 kg.
Talking about petrol-diesel engines, the HiLux will be offered with the tried and tested 2.7-litre petrol and 2.8-litre diesel engines – the diesel engine will be available in standard and 48V mild-hybrid form (same as the Fortuner in India). Toyota says that the model with petrol-diesel engine will be capable of carrying a load of up to 1 tonne and will also be capable of pulling a load of up to 3,500 kg.
Apart from the electric vehicle, another major change in the HiLux is the power steering. The company says that depending on the market, the HiLux will be offered with either electrically assisted power steering (a first for the HiLux) or a hydraulic unit.
Toyota has said production of the new HiLux will begin with the BEV at the end of the year, while sales of the petrol-diesel model will begin in mid-2026.
