by Updated Off-Roader
One of the world’s most famous pickups has just received its ninth generation. The new Toyota Hilux debuted with a fresh exterior, completely redesigned interior, updated frame, and the addition of a fully electric powertrain.
Design and Exterior
The new look is inspired by the “Cyber-Sumo” theme, distinguishing it from the hammerhead style of other Toyota models. The front features thinner LED headlights, a body-colored honeycomb grille, angular bumper air intakes, and a sturdy protective plate. The fully electric version features a unique front bumper with a blocked-off grille and modified air intakes.
The profile looks familiar, as the glass, pillars, and doors are carried over from the previous model, which has been in production since 2015. However, redesigned front and rear fenders with cubic wheel arches combine with new wheels to refresh the exterior. The rear has become more sculptural with sharper LED taillights and a modern bumper.
Interestingly, Toyota has decided to discontinue single cab and extended cab versions, meaning the presented double cab version will be the only option for buyers.
Interior and Technology
The interior is completely updated, featuring the latest technology and stylistic elements from the manufacturer’s arsenal. The cubic instrument panel houses a separately mounted 12.3-inch multimedia system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (7-inch in base trims), and physical buttons for the air conditioning and essential functions.
The thick steering wheel with clickable buttons is borrowed from the Land Cruiser. Other features include a small gear shift lever, a drive mode selector on the center console, a dual storage compartment on the passenger side, and cup holders on the dashboard.
The safety system includes a “significantly expanded” ADAS suite, making the Hilux comparable to other passenger models.
Engines and Powertrains
Toyota is known for its Multipathway approach to available powertrains, and the new Hilux is proof of that. Depending on the market, the pickup will be available with the proven 2.8-liter turbo-diesel in conventional and mild-hybrid configurations, as well as a 2.7-liter gasoline engine.
Brand new is the fully electric option with two electric motors and a 59.2 kWh battery. According to Toyota, the zero-emission pickup will have a WLTP range of 240 km or over 300 km according to NEDC. This might not seem like much, but the company has also promised a hydrogen fuel cell variant for 2028.
Improved Chassis
Under the body, the Hilux is based on an improved version of its predecessor’s IMV ladder frame architecture. It features a new electric power steering system and a reworked suspension with an independent front coil-spring setup and a rigid rear leaf-spring axle for all versions. According to Toyota Australia, there are two different tunings – one “focused on carrying heavy loads and towing,” and the other aimed at “improved ride comfort for daily use.”
Regarding off-road capabilities, 4×4 versions use a four-wheel-drive system with selectable gear ratios, now enhanced with a standard locking rear differential and an available terrain selection system.
Availability and Markets
The new Toyota Hilux will appear in Europe and Australia from December 2025, followed by Asian markets in 2026, with Japan receiving it in mid-2026. Prices and detailed specifications for each market will be announced closer to the launch.
The shift towards electrification for an icon like the Hilux reflects the overall trend in the automotive industry towards reducing carbon emissions. While the electric version’s range may raise questions, especially in markets where pickups are often used for long trips, the emergence of a hydrogen model indicates Toyota’s long-term strategy for alternative energy sources. This could also impact pickup competition, forcing other manufacturers to accelerate the development of their own eco-friendly solutions.
