Toyota’s highly anticipated “one more surprise” for the Hilux range has been revealed and it will roll into showrooms before the end of March.
Set to arrive alongside the 48-volt technology upgrade coupled with Toyota’s 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, the lightly facelifted Hilux features a more modern look and enhanced specification across the range.
The new-look arrives alongside the 48-volt upgrade
It comes after the new-generation Ford Ranger finally dethroned the Hilux last year as Australia’s best selling vehicle in 2023 and fresh rivals such as the new-generation Mitsubishi Triton are set to join the field in the coming year..
48-volt to aid fuel efficiency, enhance off-road capability
As previously stated, Toyota says its new 48-volt system – which it specifically says is not a proper hybrid, unlike the new Tundra full-size pickup – aims to enhance drivability and fuel efficiency with the latest estimates putting it at around a six to 10 percent improvement over the current model.
The system will be standard on automatic dual-cab variants of the Rouge and SR5 grades, while also being available as an option on the SR with the same body style and transmission.
The 48-volt system is coupled with the automatic 2.8-litre diesel
Official figures have still not been given but the current SR5 dual-cab auto has an official consumption of 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle, so a new claim of between 7.1 and 7.4L/100km is expected.
Furthermore, Toyota says this new technology will come paired with its Multi-Terrain Select function with six drive modes to help drivers better prepare their vehicle for the off-road situation at hand.
Incremental changes for a fresher look
Only two images have been released of the front of the updated Hilux, showing what appears to be the SR5 grade, but they show the new octagonal grille with a wrap-around exterior bodywork and more angular front bumper, featuring new housing for fog lights on the aforementioned grade.
The WorkMate has nabbed some more rugged trimmings, and a damped tailgate when paired with the pick-up body style. The fleet-focused petrol single-cab chassis sees the grey front bumper changed to straight black.
Only two pictures have been released of the new-look Hilux, this is one of them
Stepping up the still-workman like SR grade opts for a silver coloured section on the lower bumper and the SR5 throws in some black trimmings around the grille and other areas along with tinting to the LED leadlights.
SR pick-up grades have also taken a small step up in safety by offering two front and four rear parking sensors as standard.
New cabin technology
Perhaps the most mild of all the changes is to the cabin but the lift in specification helps bring the Hilux more into line with its modern rivals.
Pictured: the interior of the pre-facelifted GR Sport, for reference
The SR5, Rogue and the new GR Sport grade now feature a wireless charging pad next to the shifter, while the second row scores USB C ports in the second row to keep passengers entertained.
We don’t yet have pictures of the updated interior but we’ve attached a picture of the current GR Sport to give you an idea of what to expect.
The complete pricing and specification list is expected to be launched closer to the facelifted Hilux’s launch date in March.
