The eighth-generation Toyota HiLux was introduced to Australia 10 years ago and has gone through multiple major updates, facelifts and engine changes since 2015.
A new HiLux is expected to launch next year, though rather than a ground-up ute, Toyota’s likely to introduce a deep facelift for the ninth-generation model.
Will a facelift be enough for HiLux which has been behind the Ford Ranger for outright popularity since 2023? New rivals from China such as the GWM Cannon Alpha and BYD Shark 6 have beaten Toyota to the electrified ute punch, too, softening the big T’s appeal.
Toyota Australia vice president sales and marketing Sean Hanley has already predicted 2025 will be the year of the SUV, and that looks likely following RAV4’s early YTD sales success — but surely Toyota is keen to get back on top with a new HiLux?
We’ve commissioned a set of renders from digital artist Theottle to show the new HiLux’s future in off-road focused GR Sport guise with beefed up suspension and protection.
2026 Toyota HiLux spy shot (image: Headlight Mag)
When will the new Toyota HiLux be released?
Toyota is remaining tight-lipped about the new HiLux but spy shots of a test car — courtesy of Thai outlet Headlight Mag — made the rounds in January, suggesting a launch is near.
Reports so far are pointing to a reveal in late 2025, which means first examples will start hitting the roads in 2026.
The current HiLux launched concurrently in Bangkok and Sydney, so given the importance of the ute in Australia Toyota may once again tread this path.
There are more markets than just Thailand and Australia interested in the latest HiLux, though, with Latin America — the HiLux is built in Argentina — and South Africa also huge HiLux buyers.
2026 Toyota HiLux spy shot (image: Headlight Mag)
New 2026 HiLux: Platform and design
All reports point to the new HiLux retaining its existing IMV ladder frame platform, also used on the HiLux Champ in South East Asian markets.
Toyota will go further than simply drape a new skin over the existing HiLux, though. The latest Camry — a deep facelift of the previous car — proved there was plenty left on the table of an already good vehicle.
The new HiLux is likely to have extra chassis reinforcement for improved rigidity, and revised suspension. The new GR Sport shown here will almost certainly keep its rear disc brakes, while spy shots show regular narrow-track HiLux models are also likely to ditch drums at the back — at least on high-spec models.
2025 Toyota HiLux spy shot (image: Headlight Mag)
Otherwise, hard points such as the wheelbase won’t change much from the current 3085mm measurement, even if length (5325mm for double cab) and width (1855mm for SR5, 2020mm GR Sport) measurements change a small amount.
The result is the HiLux is likely to continue to be one of the less family-friendly utes on the market thanks to a small cabin. Newer rivals such as the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton and Isuzu D-Max have all made big leaps in this department.
Toyota HiLux GR Sport interior
Interior technology will get a boost, though, with a bigger touchscreen running Toyota’s current software that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with remote phone control for climate and other functions, just like Camry.
The exterior shown here in our render is based on spy shots and shows new, slender headlights set high on the fascia. A different, more futuristic grille sits below the smaller ‘TOYOTA’ logo and the bonnet has been reprofiled.
At the back, a tidier tailgate design and different taillight clusters complete the transformation. There are no wholesale changes to the middle of the HiLux’s body, which is expected to stay much the same.
2026 Toyota HiLux GR Sport (render image: Theottle)
New 2026 HiLux: Engine and powertrain
While plug-in hybrids are all the rage in the ute world, it seems Toyota will continue with its current 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder dominated line-up, at least in Australia.
Sticking to the existing IMV platform pours cold water on a HiLux GR Sport scoring a Ranger and Amarok V6-beating engine from a GA-F vehicle such as the 300 Series Land Cruiser or Tundra pick-up — at least without significant re-engineering.
Japanese reports point to the use of a new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, which could give a HiLux GR Sport a bit more pep but don’t hold your breath — especially not at launch. It’s likely to keep the 165kW/550Nm tune of the existing diesel.
Toyota HiLux engine with V-Active
The V-Active 48-volt electrical boost system arrived in March 2024. Toyota claims V-Active lowers fuel consumption roughly 10 per cent, and it’s likely this will become available across a broader range of variants in the new HiLux.
At the lower end, expect the 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel and 2.7-litre petrol four-cylinder (122kW/245Nm) to hang around. The lack of hybrid and plug-in hybrid ute could make Toyota’s life tricky under incoming new vehicle efficiency standards (NVES).
2026 Toyota HiLux GR Sport (render image: Theottle)
How much will the 2026 Toyota HiLux cost?
Despite its advanced age, the Toyota HiLux is no bargain ute, unless the basic Workmate petrol cab chassis ($27,730) is what you want.
The most affordable 4×4 dual cab is $50,420, before on-road costs and the popular SR5 V-Active lists at $63,260. Meanwhile, the flagship GR Sport costs $74,310, before on-road costs.
The HiLux’s price has not stayed static since 2015, of course, and part of this gradual increase is to keep pace with rival utes such as Ranger and Triton, as well as minimising price shock for a new model.
The new 2026 Toyota HiLux will be more expensive but it would be a surprise if the dual-cab Workmate was more than $55,000. Likewise, the SR5 will stay close to $65,000 and the GR Sport won’t climb beyond $80,000.
More details will come to light as we approach the 2026 Toyota HiLux’s release in late 2025 or early 2026.