Fresh Toyota HiLux spotted in Thailand
A new version of an Australian favourite could shake up the auto industry next year.
Motoring News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A new version of the Toyota HiLux ute has been spied in Thailand, and chances are it’s just
months away from hitting our shores.
The current HiLux has been around for a decade now, and it appears the ‘new generation’ version seen in these spy images from Headlight Mag will carry over its main cabin structure but adopt a new-look front- and rear-end design.
MORE: Toyota HiLux gets new look for 2024
Clear from the images is a bolder, more upright front finish with heavily redesigned boxy headlights, a squarer grille and bumper trim.
The tray is expected to see revised edging, a new tailgate design and rectangular tail-lights. It is highly likely that the new-look HiLux will blend design elements of the US market Tacoma pick-up truck, and the new-generation Toyota Prado.
MORE: Toyota Tundra ute leaves HiLux in its dust
There is also a good chance that, like the Prado, the new HiLux will adapt electrification as standard.
In the new LandCruiser 250 Prado range, the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine is supplemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
In the Prado, the powertrain puts out identical power and torque (150kW/500Nm) compared with most current high-grade HiLux variants, but with an 8.4kWh/65Nm motor generator assisting things, with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and full-time four-wheel drive making light work of hard terrain.
In that application, Toyota Australia doesn’t label it as a HEV, or hybrid electric vehicle – rather, for the currently mildly-electrified HiLux models, it’s called V-Active technology.
MORE: BYD Shark 6 named Car of the Year
It isn’t clear if the new HiLux will adopt an identical powertrain configuration at this point in time, but it would seem logical that, in the quest for lower fuel consumption and emissions, that the ‘mild hybrid’ system with start-stop technology will be offered in diesel models.
Could it be that the brand is looking to add a more hardcore hybrid system for the big-selling ute?
Or perhaps even a plug-in hybrid option, like that seen already in News Corp Australia’s Car of the Year, the BYD Shark 6?
Time will tell, but international reports suggest that a more broadscale adoption of the 48V mild-hybrid system is more likely for this model, as well as incremental adjustments such as
the addition of electronic power steering, which will again help to lower fuel use.
New alloy wheel designs are expected, and the images show this particular top-secret HiLux is running disc brakes front and rear – most HiLux models still run drum brakes at the rear for the current model.
News.com.au contacted Toyota Australia, but the Japanese brand won’t comment on any timing or details for the new HiLux.
At Toyota’s annual press conference covering the prior year’s sales tallies earlier this week, the brand’s local head of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley, gave a strong hint that there could be a hybrid ute in the brand’s “hybrids and plug-in hybrids will be what we are talking about in January 2026,” Mr Hanley said.
Mr Hanley further stated that the strict new rules around emissions, implemented from July 1 this year under the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, would force the brand’s hand to an extent, because meeting the targets is going to be tough – even for a majority-electrified brand like Toyota.
“The NVES was supported by Toyota. We understand why, and we never fought against it. What we asked for was some timing concessions to allow us to get the product right,” he said. “So, our position hasn’t altered. We still support the NVES, but at the same time, we don’t want people to think that’s not a challenge for Toyota. It definitely is a huge challenge,” he said.
The HiLux was the third-most popular vehicle in 2024 in Australia, accounting for 53,499 sales. It was just behind the Toyota RAV4 SUV (58,718 units) and the reigning champion, the Ford Ranger, which accounted for a huge 62,593 sales in 2024.
Originally published as Fresh Toyota HiLux spotted in Thailand
‘Loaded gun’: China deal fears after blacklist
A global carmaker’s $1 billion deal with a Chinese tech giant has sparked fears after it was blacklisted by the Pentagon for Chinese military ties.
Wild tech to change the road forever
From solar-powered EVs to autonomous innovations, these tech discoveries are set to transform Aussie roads.