Massive changes to Aus’ favourite ute
Australia’s favourite car is undergoing some huge changes that drivers have waited almost a decade for.
Toyota has revealed the new-generation HiLux ute, with some surprising new inclusions for the best-selling vehicle in Australia.
The new-generation HiLux scores a massive exterior overhaul courtesy of the brand’s Australian design team in Melbourne, and the interior has been hugely rethought, with better technology as standard and more cabin usability than its ageing predecessor, which went on sale a decade ago.
MORE: Auto giant to ditch annoying tech
But it’s not just the glitzy bits that have seen changes – the brand has also added a couple of new powertrain choices to the HiLux ute range, including the first-ever HiLux BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), and the confirmation of another fleet-focused model, the HiLux FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), which will be powered by hydrogen.
The EV model will be sold in 2026, while the FCEV will debut in 2028. The standard diesel model range hits showrooms from December 2025.
“The new HiLux delivers a wide range of improvements to on and off-road driveability, safety and comfort, along with a new interior design and features, and new exterior design, which we are proud to say was developed right here in Australia,” said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations.
MORE: Toyota stuns with Rolls-Royce rival
“Furthermore, the introduction of the first-ever HiLux BEV reinforces Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation, which is an exciting step forward for fleets and businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint,” he said.
“In the first quarter of next year, we will be launching a new HiLux double cab BEV for the first time, to meet the needs of largely fleet buyers that require the payload and passenger capacity that HiLux offers and are able to recharge easily and economically.”
The new HiLux BEV details have not yet been confirmed, but the brand is expected to offer it in two different specification levels.
MORE: Toyota fires back at Tokyo motor show
EV driving range, charging specs, power and torque numbers and pricing are all still to come, but the brand has confirmed they will be dual-motor four-wheel-drive utes, expectedly with 3.5-tonne towing capability, like the rest of the range.
Meanwhile, the hydrogen fuel-cell model – which follows on from the existing experimental Mirai FCEV of years gone by – will be a world-first, with mining and infrastructure businesses expected to be the primary targets for that limited-appeal ute model.
“The inclusion of an FCEV variant in 2028 reinforces this multi-pathway approach and is the result of Toyota’s commitment to hydrogen fuel-cell electric technology,” said Mr Hanley.
“Again, this gives our fleet buyers yet another option of a powertrain that meets their needs, and helps further our collective decarbonisation journey.”
The diesel line-up has been ratified, too, with the 2.8-litre four-cylinder engine – with 150kW/500Nm – offered standard on all versions, from the base model WorkMate single-cab through to the high-end dual-cab pick-up models.
The latter, though, will also score 48-volt mild-hybrid “V-Active” assistance tech, which helps save fuel by way of a smart alternator generator and clever engine start-stop tech.
The range will continue to be offered in single-cab, extra-cab and dual-cab derivatives, with cab-chassis (tray back) and pick-up models on offer. There are 16 different diesel variants at launch with pricing and specs to be announced very soon.
What’s missing? So far there’s been no confirmation of a replacement for the popular GR Sport model, which saw a power bump (165kW/550Nm), revamped suspension and a wider track for better off-road and on-road dynamics than the previous standard models.
The new HiLux also does away with the price-friendly petrol base model, with the 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine falling short of emissions regulations for the new-gen line-up.
That means prices are heading up, of course, and the cheaper 2.4-litre turbo-diesel offering has also been booted from the range.
Our detailed pricing and specs story is coming soon, along with our first drive review of the new-generation HiLux.
To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register
Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout