Last Updated on 15/08/2026 by Raj
Toyota – New Pick Up
The 2026 Toyota HiLux has arrived with a bold, futuristic design and loaded with modern tech. Find out about its engineering, ride comfort, upgraded technology and enhanced safety, with our verdict and pros & cons.
Toyota HiLux: Introduction
HiLux a vehicle was first launched in 1968, and after a very long time it’s get a major update, result in the ninth-generation. The vehicle has stood the test of time and remains one of the best pickup in the history and dominates the marketplace around the world. Because it’s builds on the pedigree of a vehicle which is known for its reliability, adaptability, and go-anywhere attitude.
New gen model is not whole different from the already a trusted platform. The changes are a new interior, modern technology, a electrical update, and a suspension update depending on the model. But the engine remains the same the tried and tested 2.8 unit, and surprise is that the manual transmissions are still available with the automatic one. The vehicle is designed by the Australian design teams, with first time in the brand history and also primarily tested on Australia rough trains.
Design:
New Toyota HiLux is designed by the Toyota Australia’s design team, first time in its 58-year history, and all the exterior design and extensive testing is also done by Toyota Australia’s design teams, and it’s undeniably Australian. This idea was selected by Toyota officials in Japan to lead the development of the new styling to Ausi team.
Toyota Design Australia had been working on the updates, special models and accessories for many decades. Worked closely with Toyota’s technical Centre in Thailand to develop the new design, and they called it ‘Cyber Sumo’. The new design is a blend of toughness and capability of the HiLux with agility and modernity. Like other new Toyota vehicles, defined by strong, clean lines and slender new face design.
It Inspired by the sumo wrestlers pose called tachi-ai during start of a fight, the front portion of the new HiLux gives a powerful and commanding on-road presence. It’s got new high mounted slimline LED headlight which is inspired by Toyota’s Hammerhead concept, despite they look small, but the new lights offer much improved performance, particularly the high beams.
The upper grille on the new Toyota HiLux is body colored like other new Toyota cars, creating a solid impression from each corner of the vehicle and through the mesh grille. Redesign trapezoidal shape side air intakes are now bit bigger and placed higher to give the side and lower bumpers more angular and muscular shape. The lower bumper separate, which is finished in black and silver for more rugged appearance.
Surface design continues along the side with taller and flat bonnet edges and thick black wheel arch flares on SR and above models, while SR5 and above models fitted with uniquely designed sports bars. The rear design continues with dynamic angles, with revised LED lights and ‘TOYOTA’ lettering on the tailgate.
Also the new step on the rear makes accessing the tub area way more easy now, while a tailgate damper with lift kit gives extra convenience. A stylish new wheel design is added to the range. Starting with 17-inch steel wheels and 17-inch black alloys for the lower models. You get uniquely designed 18-inch alloys for upper models, with two-toned bright machined and black finished.
Australia’s harsh and varied tarains have been used for extensively test the new model during it’s development. With Toyota Australia having been involved in the development of the HiLux project for over a decade now. They consider that the Australian customer usage and environment is one of the toughest in the world. With testing they kept in mind about the usage and requirements of customers like heavy load carrying and towing purposes, and off-road driving in a range of terrains.
Customers like park rangers, emergency services, construction work, farmers and mining operators were consulted during development. Toyota’s design language is pretty interesting, and the styling of the new Toyota HiLux is likely to generate some debate. But giving the HiLux more modern aesthetic is without losing its core is an impressive work.
Chassis: Toyota HiLux
A key improvement of the new HiLux is better on-road driveability and comfort, but retaining the capability and durability which it’s known for. For better low-speed maneuverability and reduce fatigue on the driver. The hydraulic power steering is replaced with a rack parallel electric power steering ESP with active safety functionality.
The EPS steering gives straight-line stability at high speeds and also keep it light for easy inputs at low speeds, while also reducing unwanted feedback through the steering on rough roads. The torque sensor of the ECU works with the vehicle’s speed sensor to adjust steering input torque based on the speed. Improving the low-speed maneuverability and city driving, and delivering stability at high speeds.
For the go-anywhere durability, a failsafe function is included, which will limit the electric assist and allow the driver to steer the vehicle manually if any fault is detected. The EPS also works with lane departure alerts, gives the driver some steering wheel vibrations if the vehicle deviating from its lane. To improving on-road driveability Toyota gives two distinct tunes for the coil-spring independent front and rigid leaf-spring rear suspensions.
A heavy payload tune for vehicles used primarily for work. The heavy-duty tune gives optimal comfort and handling balance to haul heavy loads of tools or equipment for towing. And other models get different tunes which still offers the payload and towing, but it offer greater ride comfort when driving without any load perfect for buyers who don’t use it for work.
Although the platform of the new Toyota HiLux shares with the previous generation. But Toyota made several modifications to the chassis to improve comfort and reduce noise, vibration and harshness in the cabin. Use new hydraulic engine mounts to reduce vibrations from the engine. Newly designed body mounts gives more comfort, and more than 30 extra spot welds on the underfloor improve the structural rigidity.
New ventilated front disc brakes with fixed four- calipers, grabbing 319mm discs on lower trims and larger 338mm discs on all other trims give a great stopping power. Lower trimes use 297mm rear drum brakes, while upper trims get ventilated 335mm x 20mm discs and floating single-cylinder calipers with electric park brake, first time on Toyota HiLux. Australia was used as a testing ground to fine-tune the suspension in a range of road surfaces including good and bad roads, bush tracks, hill climbs and descents, with load and towing.
Safety:
Toyota HiLux receives a 5-star NCAP safety rating. The previous variant also get five-star rating across all trimes, except for the GRS. HiLux gets score of 84% for adult occupant protection, 89% for child occupant protection, and 82% for vulnerable road user protection. New HiLux offers comprehensive suite of active and passive safety systems, with an enhanced Toyota Safety Sense1 tech.
The pre-collision system is much more improved and now offers pedestrian, cyclist detection, with preceding and oncoming vehicle detection system. An intersection collision avoidance system can detect vehicles crossing at an intersection. As well as oncoming vehicles during turns. Extra steering assist is provides additional steering input to help a driver avoid any obstacle, while still keeping the vehicle inside the lane.
Acceleration suppression is a new feature for HiLux which is designed to control strong throttle inputs when the car is driving at low speeds to reduce the chance of a collision. The active cruise control system is more advance now, and it’s able to detect two vehicles ahead with earlier detection. Curve speed reduction and road sign assist also been improved, and the number of inter-vehicle distance is now increased from three to four.
The EPS steering enhance the lane departure alert feature and also comes with lane trace assist with centering function to keep the vehicle in the middle of its lane. Blind-spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert are standard, helping to detect with new reversing camera, with a panoramic view monitor, helping drivers in tight situations. Emergency driving stop system (EDSS) is also new but only for automatic and higher models and is designed to stop the vehicle.
If the system detects the driver appears to no longer operating the vehicle. All Toyota HiLux variants come with an automatic high beam function. Which is designed to automatically turn off the high beam when any oncoming vehicle is detected.
Strong safety is provided in the cabin with a suite of eight SRS airbags, including driver front, side, centre and knee, front passenger front and side, and front/rear side curtain airbags. Offroad safety is also a focus point, with multiterrain mode allowing drivers to adjust traction control settings to specific condition such as mud, sand or rock. The system offers up to five drive modes in high-range and four in low-range, with locking rear differential, improving traction in bad conditions.
Downhill Assist Control is also a new and improved, helping maintain a controlled descent on steep slopes, and it also features the Multi Terrain Monitor, providing visual of the vehicle’s surroundings and underside to help with wheel placement and obstacle detection.
Toyota HiLux- Interior
New Toyota HiLuxx gets much needed improvements to the cabin with a new look and interior design that offers more modern technology, comfort and ergonomic. The rugged and boxy exterior design theme was used to design new model’s interior, taking the bold lines and practical look of the ‘Cyber Sumo’ concept to the cabin. Toyota kept all the rugged functionality and mould it in a fresh design, integrating off-road style with advanced technology.
Three tier dashboard is wide and build solid with blend of soft and hard touch materials, with squared-off design and also the centre console, instrument cluster and AC panel. Storage space is bound, including a two-tier glove box and cupholders in the front, and storage options in the centre and on the doors. The new design improve the overall ergonomics of the cabin.
With all functions are easily reacheable and the forward visibility also improved due to the lower design of the instrument cluster display. It increases the line of sight. Each variant is designed according to the usage. From the tough and durable feel of the working models all the way up to the luxurious and tech-laden Rugged X. It also feature a stylish new steering wheel. Which integrates comfort and functionality togather, with buttons for audio, active safety and infotainment and displays control, all neatly placed.
The steering has tilt-and-telescopic adjustment and finished in hard-wearing or leather-accented grip depends on the model. While upper ranges come with heating function. New Toyota HiLux features a digital instrument cluster, 7.0-inch display for lower trims and a 12.3-inch display for upper trims, and all are configured in wide range of layouts to suit the driver.
Four layouts can be selected casual, smart, tough and sporty. Three layouts come with two, one or no dials design, and a digital speedometer is run at all times. The latest generation infotainment system is much more improved compared to the previous generation. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard with clean and fast user interface, resolution is crisp, comes with advance voice recognition and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
All variants come with cloud-based navigation, DAB+ digital radio and active voice control. Lower trims feature a two- or four-speaker audio system, while the top of the line vehicls comes with an eight-speaker or a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system with 22.4cm subwoofer, and they sound clear and amazing.
Charging options are plenty, two USB-C ports and two 12V outlets. While upper model comes with an additional two USB-C ports and a wireless smartphone charger pad, and a 12V socket in the tub for external power supply. The HVAC panel sits below the touchscreen, and the AC is powerful and very easy oparate.
It has LCD screen with a set of physical buttons to make climate control adjustment simple during driving. But the lower models use a manual air-conditioning system, while upper models come with dual-zone automatic climate control with heated front seats. The redesigned transmission tunnel is now more wide and gives a sense of strength, with off-road functions including high and low-range selector.
While the rear differential lock and Multi-Terrain selector are placed below the air-conditioning panel. The centre console sits bit higher, with a shorter gear shifter which keeps the layout simple and accessible. Raising the centre console meant that the height of the storage box was also increased to be level with the door armrest and it provides greater comfort.
With a lid wrapped in synthetic leather the console box offers good amount of storage space, and upper models glove box is cooled– perfect for keeping drinks and food cool. The newly designed seats are engineered for greater ergonomic comfort during long journeys with enhancing safety. Seats are upholstered in leather for heavy work use and comes in a bolstered design.
It is powered with good cushioning thickness and great under-thigh support compared to the previous model. The revised headrest design helping to reduce impact in the event of a harsh braking or collision. The double-cab body styles offer one-piece tip-up functionality for the rear seat, or a 60:40 split-folding arrangement, and a rear-seat armrest with cupholders.
Engine and Performance:
Toyota gives the new Toyota HiLux the familiar powertrain, the tried-and-tested 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel cross all the range, with Toyota’s V-Active 48-volt technology. The 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre engine comes with significant increase in power and torque offer on entry-level models. It gives enhanced performance and particularly with excellent load-carrying and towing capacity.
It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and produce 150kW of power in 3000-3400rpm and 500Nm of peak torque in 1600-2800rpm. And the six-speed manual transmission makes 420Nm from a peak in 1400-3400rpm. Compared to the previous model, the new HiLux makes extra 28kW and 175Nm to 255Nm depends on the transmission gives added performance.
A new higher-output 130 volt an alternator is used in all non-48-volt models. With a new 8-pole rotor, double-flow cooling is used for prevent any overheating and it ensures consistent smooth operation. On upper models, the standard inverter is upgraded with more powerful 300W unit, to give power to the small appliances when the vehicle is in park.
HiLux 4×4 automatic variants feature Toyota’s 48-volt V-Active technology for extra smoothness and acceleration feel. It gives electric assistance to the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel and works as an electric motor generator. The lithium-ion battery and DC/DC converter give a range of benefits. The electric motor makes 8.5kW of power and 65Nm of torque and gives some extra power during low engine speeds or accelerating from standstill.
Also when decelerating, the motor acts as an energy recovery system which is combined with the engine braking to provide smooth and controlled deceleration. The V-Active system provides seamless engine stop-start functionality, and the 48-volt system also provides extended stop-start capability.
There are transmission options including the six-speed manual, which is also available with iMT rev-matching, or the reliable AC60F six-speed automatic transmission. Toyota HiLux 4×4 use a part-time 4×4 system with Downhill Assist Control and a rear locking differential, and 4×2 are only come with rear-wheel drive. Toyota HiLux 4×4 automatic variants come with Multi Terrain Select and off-road traction control system. Multi Terrain Select offers five different drive modes Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud and Deep Snow modes in high range, while low-range offers Auto, Sand, Mud and Rock mode works with traction control.
Driving and Capabilities: Toyota HiLux
Cabin comfort is overall good, and have ample amount of leg, shoulder, and head room. The centre console is wide and easily reachable; the cabin feels bigger than the previous due to the position of the centre console. Though company hasn’t changed the physical dimensions, but the driving position, visibility, and open feel are much better.
Rear step gives extra convenience, and someone is now easily able to reach into the tub without climbing up. And the tub itself is wide and big enough for almost any family, farm, and light work. When you drive the new Toyota HiLux then you understand the changes, and it delivers more than you expected.
Toyota now gives two suspension setups to choose from: a heavy-duty system for working vehicles and a more multipurpose setup for higher and light working vehicles. The heavy-duty system is best suited for people who carry heavy loads, while the multi-purpose system is used for everyday comfort with light duty.
New setup sits quickly after bumps and absorbs much of that shock, feels more suttel and smooth. It still acts like a truck, but it’s far closer to a car. Toyota keeps the proven 2.8-litre turbo-diesel and it’s a strong, dependable, and refined unit with great pulling power for towing and highway drives, and all models have a 3500kg towing capacity with a 6300kg GCM.
48-volt V-Active system is smooth system and reduces fuel consumption without changing the engine’s working. Manuals remain available and are also great fun to drive on the on-road or off-road, where you can let the engine work and squeeze its max output. In traffic and in some situations the electric-assisted steering helps you to steer.
It’s light without feeling lifeless, and the drive modes changed its input slightly. It remains steady and goes where you want, and also the feedback is good enough and without the shocks. The driving position is good, and everything is within reach. But there’s no physical button to switch off the proximity sensors, during off-road, they constantly interrupt. But good news is they are located inside the driver display.
The centre screen is good but looks a bit off in the placement, sitting on top of the dash not blend perfectly. Functionally, it’s super and works well. The digital instrument cluster is crisp and easy to use. It controll with three-spoke steering wheel, with controls for cruise, audio. As for comfort, the seats are good and supportive, and the armrests are at right place.
Off-road, runs are the most fun, wheel lift and slipp on uneven ground is minimal, and traction control does all the work without needing the diff lock. It drives smoothly and steadily across rough rutted sections again there is not much wheel slip or body roll. Toyota has also strengthened the chassis to suit the updated suspension and power.
The new Toyota HiLux remains the familiar and easy to use vehicle. Toyota not going to reinvent its beloved vehicle, they are just give some modern touches. Its known for its reliability, practicality and everyone wants that. Big changes risk losing that and Toyota knows that.
Pricing : Toyota HiLux
4×2
WorkMate single cab-chassis MT $33,990
WorkMate single cab-chassis AT $35,990
WorkMate double cab pick-up AT $47,990
SR double cab pick-up AT $52,990
4×4
WorkMate single ab-chassis AT $45,990
WorkMate double cab-chassis AT $52,490
WorkMate double cab pick-up AT $53,990
SRextra cab-chassis AT $54,990
SRdouble cab-chassis MT $54,990
SRdouble cab-chassis 48VAT $57,990
SRdouble cab pick-up 48VAT $59,490
SR5double cab pick-up MT $63,990
SR5double cab pick-up 48VAT $65,990
Rogue double cab pick-up 48VAT $71,990
RuggedX double cab pick-up 48VAT $71,990
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
More comfortable ride and much more settled over rough roads.
Excellent off-road capabilities, effortlessly take on ant tarain.
Cabin quality levels is much more improved.
Get all modern technology and safety.
User-friendly EPAS.
Feels more sapcius and big.
Cons:
More expensive than most competitors.
Not a big physical dimension change.
Space remains a bit tight inside the cabin.
Part-time 4WD.
Suspensions are still stiff.
The second row remains unchanged, and tight back seat.
old engine tech.
Six-speed automatic is not very smooth.
Verdict:
If you are thinking about buying the new Toyota HiLux you have to consider some things first. Though its closest competitors have broad appeal and tech. Toyota just focused its development for the new Toyota HiLux on continuing to deliver the reliable workhorse. As a result, the new HiLux appears more femilier than brandnew, but that’s not a bad thing either.
These are simple updates for the loyal buyer and Toyota knows that very well. Half of all HiLux buyers come back for more make a strong repetition. And why? Because it’s a proven platform with reliability, good after-sales value and support from the worlds biggest car network.
The car of yours like may have all the fancy bits at a compelling price point, but without reliability and support, the ownership will be at trouble. And to be fair, the new Hilux feels worth the extra money in upper-model vehicles thanks to more modern technology, greater ride comfort, improved noise suppression and it remain the go anywhere vehicle.
