The cavalcade of Toyota HiLux spy photos and leaks continues, with the next-generation ute spied again ahead of an expected reveal later this year and a local launch likely in early 2026.
In these images from Instagram account autonetmagz, we can see a single-cab pickup testing in Thailand where the HiLux is built.
While this body style isn’t currently offered in the Australian market – the only single-cab configuration is a cab/chassis – we can once again see the HiLux has a new front-end, along with revised rear styling, at either end of what appears to be a carryover body.
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That suggests tub dimensions won’t change. The current HiLux won’t fit a standard Euro or Aussie pallet between its wheel-arches, unlike the Ford Ranger which has overtaken it in the local sales race.
What appear to be patent sketches of the HiLux were recently shared by the cars_secrets Instagram account, giving us another look at the exterior and our first look at the interior, which will bring far greater change.
Inside, there’s a new dashboard and centre console, as well as what could be a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and an electronic parking brake.
Thai publication Headlight Magazine and Instagram account kurdistan_automotive_blog have also recently shared images of camouflaged prototypes spied testing.
Combined with the patent drawings, we have a more complete image of what the new HiLux will look like.
The doors and roof have been carried over, but there’s a new front-end design with slim, angular headlights and what looks like a wider grille, while down back there are larger tail-lights that wrap around further onto the HiLux’s flanks.
The carryover body indicates a carryover chassis. So, instead of moving to the newer TNGA-F ladder-frame underpinnings used by the new-generation Tacoma ute in the US, as well as the larger Tundra pickup and the LandCruiser and Prado SUVs sold here, the ‘new’ HiLux is expected to remain based on the 2004-vintage IMV platform.
The next HiLux is also expected to stick with existing powertrains, instead of the newer units used by the Tacoma. The North American ute is offered with a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine delivering up to 207kW and 430Nm, as well as a hybrid version producing 243kW and 630Nm.
By comparison, local versions of the current HiLux are available with 2.4- and 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engines, the latter offering a 48V mild-hybrid system in some variants.
Outputs top out at 150kW and 500Nm with the V-Active mild-hybrid system, and 165kW and 550Nm in the flagship GR Sport.
Whether the diesel engines will be upgraded to meet Euro 6 emissions regulations – and therefore potentially require AdBlue – is not yet clear.
The sole petrol offering in the outgoing HiLux is a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre four-cylinder. The 235kW/376Nm 4.0-litre V6 sold in the Middle East is no longer available Down Under.
Most rivals don’t offer a petrol engine anymore, so it’s unclear if this 2.7-litre will stick around.
While a plug-in hybrid powertrain has been mooted, it’s unlikely Toyota will add a six-cylinder option – such as the 3.3-litre V6 turbo-diesel in its LandCruiser 300 Series – to the HiLux to take on V6 diesel versions of the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok.
Whether the semi-redesign will be enough to vault the HiLux back to the top of the Australian sales charts is unclear.
While the HiLux continues to dominate in 4×2 ute sales, the Ranger’s advantage in 4×4 sales allowed it to push past the Toyota for the first time in 2023.
That saw the Ranger become Australia’s best-selling new vehicle, a title it held onto in 2024 and which it may keep in 2025.
