Revealed: This is the all-new 2026 Toyota Hilux
Next-generation Toyota Hilux revealed with turbo-diesel, EV variants
After countless sightings, rumors, and teasers, Toyota's popular midsize pickup truck is all-new for 2026. Say hello to the next-generation Hilux, and boy, was Toyota busy giving it changes both inside and out.
For the first time, the 9th-generation model is now available with an all-electric version, which sits alongside the turbo-diesel version. But what changes did Toyota make to the all-new Hilux?
Starting with the exterior, the 2026 Hilux sports a boxier and more aggressive look. Called the "Cyber Sumo" front design, the front fascia gets a bold grille that dominates the center, while a pair of sleek headlights give the Hilux a more sophisticated look. The rear gets a sleek makeover as well, thanks to a new pair of dynamic LED taillights, a redesigned rear bumper, and a new handle for the tailgate.
Speaking of rear, Toyota appeared to have taken a page from Ford, as the all-new Hilux now comes with a rear side-step for the bed, which translates to easier access to the bed. On higher-grade variants, Toyota also introduced a power tailgate assist for easier opening and closing of the bed. The top-of-the-line 4TREX and Prerunner Overland variants come with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the lesser versions of the Hilux Prerunner and Hilux Travo-e get 17-inch alloys.
Open the doors, and those who have seen the Land Cruiser FJ's interior will find a somewhat similar-looking cabin. It features a horizontal dashboard that's dominated by a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display on the center dashboard. A similarly-sized 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster sits in front of the driver, which delivers crisp graphics and relevant information every time.
Both the center console and the dashboard of the 2026 Hilux have been redesigned with a more modern appearance. Depending on the variant, the 2026 Hilux can come with manual air-conditioning via dials or a digital climate control. The gear selector is also new, which fits with the redesign of the center console and dashboard. Last but not least are the revamped cupholders on the dashboard and the restyled glovebox compartments.
Other key features available in the 2026 Hilux include an electronic parking brake, a wireless charging pad, a host of USB charging ports, leather upholstery & power-adjustable front seats on high-grade variants, an 8-speaker sound system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, three drive modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport),
Under the hood, the all-new Hilux continues to be powered by the brand's GD series of turbo-diesel engines. But unlike the outgoing generation, which was available with either a 2.4L or the bigger 2.8L, the all-new Hilux now only gets the bigger 1GD-FTV. As before, it cranks out 204 PS with 500 Nm of torque when married to a 6-speed automatic transmission. When connected to a 6-speed manual transmission, however, the 2.8L's torque output goes down to 420 Nm. Depending on the variant, the all-new Hilux is available either as a 4x2 RWD pickup or with a part-time 4WD system with a rear-locking differential.
Toyota also introduced a new Multi-Terrain Select feature to help off-road drivers tackle the terrain. It has a total of five modes, which include Dirt, Sand, Mud, Rock, and Deep Snow. This feature is also available in the all-electric Hilux Travo-e, which we'll get into next.
For the first time in the Hilux's history, the pickup is now available as an electric vehicle (EV). Called the Travo-e, the electric Hilux comes with dual electric motors that deliver a combined system output of 196 PS and is powered by a 59.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The Hilux Travo-e supports both AC and DC fast charging, with the former rated at 11 kW. On the other hand, the fast DC charger is rated to deliver up to 125 kW of fast charging.
Beyond that, all Hilux variants now come with what Toyota calls “Dynamic Cloud”. It consists of additional floor welding points that strengthen the cabin's rigidity, improve stability, and deliver a comfier ride. It is then complemented by new dampers that Toyota says deliver a firm yet soft ride. The all-new Hilux also comes with hydraulic engine mounts to further reduce vibration inside the cabin and deliver better cabin comfort. On top of all that are the redesigned seats that feature Softex leather material that is soft to the touch.
For better peace of mind, the all-new Toyota Hilux comes with the brand's suite of intelligent driver aids called Toyota Safety Sense. This gives the pickup truck a bevy of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in the form of the following: blind-spot monitoring, a panoramic around-view monitor (AVM), parking support brake, rear-cross traffic alert, pre-collision system, lane departure alert, auto high beams, hill-start assist, downhill assist control, front & rear parking sensors, and trailer sway control.
With the all-new Toyota Hilux now available in Thailand, we can expect the 9th-generation pickup truck to be available in the Philippines sometime next year. Here's hoping we won't have to wait too long for its arrival.
