The 2026 Toyota Hilux has finally hit the scene, and it’s shaking things up in the pickup world. Toyota unveiled the ninth-generation model late last year, with rollouts starting in key markets like Australia, Europe, and Asia from late 2025 into 2026.
This isn’t a complete ground-up redesign, but it’s the most significant update in over a decade, bringing a bolder look, smarter tech, and new powertrain choices—including an all-electric version and mild-hybrid diesel options. For folks who love tough, reliable trucks that can handle work sites or weekend adventures, the Hilux keeps its legendary toughness while feeling more modern inside.
Bold New Look That Turns Heads
The exterior gets a fresh, aggressive refresh that Toyota calls a “Cyber Sumo” vibe in some regions—think sharper lines, slimmer LED headlights, a more squared-off front grille, and beefier wheel arches. It looks broader and more commanding on the road, drawing inspiration from recent Toyota designs like the Tacoma. The changes make it stand out without losing that classic Hilux durability. Rear updates are subtler, but overall, it feels tougher and more premium than before. Off-road fans will appreciate the retained ladder-frame chassis, improved suspension tuning for better ride comfort (especially when unloaded), and enhanced underbody protection.
Powertrains: Diesel, Hybrid, and Electric Choices
Under the hood (or rather, no hood drama for the EV), Toyota sticks with proven options while adding greener ones. The workhorse remains the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder, now often paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system for better efficiency and smoother power delivery. In many markets, it pumps out around 150kW (about 201 hp) and a massive 500Nm of torque with the automatic transmission—plenty for towing up to 3.5 tons or hauling heavy loads.
The big news is the battery-electric Hilux (BEV), debuting in places like Europe and Asia. It features dual electric motors (one per axle), a 59.2 kWh battery, and roughly 240 km (about 149 miles) of range on the WLTP cycle. Payload sits around 715 kg, with towing up to 1,600 kg—solid for lighter duties. A hydrogen fuel-cell version is on the way by 2028 for even more zero-emission flexibility. Some regions still get a 2.7-liter gas engine, but diesel dominates for heavy work.
Here are the key specs for the main variants (based on global/Australian figures; U.S. availability remains limited as Hilux isn’t sold new here yet):
- Engine Options: 2.8L turbo-diesel (201 hp / 500 Nm with auto; 420 Nm manual); BEV dual-motor electric
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic
- Drivetrain: 4×2 or 4×4
- Payload/Towing: Up to 1,000 kg payload (diesel); 3,500 kg towing (diesel); lower for BEV
- Fuel Economy: Improved with mild-hybrid (around 7-8 L/100km)
- Off-Road: Enhanced damping, electronic power steering, multi-terrain select
Smart Tech and a Much Nicer Cabin
Inside, this is where the 2026 Hilux really levels up. Gone is the dated dashboard—replaced by a modern setup with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment and a digital instrument cluster (7-inch on base models, 12.3-inch higher up). Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with embedded navigation, voice recognition, USB-C ports front and rear, and even a wireless charger on nicer trims.
Toyota Safety Sense gets upgraded too, with proactive driving assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane trace assist, adaptive cruise control, and a driver monitor camera. It’s all about making long hauls safer and less tiring. Comfort-wise, better sound deadening, refined seats, and a smoother ride make it feel less like a pure work truck and more like something you’d enjoy daily.
Global Reception: Tough, Reliable, But Not Revolutionary
Reviews from Australia, Europe, and early drives are mostly positive—the Hilux keeps its unbeatable reputation for reliability and off-road grit while catching up on tech and comfort. Critics note it’s more evolution than revolution (same basic platform and diesel engine core), but improvements in ride quality, noise reduction, and features make it competitive against rivals like the Ford Ranger. The electric version excites for urban or light-duty use, though heavy haulers stick with diesel. Pricing varies by market—starting around $34,000 AUD for base models up to $70,000+ for loaded 4x4s—but it holds strong resale value.
Overall, the 2026 Toyota Hilux proves why it’s a global icon: it adapts without losing what made it legendary. If you’re in a market where it’s available, this updated beast is worth a look for anyone needing a no-nonsense pickup with some fresh smarts thrown in.