New Toyota Hilux officially revealed

GLM TEAM February 4, 2026

Toyota has finally unveiled the next-generation Hilux.

Arguably the most-anticipated announcement of the year, the new bakkie has just been revealed in Thailand.

The new model marks the ninth generation of the iconic pickup, and comes 10 years after the current-gen units made their debut.

The Hilux is, of course, the best-selling vehicle in South Africa and is built at Toyota South Africa Motors’ (TSAM’s) factory in Prospecton, Durban.

The new Hilux is scheduled to go on sale in markets worldwide in 2026, featuring a variety of models, including an all-new battery electric vehicle (BEV) option.

However, the powertrain selection will vary greatly depending on the market, so we’ll have to wait and see exactly what TSAM has in store for South Africa.

Say hello to the new Hilux

Naturally, the next-gen Hilux has a new look with some interesting cosmetic details, though the overall shape is still instantly recognizable to fans.

On the internal combustion engine (ICE) models, the most eye-catching aspect is a new honeycomb grille that seems to be partially inspired by the facelifted Corolla Cross.

It also has a set of slim LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, connected by a black band below the bonnet line, where the company has opted to put “Toyota” lettering instead of a badge.

Like most of the bakkies coming out these days, the new Hilux body has much sharper, more angular proportions, though it’s still less blocky than some other models like the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, or Kia Tasman.

It has a prominent light grey front bumper, black wheel arch mouldings, and a black rear bumper below the new tailgate flanked by vertical C-shaped LED taillights.

It also has new side steps for reaching into the load bin, just like the Ford Ranger.

As expected, the interior is very similar to that of the new Prado SUV, which seems to have set the template for Toyota’s next generation of 4x4s.

Inside, you’ll find a thick three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a keyless start button, and a two-step dashboard with an octagonal frame in the centre housing two aircon vents, the hazard switch, and physical climate control buttons.

Just below that is an angled surface with a USB Type-C port, the traction control and hill descent control buttons, and a dial selector for the vehicle’s driving modes.

Even further down is a centre console with a gearstick lifted straight out of the Prado, an electric park brake button, and two switches for the heated seats.

It also has a floating 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital driver display, but the latter will likely be swapped out with analogue dials on the lower-end workhorse models.

Other confirmed features include eight-way electronically adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, and a number of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) functions like blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and driver attention monitoring.

This is also the first Hilux to be equipped with electric power steering, which has the benefit of “more direct operation, easier manoeuvrability and less risk of kick-back when driving over uneven ground,” according to the company.

Powertrains

As for the drivetrain selection, the units confirmed thus far include the familiar 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 48V mild hybrid technology, and the new BEV.

The 48V 2.8-litre GD-6 turbo-diesel, which produces 150kW and 500Nm, is currently found on the top-spec Raider and Legend trim levels, but this will be expanded to more units in the new series.

In Europe, the smaller 2.4-litre turbo-diesel block is being dropped from the range, but we’d be surprised to learn if Toyota plans to do the same in South Africa.

The automaker has also announced a hydrogen fuel cell Hilux, but this model is only slated to be released in select markets in 2028.

The biggest change is the new BEV, which has two electric motors (one over each axle) generating a combined output of 144kW.

The e-motors are powered by a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery, which affords a WLTP driving range of 240km.

Thanks to the dual-motor setup, it has a permanent all-wheel-drive system, and can tow up to 1,600kg or haul 715kg in the load bin.

More information on the new Toyota Hilux, such as its South African model selection, powertrains, and pricing, will be announced closer to its launch date in 2026.