2026 Toyota HiLux: What We Know

The 2026 Toyota HiLux is on the horizon, with the new-generation ute preparing to take the fight to the best-selling Ford Ranger.

Expected to launch in 2026 following its unveiling in late 2025, the HiLux is set to have a big birthday, with almost all aspects of the model to be updated.

While Toyota has yet to release any official information on the HiLux, unconfirmed reports from media in both Japan and Thailand – where the vehicle is manufactured for the Australian market – has provided a strong idea of what we can expect when the new ute arrives.

What are the styling changes for the new Toyota HiLux?

The first spy photos of the 2026 Toyota HiLux were published by Headlight Magazine last month, with the prototype vehicle wearing vinyl camouflage on all the important bits.

However, some masking by CarSauce’s expert digital artist Theottle means we get an early look at what we believe the HiLux will look like.

Adopting elements of Toyota’s latest design language, the front-end gains slimline headlights, a basket-weave grille, and the Toyota name spelled out – a tradition revived for the brand’s off-road models in recent years.

We also expect there to be plenty of black plastic to help protect the body during low-speed scrapes, along with a metal – or metal-look – armour on the lower part of the front bumper.

More aerodynamic mirrors with integrated blinkers are coming, while higher-end variants will likely get side steps and a slick sailplane for the tub.

Spies have yet to capture a clear image of the back of the new-generation HiLux, so Theottle has taken some artistic licence, but expect modern but inoffensive tail-lights and the option of either badging or a large Toyota decal for the tailgate.

What engines will the next Toyota Hilux come with?

It’s likely to be a case of evolution than revolution when it comes to engine options for the 2026 Toyota HiLux.

It’s expected the Australian market will be offered a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder in the entry-level variants, while more popular models will retain the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder – albeit with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology to improve fuel economy and provide a minor performance boost.

However, Toyota is likely to turn the wick up slightly – particularly for the 2.8-litre engine – either mechanically or by improving the mild-hybrid system.

This could see the current output of 150kW and 500Nm – or 165kW and 550Nm in the GR HiLux – be bumped up, with the GR HiLux edging closer to the 184kW/600Nm output of the turbo-diesel V6-powered Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok.

While less likely to appear in Australia, it’s possible Toyota adds the option of the 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine – borrowed from the slightly larger Toyota Tacoma in North America – for markets where diesel is losing popularity.

A senior Toyota executive has also confirmed an electric HiLux will begin production in late 2025, however it’s not clear whether this will be an electric single-cab model designed for developing markets – similar to concepts previously shown by the brand – or if a fully-developed dual-cab will be launched alongside the new-generation diesel HiLux.

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What platform will the new Toyota HiLux be based on?

Early unconfirmed reports suggested the new HiLux could be based on Toyota’s TNGA-F architecture – the same that underpins the Tacoma, 250 Series Prado, and 300 Series LandCruiser.

However, the latest intelligence claims the new-generation HiLux will continue to be built on the IMV platform – a carryover ladder-frame chassis from the current model.

The spy pictures suggest the new HiLux will also adopt the current model’s cabin dimensions for the most part.

While the wider track of the current HiLux Rogue and GR HiLux was thought to potentially form part of the new model range, the prototype appears to retain the same – or similar – track of other HiLux variants currently on sale.

The good news the new pre-production HiLux has been fitted with rear disc brakes – though these may only be fitted to models powered by the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine.

When is the 2026 Toyota HiLux launching in Australia?

Unconfirmed reports claim the new Toyota HiLux will make its global debut in the coming months – with the vehicle likely to go on sale in Australia in the first half of 2026.

Full Australian pricing and specifications will be announced closer to the ute’s launch, though buyers can expect a price bump compared to the model’s current cost.

Stay tuned to CarSauce to get the latest information on the 2026 Toyota HiLux as it becomes known.