Toyota’s “All-New” HiLux Isn’t Actually Brand New - But It’ll Cost You a Lot More

Toyota has unveiled the 2026 HiLux for Australia, revealing what the company describes as an “all-new” model, though it remains based on the same IMV ladder-frame platform as before.

The core structure, including the doors, roof, and door handles, carries over unchanged from the outgoing model, making this more of a heavy facelift than a clean-sheet redesign.

The 2026 HiLux arrives in showrooms this December, with prices starting from $33,990 before on-road costs for the 4x2 WorkMate single-cab manual, up from $26,475 previously.

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Across the range, prices have increased by between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on grade.

Design and engineering were again led by Toyota’s Australian teams in Altona. The new look adds some fresh bodywork - including a reshaped front fascia, slimmer headlights, and new bumpers - under a design theme Toyota calls “Cyber Sumo.”

However, key proportions and hardpoints remain the same, with familiar cabin and exterior dimensions.

Inside, the dashboard and infotainment system have been overhauled.

All models now feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 7-inch digital cluster on lower grades or a 12.3-inch unit on SR5 and above.

The cabin gains a flatter dash for improved visibility, along with physical climate controls, new materials, and available heated seats, heated steering wheel, and power adjustment.

Underneath, Toyota has introduced electric power steering for the first time in a HiLux.

Suspension and mount revisions aim to improve on-road comfort without sacrificing load-carrying ability.

Toyota says WorkMate and SR variants retain a heavy-duty tune for towing and payload, while SR5, Rogue, and Rugged X models focus more on comfort and everyday drivability.

Power continues to come from the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 150kW and 500Nm with the six-speed automatic, or 420Nm with the manual.

The 48-volt “V-Active” mild-hybrid system is standard on automatic SR double-cab and above, improving efficiency and low-speed response.

Toyota has simplified the HiLux line-up, removing both the 2.7-litre petrol and 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engines.

The GR Sport has been dropped, replaced by the returning Rugged X, while extra-cab SR5 and 4x2 SR5 variants are no longer offered.

At the top end, the Rogue and Rugged X now cost $71,990 before on-roads, only marginally more than before.

However, both lose the wider track setup introduced with the outgoing HiLux Rogue, Rugged X, and GR Sport, which added about 140mm of width via unique front and rear suspension, wider axles, and revised control arms.

The removal of this setup means that, despite similar pricing, these flagship grades no longer carry the same mechanical enhancements as before - effectively making the new HiLux more expensive for what it offers.

Safety has been upgraded across the board, with every variant gaining autonomous emergency braking, lane trace assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Automatic 4x4 SR and above variants also include a rear differential lock and Multi-Terrain Select.

Toyota’s Senior Manager of Design, Nic Hogios, described the design changes as a continuation rather than a revolution. “It was about moving HiLux forward without losing what makes it trusted by so many Australians,” he said.

Toyota’s Vice President for Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley, said the company focused on practical improvements.

“The new HiLux delivers better driveability, safety, and comfort, with a design that reflects Australian input at every stage,” he said.

An electric HiLux will also arrive in the first half of 2026, followed by a hydrogen fuel-cell variant in 2028, as part of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation.