Hilux goes fully electric
After four years of development, with much of the design and dynamic testing led by Toyota Australia, the new-generation Hilux has been revealed with a modern exterior and interior.
For the first time, there will be a battery-electric variant, which the marque says will be of interest to fleets and businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprints.
The brand has also announced a hydrogen fuel-cell EV (FCEV) ute that’s scheduled to join the line-up in two years’ time.
“For generations, Kiwis have trusted the Hilux to deliver strength, reliability and performance through the toughest conditions this country can throw at it,” says Tatsuya Ishikawa, Toyota NZ’s chief executive officer.
“The new generation carries that legacy forward as we approach a milestone – 50 years of the Hilux in New Zealand in 2026. This evolution is a statement of Toyota’s vision for the future with a multi-pathway approach that includes a BEV and FCEV variant scheduled for 2028.”
There will 12 different variants available. And there will be the option of a six-speed automatic transmission and three manual transmission variants.
Ishikawa says the diesel hybrid Hilux has grown in popularity as buyers realise its system “takes nothing away” from performance. Stronger acceleration, smoother operation combined with a start-stop system, now standard across the range, helps reduce carbon-dioxide emissions and boost fuel efficiency.
Toyota NZ says there’s strong interest in the SR Cruiser and GR Sport with their wide-track configuration. While these models are not part of the initial launch, the marque is exploring opportunities to make them available in the future.
The new Hilux will come with a choice of 12 diesel and hybrid diesel variants in two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and single, and double cab with chassis and well-side options.
Starting with the diesel engine, the next-generation ute will carry over the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine (1GD-FTV) across the range. It will deliver 150kW of power and 420-500Nm of torque depending on the transmission.
The engine can produce its maximum torque at lower rpm range and maintain maximum torque across a wide speed range “ensuring best drivability in demanding conditions”.
Modern design & comfort
The new Hilux’s exterior was led by Toyota Australia’s design team in Altona, Melbourne, in collaboration with the marque’s teams in Thailand and Japan.
Inspired by the “cyber sumo” design theme, the ute projects “strength and modern sophistication aligned with its on and off-road capability”.
There are slim-line headlights, an assertive front design and sharp, modern lines. Beyond the cabin and doors, nearly every element has been reimagined.
For example, the rear has a step integrated into the tailgate for extra convenience. Its all-new well-side design introduces easy-access side steps, wrap-around tail-lights, an integrated tailgate handle with assist system, a pressed Toyota logo and centrally positioned reversing camera.
The new Hilux’s colours include glacier white, tensile silver, ash and eclipse with select grades offered in emotional red. For a premium touch, the Adventure introduces exclusive shades – sulphur and frosted white.
The redesigned interior delivers an upgrade in comfort, technology and ergonomics. The three-tier instrument panel sits flatter than before, creating a more spacious cabin feel and improving forward visibility.
Every Hilux grade now features a digital instrument cluster – a seven-inch display for SR grades and a premium 12.3-inch unit for the SR5, SR5 Limited and Adventure. A 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen is centre stage across all grades, offering next-generation hardware and software.
A wider centre console improves amenity and rigidity, with a taller centre console storage lid to match the door armrest’s height There are newly developed front seats with an up to eight-way powered driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support adjustment and leather-accented upholstery, depending on the grade.
Key Hilux controls retain intuitive push switches and dials, now positioned for easier access. For example, all four-wheel-drive controls are ahead of the shifter for hassle-free operation.
Enhanced performance
While the core powertrain is unchanged from the current model’s 2.8-litre turbo diesel, Toyota has upgraded performance and technology. Some, such as the electric power steering on all grades and refined suspension for the SR5 and higher grades, aim to improve ride comfort, on and off-road dynamics, and reduce driver fatigue.
Off-road prowess is one of the “hallmarks” of the Hilux with four-by-four grades using a part-time system with high and low range ratios. This has been enhanced on the new generation with multi-terrain select traction control on most automatic SR grades and above.
New safety features with the Hilux include the Toyota Safety Sense package. This includes a pre-collision system with motorcycle detection, intersection collision-avoidance support, all-speed DRCC (A/T) and lane-tracing assist. An emergency driver-stop system is added for the grade SR5 auto and above.
There’s also a front-centre airbag, tyre-pressure warning system, which is unavailable with the single-cab chassis variant, parking support bake for automatic well-side variants and downhill assist has been retuned to operate at a lower speed.
Versatility for motorists
Ishikawa says: “The Hilux is still incredibly tough and gets the job done. That rugged ‘truck’ appeals to the core rural and trade segment. It can also be the family vehicle, happy in a town or urban setting so comfort, safety and a modern cabin are important,
“Our medium to large fleet and government customers look for something else. They want a vehicle that’s safe, meets functional needs, and enables their business while lowering fuel consumption and emissions. The hybrid, and shortly the BEV Hilux, will provide lower or zero-emitting options. We expect to reveal more details on the BEV early in the new year.
“Then we have our ‘weekend warriors’ who use the Hilux during the week for light duties, but on the weekend they throw a boat and trailer on the tow bar or fill the tray with bikes or a few sacks of topsoil from the garden centre.”
