ForceGT.com Car News, Car Reviews, Video Reviews, Tuning and much more.
The new generation 2026 Toyota HiLux has landed, looking to ready to take on the tough competition set in the increasingly saturated ute market. It’s new but not all new, sharing the same platform and much of the powertrain as the previous model. That said, it has had significant design and engineering input from Toyota Australia’s engineering team. In fact, the bold new exterior design was spearheaded by the Toyota Australia design team, based at Toyota’s Product Centre in Melbourne, and was developed in collaboration with Toyota team members in Thailand and Japan.
For now, the new HiLux is available with a choice of 21 different diesel variants in single, extra and double cab configurations, 4X2 or 4X4 drivelines, manual or automatic transmissions, and WorkMate, SR, SR5, Rogue and new Rugged X grades.
The new Rugged X variant offers improved off-road capability with the standard fitment of a range of specifications designed for protection and recovery in off-road terrain.
Powering the new HiLux, both in 4X2 and 4X4 configurations, is the trusted 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that produces 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque when paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, or 420Nm when fitted with a six-speed manual transmission.
Toyota’s 48-volt V-Active technology is standard on automatic double cab SR grades and above, offering smooth stop-start functionality and an additional 8.5kW/65Nm of thrust when starting off.
Joining the line-up from 2026 is the first-ever fully electric HiLux aimed at fleet and business customers keen on reducing the tailpipe emissions of their light-commercial fleets.
Available in double-cab 4×4 SR and SR5 guise, battery-electric grades will be underpinned with an electric motor on each axle, paired with a lithium-ion battery. Further details on the BEV powertrain will be revealed closer to its local launch in early 2026.
Toyota has also confirmed that a hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) variant is scheduled to join the lineup in 2028. The new option is aimed to offer customers even greater choice while reinforcing Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation.
Under the fresh new sheet metal, a range of improvements have been introduced for the new HiLux, including the adoption of electric power steering which delivers improved feel and response in all driving conditions.
It promises light steering feel at low speeds and sure-footed high-speed stability, with fewer disturbances through the steering wheel when driving on rough roads.
Further improving driveability is a new two-tiered suspension tune with springs and dampers designed for either heavy-duty work or more comfort and adventure-oriented private use.
With a revised independent coil-sprung front and rigid axle leaf sprung rear suspension offered across the range, WorkMate and SR grades employ a spring and shock absorber tune geared toward heavy load carrying and towing, while SR5 and up uses different spring rates and suspension stroke to provide enhanced ride comfort for everyday use.
HiLux 4×4 grades continue to use a part-time system with high and low range ratios, though this has been further enhanced on the new model with the standard fitment of a rear locking differential and the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) traction control system on automatic SR 4×4 grades and above.
This sophisticated MTS system underwent substantial tuning and refinement by Toyota Australia’s vehicle evaluation team to handle the country’s harsh and varied terrain.
Automatic double cab pickup SR5 grades and up add the Multi-Terrain Monitor, which uses a suite of cameras around the vehicle to offer drivers a range of views of the vehicle’s surroundings and underbody, along with the placement of the wheels to allow for safe navigation of difficult obstacles.
Multiple refinements to the HiLux ladder-frame platform help improve comfort, rigidity and crash performance, including new hydraulic engine mounts and shear-type cabin mounts which reduce vibrations and enhance ride comfort.
Front suspension tower thickness has been increased to accommodate the new electric power steering while two frontal frame cross members have also been revised.
Frontal crash performance has been improved with newly designed front rail extensions made to improve impact absorption.
Active safety technology has also been enhanced with the adoption of the latest Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistance technology suite, which is standard across the range. This includes Toyota’s pre-collision safety autonomous emergency braking system, active cruise control, lane departure alert, lane trace assist, road sign assist (speed signs only) and auto high beam.
Other standard safety features include blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and, on pick-up grades, front and rear parking sensors.
Matching the redesigned exterior is a completely overhauled interior which brings a significant uplift in modernity, comfort, technology and ergonomics.
Up front, the fully redesigned three-tiered dash features a new digital instrument cluster – 7.0-inch for WorkMate and SR grades and 12.3-inch on SR5 and above – while a new 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen display sitting above the centre console is standard on every variant. Runing the latest generation multimedia system, it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, embedded satellite navigation and voice command.
Interior comfort has also been enhanced with newly developed front and rear seats, with up to eight-way powered driver’s seat with lumbar support adjustment and leather-accented upholstery, depending on the grade.
The SR5 grade can be optioned with a Premium Interior package, which bundles black leather-accented upholstery, eight-way powered driver’s seat with lumbar support, and a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system.
Sitting atop the new-generation HiLux range is a pair of flagships consisting of the premium Rogue and the re-introduced Rugged X, designed to deliver improved off-road capability.
Based on the SR5 automatic double cab pick-up with Premium interior, the Rogue adds its own matt black 18-inch alloy wheel design, tailgate badging, unique sports bar and front bumper, marine-grade carpet bedliner with electric roller cover, deck rail with two sliding tie down points, 12V tub socket, central locking tailgate, mineral-coloured upholstery and a fully fitted towing package including tongue and ball, trailer wiring harness and electronic brake controller.
Meanwhile, the Rugged X augments the SR5 with Premium interior with several unique features including its 18-inch alloys, hoopless genuine bullbar, front and rear recovery points, LED light bar, decal package, sports bar, bezel, towing package, bedliner and mineral upholstery colour.
2026 Toyota HiLux pricing (excl. on-road costs)
| 4×2 | |
| WorkMate single cab-chassis MT | $33,990 |
| WorkMate single cab-chassis AT | $35,990 |
| WorkMate double cab pick-up AT | $47,990 |
| SR double cab pick-up AT | $52,990 |
| 4×4 | |
| WorkMate single cab-chassis AT | $45,990 |
| WorkMate double cab-chassis AT | $52,490 |
| WorkMate double cab pick-up AT | $53,990 |
| SR extra cab-chassis AT | $54,990 |
| SR double cab-chassis MT | $54,990 |
| SR double cab-chassis 48V AT | $57,990 |
| SR double cab pick-up 48V AT | $59,490 |
| SR5 double cab pick-up MT* | $63,990 |
| SR5 double cab-chassis 48V AT* | $64,490 |
| SR5 double cab pick-up 48V AT* | $65,990 |
| Rogue double cab pick-up 48V AT | $71,990 |
| Rugged X double cab pick-up 48V AT | $71,990 |
Options:
Premium paint: $675
Premium Interior pack: $2,500
