The New Toyota HiLux

Designed in Australia, Built for Australia

The new HiLux has been shaped with unmistakable local influence. Toyota Australia’s design team has led the exterior redesign, resulting in what Toyota calls a “Cyber Sumo” design theme. The stance is aggressive, modern and purposeful.

Expect:

• Sharp lines and striking slim-line headlights
• Completely reworked front and rear styling
• A tougher overall aesthetic without losing the HiLux identity

And yes, the Rugged X is back, now with even more off-road capability, offering additional protection and recovery-focused hardware for challenging terrain.

A New Cabin Focused on Comfort and Visibility

Inside, the changes are immediate and impressive. The three-tiered dash design sits flatter and opens up forward visibility—particularly valuable when navigating rough tracks or tight job sites.

Across the range you’ll find:

• A fully digital instrument cluster (7” on WorkMate/SR, 12.3” on SR5+)
• A 12.3” multimedia touchscreen standard on every grade
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Embedded satellite navigation and voice command
• Toyota Connected Services has also expanded, adding more safety and convenience features through the companion app.

Comfort has stepped up again:

• New seat design front and rear
• Available eight-way powered driver’s seat with lumbar
• Leather-accented trims depending on grade
• Wider centre console, improved ergonomics and larger climate controls
• Redesigned steering wheel with grouped control zones and optional heating

This interior is the most user-friendly HiLux cabin to date.

Refined Performance, Better Steering and Improved Ride

Every new HiLux will feature Toyota’s proven 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, delivering up to 150kW / 500Nm when paired with the six-speed automatic (manual variants generate 420Nm).

On automatic double-cab SR and above, Toyota introduces 48-volt V-Active technology:

• Exceptionally smooth stop-start system
• Extra assist when taking off (equivalent to 8.5kW/65Nm)
• Improved fuel efficiency in stop-start conditions

A noteworthy upgrade is the move to electric power steering, tuned specifically for Australian conditions:

• Lighter, more agile steering at low speeds
• Greater stability at highway speeds
• Enhanced performance for lane-keeping systems

Suspension tuning now comes in a two-tiered strategy:

• WorkMate/SR: tuned for heavy load carrying and towing
• SR5 and above: designed for greater comfort in everyday use

Off-Road Capability Strengthened

HiLux has always excelled off-road, and Toyota has taken it further:

• Rear locking differential standard on all 4x4 grades
• Multi-Terrain Select (on auto SR and up) for tailored traction control
• Multi-Terrain Monitor (on auto Double Cab SR5+) for underbody and surround views
• Ladder-frame enhancements, hydraulic engine mounts and revised cabin mounts for better comfort and rigidity

Toyota Australia’s evaluation team has spent considerable time tuning the traction systems for our terrain—beach, bush, gravel and everything in between.

Safety Technology Steps Up Again

The latest Toyota Safety Sense suite is now standard:

• Pre-Collision Safety
• Active Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert
• Lane Trace Assist
• Road Sign Assist (speed signs)
• Auto High Beam

Additional features include:

• Blind Spot Monitor
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Front and rear parking sensors on pickup grades
• New cabin detection alert system for rear-seat occupants

Multi-Pathway Future: Diesel, BEV and Hydrogen

Toyota is doubling down on choice.

Diesel

Available in 21 variants across single, extra and double cab, with a wide range of transmissions, drivetrains and grades.

BEV

A battery-electric HiLux arrives in H1 2026, targeting fleet customers first. It will feature:

• Electric motor on each axle
• Lithium-ion battery
• 4x4 double cab SR and SR5 variants

FCEV

A hydrogen fuel-cell HiLux is planned for 2028, further reinforcing Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation.

What This Means for North-East Victoria

For the Benalla region, the HiLux has always been a workhorse—on farms, on worksites and for families needing reliability and capability. The upgrades to steering, ride comfort and cabin layout should make a noticeable difference in daily use. Add in improved safety and tech, and you’re looking at a HiLux that’s built not just for tough work, but also long days on the road between towns.