New Toyota Hilux Revealed
Toyota has officially unveiled the ninth-generation Hilux in Thailand, a key market for the pickup series. This release marks a decade since the current model's debut and highlights one of the year's most awaited automotive launches.
Production and Market Details
The Hilux remains South Africa's best-selling vehicle and is locally produced at Toyota's Prospecton plant in Durban. The new model will have a global rollout planned for 2026, offering a wide range of configurations.
Powertrain Options and Variants
The biggest innovation in this generation is the introduction of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) variant, complementing updated internal combustion engine (ICE) options. Engine availability will vary by country, with local specifications yet to be announced by Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM).
Exterior Design
The new Hilux keeps its signature boxy shape but features a refreshed exterior. Notably, models with combustion engines now have a redesigned honeycomb grille inspired by the Corolla Cross. Slim LED headlights and daytime running lights stretch across the upper front, united by a black horizontal bar that replaces the traditional Toyota badge with bold “Toyota” lettering.
"The most prominent change is the redesigned honeycomb grille, which takes inspiration from the updated Corolla Cross."
Author's summary: The ninth-generation Toyota Hilux debuts with a refined design, introducing a BEV option and maintaining its strong market presence with diversified powertrains for 2026.