All-New Toyota Hilux Unveiled; Gets EV Powertrain For First Time; FCEV Also Confirmed

Toyota has unveiled the new ninth-gen Hilux pick-up in global markets ahead of sales commencing next year. The new Hilux brings with it some very big changes, including the provision of an EV version for the first time ever, as well as the confirmation of a fuel-cell electric version set to arrive in 2028. Toyota has also confirmed that the Hilux will continue to be sold with internal combustion engine options as well, including a diesel mild hybrid option.

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The new Hilux brings with it an all-new design with a layered front fascia and more sculpted surfacing compared to its predecessor. The slim main headlamps sit atop the fascia, connected by a black trim insert, feature the Toyota wordmark with the grille sitting lower, flanked by triangular vents on either side. Internal combustion models (pic above) feature a cheese-grater-style rectangular grille, with the unit closed off on the EV (pic below). The bumper design is rather busy to say the least, with swathes of cladding, a large central air vent, a skid plate element and fog lamps on the lower edge.

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Moving to the sides, the new Hilux gets prominent squared out wheel arches front and rear, while the rear is characterised by vertical tail lamps with LED light guides and Toyota embossed across the tail gate. Toyota says that the new Hilux will solely be offered with a Double Cab design.

The cabin design looks to be inspired by other modern Toyota SUVs, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a freestanding central touchscreen measuring up to 12.3 inches. The central air-con vents sit below and are underlined by a slim LED display and a row of physical buttons for air-con functions. Physical controls for the drive modes and off-road controls sit at the base of the centre stack. Toyota has also confirmed a host of safety tech for the new Hilux, including ADAS features such as Low Speed Acceleration Suppression, Proactive Driving Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring and an Emergency Driving Stop System.

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Moving to the powertrain, the big news is the new Hilux BEV. The first-ever electric derivative of the pick-up will come with a 59.2 kWh battery paired with electric motors on each axle. Toyota claims torque outputs of 205 Nm and 269 Nm for the front and rear electric motor, respectively, though final power figures are awaited. Toyota says that the Hilux EV will have a range of up to 240 km on a full charge and will be able to carry payloads of up to 715 kg and tow loads of up to 1,600 kg.

On the internal combustion side, the Hilux will be offered with the tried and tested 2.7-litre petrol, and 2.8-litre diesel engines - the latter in standard and 48V mild-hybrid guise (similar to the Fortuner in India). Toyota says that the internal combustion model will be able to haul loads of up to 1 tonne as well as be capable of towing up to 3,500 kg.

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Aside from the EV, another big change to the Hilux is the power steering. The company says that, depending on the market, the Hilux will be offered with either an electrically assisted power steering (a first for the Hilux) or a hydraulic unit.

Toyota has said that production fo the new Hilux will commence with the BEV at the end of the year with sales of the internal combustion models to start by mid 2026.