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The following-generation Toyota HiLux is sort of right here and, forward of its official Australian launch in December, we had the possibility to get behind the wheel of a pre-production model throughout a secret preview drive a proving floor Toyota occupies in regional Victoria.
Whereas our first drive was pretty transient, it gave us a good suggestion of what Toyota has performed with the brand new HiLux earlier than we get our arms on ultimate manufacturing autos subsequent month.
After that, and earlier than first buyer buyer deliveries in early 2026, we’ll be sure you put them via the rigorous testing course of we use to judge each different dual-cab ute at our proving floor.
How a lot does the Toyota HiLux value?
The vary kicks off from $33,990 earlier than on-road prices for the entry-level WorkMate 4×2 single-cab/chassis guide.
| 2026 Toyota HiLux 4×2 | Worth (earlier than on-road prices) |
|---|---|
| WorkMate 2.8 6MT single-cab/chassis | $33,990 (new) |
| WorkMate 2.8 6AT single-cab/chassis | $35,990 (new) |
| WorkMate 2.8 6AT double-cab pickup | $47,990 (new) |
| SR 2.8 6AT dual-cab pickup | $52,990 (+$4100) |
| 2026 Toyota HiLux 4×4 | Worth (earlier than on-road prices) |
|---|---|
| WorkMate 2.8 6AT single-cab/chassis | $45,990 (new) |
| WorkMate 2.8 6AT double-cab/chassis | $52,490 (new) |
| WorkMate 2.8 6AT double-cab pickup | $53,990 (new) |
| SR 2.8 6AT additional cab-chassis | $54,990 (+$4295) |
| SR 2.8 6MT double-cab/chassis | $54,990 (+$4035) |
| SR 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab/chassis | $57,990 (+$3860) |
| SR 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab pickup | $59,490 (+$4300) |
| SR5 2.8 MT double-cab pickup | $63,990 (+$3320) |
| SR5 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab/chassis | $64,490 (+$3910) |
| SR5 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab pickup | $65,990 (+$2730) |
| Rogue 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab pickup | $71,990 (+$460) |
| Rugged X 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab pickup | $71,990 (new) |
On the prime finish of the vary, the lifestyle-focused Rogue and off-road-ready Rugged X are each priced identically at $71,990 earlier than on-road prices, each incorporating 48V mild-hybrid engine know-how as customary.
The battle to develop into Australia’s best-selling car this 12 months is reaching fever pitch. In response to VFACTS knowledge to the tip of October 2025, the HiLux stays narrowly behind the Ford Ranger after holding the title for seven years working till 2022, when the Ford took over.
This new mannequin is Toyota’s massive push to reclaim the coveted crown, and it’s coming with a considerably up to date vary and new pricing. The entry-level 2.7-litre petrol and smaller 2.4-litre diesel engines are gone, with the two.8-litre diesel now customary throughout the vary, leading to the next entry value.
To see how the Toyota HiLux traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
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What’s the Toyota HiLux like on the within?
The inside is arguably the one greatest improve for the brand new HiLux, lastly ditching the outdated, dated sprint for a totally redesigned and tech-focused cabin.
The headline characteristic is the brand new 12.3-inch landscape-oriented infotainment touchscreen, which is now customary throughout the complete vary, from the bottom WorkMate up. This new system brings the HiLux into the trendy period and contains wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as customary.
The driving force’s instrument cluster has additionally gone digital. WorkMate and SR variants get a 7.0-inch digital show, whereas the SR5, Rogue, and Rugged X get a premium 12.3-inch absolutely digital and customisable show.
Toyota says the brand new, flatter, three-tiered dashboard design improves ahead visibility. Pleasingly, the local weather controls proceed to be giant bodily buttons and dials beneath the principle display for simple use.
Different ergonomic enhancements embrace a redesigned steering wheel and a wider centre console with a taller, sliding armrest lid.
As you progress up the vary, the SR provides creature comforts like keyless entry with push-button begin, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and equipment knob, rear air vents for double-cab fashions, and a wi-fi telephone charger.
The SR5 grade feels considerably extra premium, including dual-zone computerized local weather management, an digital parking brake, a cooled glovebox and, for the primary time, a heated steering wheel and heated entrance seats as customary.
For an additional $2500, the SR5’s elective Premium Inside Pack provides black leather-accented upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system. The Rogue will get its personal distinctive ‘Mineral-tone’ inside trim.
Whereas all of the upgrades are welcome, because of the lack of a wheelbase extension the second row nonetheless feels very cramped for adults – particularly in the event that they’re seated behind someone with lengthy legs. That is the place opponents from China and the likes of the Kia Tasman, with its reclining second row, start to actually damage the HiLux.
To see how the Toyota HiLux traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The complete HiLux vary is now powered by the acquainted 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
| Specs | 2026 Toyota HiLux 2.8TD |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.8-litre 4cyl turbo-diesel 48V MHEV – auto solely |
| Engine outputs | 150kW/420Nm – guide 150kW/500Nm – auto |
| Transmission | 6-speed guide or 6-speed computerized |
| Drive sort | Rear- or four-wheel drive |
| Weight | TBC |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | TBC |
| Gasoline tank capability | TBC |
| Gasoline requirement | Diesel |
| CO₂ emissions | TBC |
| Braked towing capability | TBC |
Outputs stay unchanged at 150kW of energy and 500Nm of torque when paired with the six-speed computerized transmission. Handbook variations (WorkMate and SR) proceed to be restricted to 420Nm of torque.
The massive information is the growth of Toyota’s 48V mild-hybrid system, branded ‘V-Lively Know-how’, which is now customary for all SR computerized variants and all grades above it (SR5, Rogue, Rugged X). Toyota claims this technique improves gasoline financial system and refinement, however hasn’t quoted particular figures.
The core ladder-frame chassis stays, however Toyota says the brand new HiLux advantages from intensive Australian growth. This features a new “two-pronged suspension tune” – a heavy-duty setup for WorkMate and SR grades, and a extra comfort-oriented tune for the SR5.
Engineers have additionally added electrical energy steering, upgraded the entrance brakes with bigger discs (on SR5 and up), and tuned the Multi-Terrain Choose 4×4 system on native Australian terrain.
Trying forward, Toyota’s “multi-pathway” powertrain technique is in full swing. The model has confirmed the first-ever HiLux BEV (battery-electric car) will likely be provided in 2026, geared toward fleet consumers. A hydrogen fuel-cell electrical (FCEV) variant can be confirmed to affix the lineup in 2028.
To see how the Toyota HiLux traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How does the Toyota HiLux drive?
We solely had the possibility to drive HiLux at a closed proving floor forward of its launch. This included a mix of a freeway circuit, a slower twisty highway, and eventually an off-road observe.
Whereas the drivetrain feels form of an identical to the present ute’s (if not barely extra sluggish in Rogue trim), it’s the trip that has acquired the largest enchancment. The brand new consolation suspension tune transforms the HiLux from fairly a firm-riding dual-cab ute to at least one that feels way more refined and cozy when pushed and not using a load.
This ends in much less jarring throughout bumps and imperfections and extra consolation on poorer high quality roads, similar to corrugated gravel. Disappointingly, you continue to don’t have the flexibleness of working HiLux in 4A mode – participating full-time four-wheel drive – for safer driving when towing or driving in moist situations. That ends in much less accessible traction in icy situations, which is prone to lead to much less confidence when towing.
It completely bucketed down for 2 days straight whereas we had been testing the HiLux, making for situations that you just’d anticipate most inventory autos to actually battle with. The actual off-road observe we traversed is one I’ve beforehand pushed within the dry and would advise in opposition to tackling within the moist in a car with out aggressive all-terrain tyres because of the clay-like materials beneath the highest floor, which usually fills tyre treads shortly in muddy situations.
Toyota was fairly assured, although. So we lined up this very steep climb, locked the rear diff and engaged low-range, then tried to search out as a lot traction as potential. A lot to my shock, it made it to the highest, even over a few pretty dicey sections alongside the steep climb.
Not like the final HiLux, which might throw you round forcefully with every bump on terrain like this, the revised tune allowed us to hold a little bit extra velocity to make it over sections that concerned small climbs. So the suspension work has paid dividends off-road as properly.
The steering has additionally moved from a hydraulic system to an electrically assisted system. Each on- and off-road, it offered as a lot lighter and extra controllable than the earlier setup, which was fairly heavy and would fatigue its driver by requiring steady steering inputs (similar to these you’d anticipate off-road).
Now that the bottom WorkMate picks up the two.8-litre turbo-diesel from the remainder of the vary (sans 48V mild-hybrid tech), it seems like a rocket ship compared to the outgoing petrol WorkMate.
That is primarily due to the stripped-back mass it really works with – the single-cab WorkMate we examined (now additionally solely accessible in Hello-Rider kind) featured a sturdy Toyota-supplied tray, however even with that fitted it weighs considerably lower than the remainder of the HiLux vary and, because of this, feels fast off the road.
Bizarrely, beneath the pores and skin, Toyota has reverted to dampers fitted inboard of the chassis rails. This goes in opposition to what Ford has performed with Ranger and what Toyota did with the outgoing HiLux Rogue and GR Sport. Transferring these outboard of the chassis rails will increase observe width and improves dealing with. Why Toyota spent doubtlessly hundreds of thousands in growth of this new suspension structure then to simply return to the outdated manner is past me.
Stand by for a extra in-depth evaluation of the brand new HiLux lineup once we get our arms on manufacturing autos on the finish of the 12 months.
To see how the Toyota HiLux traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What do you get?
Toyota has given the HiLux a serious know-how and gear improve, particularly on the decrease finish of the vary. For now, the 2026 lineup consists of 5 grades: WorkMate, SR, SR5, Rogue, and Rugged X.
2026 Toyota HiLux WorkMate gear highlights:
- 17-inch metal wheels
- LED headlights
- Electrical mirrors
- Material upholstery
- Handbook-adjust steering column
- Handbook parking brake
- 12.3-inch centre touchscreen
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- 2 x USB-C ports
- 1 x 12V accent port (single-cab)
- 2 x 12V accent port (double-cab)
- Two-speaker sound system (single-cab)
- 4-speaker sound system (double-cab)
- Toyota Related Providers with 12-month subscription
The SR provides (or replaces):
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Silver-painted entrance bumper
- LED entrance fog lights
- Locking rear tailgate
- Aspect steps
- Black door handles, aspect mirrors, bonnet inserts
- Keyless entry
- Push-button engine begin
- ‘Excessive grade’ cloth upholstery
- Leather-based-accented shift-knob
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Rear air vents
- Wi-fi smartphone charging
- Eight-speaker sound system
- Locking rear differential (4×4 solely)
- Multi-Terrain Choose (4×4 solely)
The SR5 provides:
- Excessive-grade LED headlights
- Consolation-oriented leaf-spring rear suspension tune
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Bigger entrance brake discs (dimensions TBC)
- Energy-folding, heated exterior mirrors
- Privateness glass
- Sports activities bar
- Built-in tow-bar
- LED tail-lights
- LED rear fog mild
- Built-in tow bar
- Twin-zone computerized local weather management
- Cooled glove field
- Electro-chromatic rear-vision mirror
- All-weather ground mats
- Digital park brake
The Rogue provides:
- Matte black 18-inch alloy wheels
- Distinctive entrance bumper design
- Rogue tailgate badging
- Marine-grade carpet bedliner
- Electrical tray curler cowl
- Deck rail with two sliding factors
- Distinctive sports activities bar
- 12V socket in-tray
- Central locking tailgate
- Mineral-coloured upholstery
- Towing bundle together with tow-ball, tongue, trailer wiring harness and digital brake controller
The Rugged X provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Hoopless bull bar
- Entrance and rear restoration factors
- LED mild bar
- Rugged decal bundle
- Sports activities bar
To see how the Toyota HiLux traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
Is the Toyota HiLux secure?
The brand new-generation HiLux has not but been examined by ANCAP. The earlier mannequin wore a five-star ranking, however it would must be re-assessed in opposition to present, extra stringent protocols.
Nevertheless, there was a major uplift in customary security gear. All variants, together with the bottom WorkMate, now get the new-generation Toyota Security Sense suite.
Commonplace security options throughout the vary embrace:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane hint help (lane centring)
- Lane departure alert
- Blind-spot monitoring (new)
- Rear cross-traffic alert (new)
- Reversing digicam (now customary on all fashions)
- Street signal help
- Protected exit alert (new)
To see how the Toyota HiLux traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Toyota HiLux value to run?
Toyota Australia has confirmed the brand new HiLux will likely be coated by its customary five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
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This extends to seven years for the engine and driveline (together with the 48V system), offered you keep your car with scheduled logbook servicing at an authorised Toyota dealership.
For autos used for business functions (taxis, ride-share, supply), the guarantee is capped at 5 years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.
Toyota has not but confirmed service intervals or capped-price servicing prices for the brand new 2026 HiLux vary.
For context, outgoing 2.8-litre diesel autos required servicing each six months or 10,000km, with the primary three years of servicing capped at $260 per go to ($1560 whole).
To see how the Toyota HiLux traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota HiLux
So what can we take into consideration the brand new HiLux? The easiest way to explain it’s one thing I as soon as heard in college – Ps get levels (a P is a go in college slang). The phrase suggests you could nonetheless get a level by placing in a median quantity of effort.
It seems like Toyota has put in little or no effort with this ‘subsequent technology’ mannequin. A carryover engine that now battles with extra mass, an inside that’s an enchancment however removed from class-leading, and reverting to outdated suspension structure with dampers inbound of the chassis rails – which sees dealing with take a noticeable hit – are unusual strikes for what has been the corporate’s best-seller for a while.
That mentioned, in the event you preferred the outdated HiLux, you’ll in all probability like the brand new one. In response to Toyota, round 50 per cent of present house owners beforehand owned a HiLux. That means round half of all HiLux clients haven’t pushed the plethora of latest dual-cabs which were launched for the reason that outgoing mannequin arrived round 10 years in the past. Or it might simply imply that they’ve they usually’re pleased with what they’ve bought.
It’s apparent from the best way Toyota speaks in regards to the dual-cab ute phase that it’s content material with gross sales progressively declining, however whether or not that’s going to occur throughout the complete phase or simply with HiLux is but to be seen.
We’re eager to see what Toyota does with a possible new GR Sport flagship and whether or not the corporate plans on really taking on the problem in that sportier ute phase now dominated by Ford.
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MORE: Discover the Toyota HiLux showroom
