After various leaks, the 2026 Toyota HiLux facelift has been officially revealed in various formats, including a new full EV version (BEV). Toyota Australia has confirmed there will be 21 different variants for the local market as well including a new Rugged X.
Historically, Australians have received unique styling for some variants, such as the Rogue and GR Sport as localisation is part of Toyota Australia’s program, so details may differ from these shots, which are based on overseas models.
Uniformly, the new HiLux keeps the mid-section of the existing model, which means it is more of a deep facelift than an all-new model. Some may take issue with this, since new rivals have lobbed with better rear seat room and comfort. Shared design elements include thinner headlights incorporated into a single strip, with ‘TOYOTA’ badging, triangular side elements and Tacoma-style taillights.
A fully-electric dual-cab known as the Travo-e overseas features clean, grille-less styling and what appears to be a WorkMate equivalent spec, with black door handles and mirrors. Nevertheless, it also has a side step, small foglights in the lower apron and low-drag chrome alloy wheels. It features a 59.2kWh battery with 315km of range. Power is said to be courtesy of a 124kW electric motor, but it is unclear if this is dual motor all-wheel drive or just two-wheel drive.
Toyota Australia sent out a statement, saying: “Toyota will offer the new HiLux 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 interior is a vast improvement, with a Prado-style tiller, massive 12.3-inch infotainment system incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, better ergonomics for climate control and a LandCruiser-style gear shifter. Covered cup holders are on the outer sides of the dash, with material quality copping a boost too.
For 2026, HiLux will persevere with the 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder of the current model. It produces 150kW and 500Nm in most models, except in the GR Sport, where it makes 165kW and 550Nm. Though, we expect the transmission to be upgraded to an eight-speeder. 48V mild-hybrid capability will continue as well.
Toyota Australia confirms the new model will go on sale in December 2025, with the HiLux BEV version (to be offered in SR and SR5) arriving in the first half of 2026. Interestingly, Toyota Australia has also confirmed it will be introducing a fuel cell (hydrogen) version in 2028. Details are yet to be outlined.
