Following four years of development, with much of the design and dynamic on and off-road testing led by Toyota Australia, a new-generation Toyota Hilux has been revealed today, with a new bold, tough and modern exterior and interior design.

While the new Hilux design approach delivers a bold, tough and modern aesthetic appeal, under the skin the Hilux remains as tough as ever. A proper Kiwi Ute built to get the job done for just about all occasions, from navigating farm and adventure tracks, hauling your toys, transporting family and friends, to being your trusted business partner.

As always, there’s a Toyota Hilux variant or grade to suit nearly every Ute driver - whether you're a Kiwi farmer needing a dependable workhorse, a construction worker on site daily, a project manager making the rounds, something to fit the kids in the back of, or a city dweller who simply loves their good old Kiwi Hilux.

Today’s global Hilux reveal includes the first-ever Hilux powered by a battery electric powertrain (BEV), reinforcing Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation. This innovation will be of interest to fleets and businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining the quality and toughness Hilux is renowned for. Toyota is also announcing a hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) variant that is scheduled to join the lineup in 2028.

Toyota New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Tatsuya Ishikawa, says the new Hilux continues to build on the iconic story of the rugged pick-up, much adored by its fans from Bluff to Cape Reinga.

“For generations, Kiwis have trusted Hilux to deliver strength, reliability, and near-unbreakable performance through the toughest conditions this country can throw at it. The new-generation proudly carries that legacy forward as we approach a milestone - 50 years of Hilux in New Zealand in 2026. This evolution is more than a celebration of heritage; it’s a statement of Toyota’s vision for the future, with a multi-pathway approach that includes a BEV and a hydrogen fuel cell Hilux variant scheduled for 2028.” he says.

Bold, Tough and Modern Design

The bold new Hilux exterior was led by Toyota Australia’s design team at the Product Centre in Altona, Melbourne, in collaboration with Toyota teams in Thailand and Japan.

Inspired by the ‘Cyber Sumo’ design theme, the new Hilux projects strength and modern sophistication, perfectly aligned with its legendary on- and off-road capability.

Featuring slim-line headlights, an assertive front design, and sharp, modern lines, the new Hilux is engineered to turn heads. Beyond the cabin and doors, nearly every element has been reimagined. For example, the rear now boasts a bold redesign with a step integrated into the tailgate for added convenience. Its all-new well-side design introduces smooth exterior contours, easy-access side steps, wrap-around taillights, an integrated tailgate handle with assist system, a pressed Toyota logo, and a centrally positioned reversing camera - delivering effortless functionality without compromising style.

The new-generation Hilux is available in a range of colours, including Glacier White, Tensile Silver, Ash, and Eclipse, with select grades offered in Emotional Red. For a premium touch, the Adventure grade introduces exclusive shades: Sulphur and Frosted White.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The bold new exterior is complemented by a completely redesigned interior that delivers a major upgrade in modernity, comfort, technology, and ergonomics.

At the front, a fully reimagined three-tier instrument panel sits flatter than before, creating a more spacious cabin feel and improving forward visibility - especially useful when off-roading.

Every Hilux grade now features a digital instrument cluster: a 7.0-inch display for SR grades and a premium 12.3-inch unit for SR5, SR5 Limited, and Adventure variants. A 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen takes centre stage across all grades, offering next-generation hardware and software for an immersive media experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensure seamless smartphone integration.

A wider centre console improves amenity and rigidity, with a taller centre console storage lid that matches the height of the door armrest to provide greater driver comfort.

Interior comfort and ergonomics are enhanced with newly developed front seats, with up to eight-way powered driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support adjustment and leather-accented upholstery, depending on the grade.

Key Hilux controls retain intuitive push switches and dials, now positioned for even easier access. For example, all four-wheel-drive controls are located ahead of the shifter for quick, hassle-free operation.

Powertrain and Performance

Toyota New Zealand will offer the new Hilux with a choice of 12 diesel and hybrid diesel variants in Two Wheel Drive, Four Wheel Drive, single cab, extra cab, and double cab with both the cab chassis and well-side options.

Starting with the diesel engine, new-generation Hilux will carry over the 2.8L turbo diesel engine (1GD-FTV) across the range. 1GD-FTV will deliver 150kW of power and 420 to 500Nm of torque depending on transmission choice. The Hilux engine is capable of producing its maximum torque at lower rpm range and maintain the maximum torque across a wide engine speed range ensuring best drivability in demanding conditions such as heavy acceleration, towing and off-road driving. This torque control also allows for a very smooth, controlled and safe off-road driving experience Hilux is known for globally.

Model Range and Variants

To get the wheels moving there will be the option of a six-speed automatic transmission and three manual transmission variants for those who prefer the control and direct driving experience of manual gear change.

Tatsuya Ishikawa says the diesel hybrid Hilux has grown in popularity as customers realise the hybrid system takes nothing away from the ute’s performance. In fact, stronger acceleration, smoother operation combined with a Start Stop system, which is now standard across the range, helps reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

Toyota recognises the strong interest in the SR Cruiser and GR SPORT grades with their wide-track configuration. These grades of the new-generation Hilux will not be available in New Zealand at launch. While these models are not part of the initial launch, Toyota is exploring opportunities to make them available in the future. What’s more, there will be 12 different variants available.

Versatility for Every Kiwi Driver

Tatsuya Ishikawa says that over the past 50 years since entering New Zealand market Hilux has evolved to form an unbreakable bond with Kiwis, from being very much the simple tough off-road capable farmer’s ute to a reliable ute that can wear many hats and appeal to different customers and usage scenarios.

“Undoubtedly, the Hilux is still incredibly tough and gets the job done. That rugged ‘truck’ appeals to the core rural and trade segment. However, Hilux can also be the family vehicle, happy in a town or urban setting. So, comfort, safety and a modern cabin are important to Hilux customers.

“Our medium to large fleet and government customers look for something else from a Hilux. They want a vehicle that’s first and foremost safe, meets their functional needs and enables their business while lowering fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. So, the hybrid, and shortly, the BEV Hilux, will provide lower or zero emitting options. We expect to reveal more details on the BEV early in the new year.

“And then we have our ‘weekend warriors’ who use the Hilux during the week for light duties, but on the weekend they throw a boat and trailer on the tow bar or fill the tray with bikes or a few sacks of topsoil from the local garden centre. This is where the versatility, features, technology, towing power and off-road capabilities all come to the fore,” he says.

Enhanced Performance, Comfort & Off-Road Capability

While the core powertrain is unchanged from the reliable 2.8 turbo diesel of the current model, Toyota has made a significant number of upgrades to the performance and technology in the Hilux. Some, such as Electric Power Steering on all grades and refined suspension for the SR5 and higher grades, are to improve ride comfort, on and off-road dynamics and reduce driver fatigue.

Excellent off-road prowess is one of the hallmarks of the Hilux with 4x4 grades using a part-time system with high and low range ratios. This has been further enhanced on the new-generation with the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) traction control system on most automatic SR 4x4 grades and above.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety features and ratings is important to all buyers, and to fleet or government clients especially. The new-generation Hilux is expected to achieve a 5-Star ANCAP rating, with new safety technologies added to maintain its rating.

New safety features within the Toyota Safety Sense package include a Pre-Collision System with motorcycle detection, Intersection Collision Avoidance Support, all-speed DRCC (A/T), and Lane Tracing Assist. Emergency Driver Stop System is added for grade SR5 (A/T) and above. Additional enhancements to safety include addition of a front centre airbag, a Tyre Pressure Warning System (not available in the Single Cab Chassis variant), Parking Support Brake for all automatic well-side variants and, in one for the farmers, the Down Hill Assist function has been retuned to operate at a lower speed.

Ready for anything, built for Kiwis – the new-generation Hilux is tougher, smarter, and set to tackle every adventure from the farm to the city. Whether you’re hauling gear or heading out for a weekend mission, Hilux is the Ute you can count on. The legend rolls on.