Toyota has unveiled its new HiLux light vehicle, offering it with a battery-electric powertrain for the first time.
Along with the trusted capability of diesel power and the new electric variant, it has confirmed a hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) variant is scheduled to join the lineup in 2028 – all part of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation.
The new HiLux is set to launch in Australia in December 2025 and has been updated with valuable improvements across the board, while continuing to embody the Toyota quality, durability and reliability (QDR) for which the HiLux is renowned for, it says.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley, said the new HiLux would continue the iconic story of the rugged pick-up in Australia.
“Generations of Australians have counted on their HiLux to deliver hundreds of thousands of kilometres worth of reliable performance through the toughest conditions our country has to offer,” he said. “Whether going to the job site or the camp site, the HiLux has always been known as an extremely dependable and capable vehicle, which is reflected in its enduring popularity with customers.
“The new HiLux delivers a wide range of improvements to on and off-road driveability, safety and comfort, along with a new interior design and features, and new exterior design, which we are proud to say was developed right here in Australia.
“Furthermore, the introduction of the first-ever HiLux BEV reinforces Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation, which is an exciting step forward for fleets and businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
“The inclusion of an FCEV variant in 2028 reinforces this multi-pathway approach, and is the result of Toyota’s commitment to hydrogen fuel-cell electric technology.”
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 new Rugged X variant offers improved off-road capability with the standard fitment of a range of specifications designed for protection and recovery in off-road terrain, it says.
The bold new exterior design of the HiLux was spearheaded by the Toyota Australia design team, based at Toyota’s Product Centre at Altona, and was developed in collaboration with Toyota team members in Thailand and Japan. Based on a “Cyber Sumo” design theme, the new HiLux immediately evokes an image of strength and modern style, matching the vehicle’s tough on and off-road capability, Toyota says.
All grades of the new HiLux, both in 4X2 and 4X4 configurations, are powered by Toyota’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, producing maximum outputs of 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque when paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Variants fitted with a six-speed manual transmission develop a maximum 420 Nm of torque. Toyota’s 48-volt V-Active technology will also be standard on automatic double cab SR grades and above, offering exceptionally smooth stop-start functionality and an additional 8.5 kW/65 Nm of thrust when starting off.
Available in double-cab 4×4 SR and SR5 guise, the battery-electric vehicle grades will be introduced in 2026 and will be underpinned with an electric motor on each axle, paired with a lithium-ion battery. Further details on the BEV powertrain will be revealed closer to its local launch in the first half of 2026.
Active safety technology has also been enhanced with the adoption of the latest Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistance technology suite, which is standard across the range. This includes Toyota’s pre-collision safety autonomous emergency braking system, active cruise control, lane departure alert, lane trace assist, road sign assist (speed signs only) and auto high beam. Other standard safety features include blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and, on pick-up grades, front and rear parking sensors.
The new HiLux is also the first Toyota to feature a new cabin detection alert system, which uses a radar to detect passengers in the rear seats and notify the occupants when exiting the vehicle.
