New spy photos appear to drive home expectations that the next Toyota HiLux will be a heavy update of the current model, despite all-new rivals from the US, Japan, South Korea and China.
The next-generation 2026 Toyota HiLux has been spotted on public roads again, ahead of its expected reveal due in the coming months – and showroom arrivals later this year or early next year.
But it remains clear Toyota's new ute will be a heavy facelift of today's model, rather than an all-new vehicle on fresh underpinnings, as once widely expected.
While there is now a camouflage wrap over the front end and doors in an attempt to disguise the already-seen design, the mid-section of the body – the doors and structure housing the passenger cabin – still appears unchanged from the model on sale since 2015.
The latest images provide a clearer look at the new HiLux's rear end, with new C-shaped tail-light signatures, and a bulge in the tailgate disguise that may cover bold 'TOYOTA' embossing.
A step in the rear bumper for easy access to the tub – as per the Ford Ranger – is not visible in these images, nor can it be discerned if disc or drum brakes are fitted on the rear axle.
The vehicle shown appears to be a high-grade model, judging by the sailplane sports bar akin to the Rogue edition currently on sale in Australia.
As previously reported by Drive, Toyota's decision to invest in a heavy facelift for the HiLux rather than an all-new model will place it a step behind fresher rivals from Ford, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Volkswagen and even Kia.
Reports have claimed the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine will carry over to the new model, likely with the assistance of the 48-volt mild-hybrid technology added last year.
It remains to be seen if it will adopt the eight-speed automatic transmission from the new Prado – replacing a six-speed auto – which uses a 150kW/500Nm mild-hybrid version of the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel.
The 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder is likely to remain as an entry-level option.
A roll-out of full hybrid or plug-in hybrid technology is unknown, as is the level of the changes planned for the HiLux's interior, which has fallen behind rivals in screen size, material quality, and features.
Arrival timing for the 2026 Toyota HiLux is yet to be confirmed, but if the vehicle is revealed in Thailand imminently, it could be in Australia by the end of this year.
A global debut later in 2025, ahead of an Australian launch early next year, is more likely.
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
