Worried the new HiLux will keep today's ageing interior alongside its not-all-new exterior? New leaked images have revealed a modern Prado-inspired makeover.
The interior of the Toyota HiLux will step into the 2020s with the new model due to be revealed later this year – ahead of showroom arrivals in 2026 – fresh leaks have revealed.
Leaked drawings from what looks to be a Toyota parts manual – posted to Instagram by @cars_secrets – reveal the next HiLux will adopt an all-new dashboard, despite its facelifted exterior and carry-over underpinnings.
The biggest upgrades are on the technology front, where there appear to be two large 12.3-inch screens for instruments and infotainment – up from 8.0-inch touchscreen and part-digital dials today.
It's likely the screens will run the same updated software as the LandCruiser Prado – as is already available in the HiLux sold in Europe, but not in Australia – rather than the all-new Arene system used in the 2026 RAV4.
Inspiration has been drawn from the latest Prado, with similar boxy shapes to the air vents, and what looks to be the same gear selector.
Below the central air vents is what appears to be the same row of toggle switches for key air-conditioning functions as the Prado, replacing the bank of dials and buttons in the current HiLux.
Other interior features visible include dual gloveboxes, push-button start, a phone tray under the central air vents, and what appears to be a four-wheel-drive mode selector to the left of the gear selector.
It's unclear what the open space ahead of the shifter is used for; however, it may be a closed storage compartment, rather than another screen, as it appears at first glance.
The news of an interior overhaul will be welcome for HiLux fans disappointed that the new model won't be all-new from the ground up, and instead a heavy update of the current ute.
The leaked drawings have provided another look at the 2026 HiLux's exterior design, first revealed in spy photos in January to place new front and rear ends on a familiar body structure and cabin.
Shown for the first time is a step built into the side of the rear bumper for easier access to the tray, a feature seen on the Ford Ranger, and now adopted by the HiLux.
These steps on either side of the vehicle have been taped up in earlier spy images, though a new video of two prototypes uploaded by Kurdistan Automotive Blog to Instagram in recent days shows the tape flapping as they drive.
Also visible for the first time are the new HiLux's tail-lights, which extend further into the side of the tray, and adopt a C-shaped signature reminiscent of the Volkswagen Amarok, or a Ford F-150.
Toyota is yet to confirm arrival timing and technical details of the new HiLux.
The carry-over underpinnings and footprint – as now one of the narrower utes in the class – are expected to see the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder continue to the new model.
Reports suggest the 48-volt 'mild-hybrid' system introduced with the current model in 2024 will be kept by the new model, to assist the engine under acceleration or trim fuel use, rather than power the wheels on electricity alone.
More details of the 2026 Toyota HiLux are due closer to its anticipated reveal later this year – with the latest reports suggest could occur in November – ahead of Australian arrivals expected in the first half of next year.
Below: Earlier 2026 Toyota HiLux spy photos and illustrations
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
