SYDNEY: The new Hilux is set to launch in Australia in December 2025, with a “Cyber Sumo” design theme that evokes an image of strength and modern style.
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.
Toyota Australia 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.
Up front, the fully redesigned three-tiered dash sits flatter compared with the current Hilux to provide improved forward visibility, especially beneficial when off-roading.
In Australia, all Hilux grades feature a new digital instrument cluster – 7.0-inch for WorkMate and SR grades and 12.3-inch on SR5 and above – while a new 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen display sitting above the centre console is standard on every variant.
The new multimedia system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, embedded satellite navigation and voice command.
Interior comfort has also been enhanced with new front and rear seats, with up to eight-way powered driver’s seat with lumbar support adjustment and leather-accented upholstery, depending on the grade.
The steering wheel has also been redesigned offering improved ergonomics and an updated button layout.
All grades of the new Hilux, both in 4X2 and 4X4 configurations, are powered by Toyota’s venerable 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, producing maximum outputs of 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque when paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Variants fitted with a six-speed manual transmission develop a maximum 420Nm 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 8.5kW/65Nm of thrust when starting off.
Also, available in double-cab 4x4 SR and SR5 guise, BEV (battery electric vehicle) grades will be introduced in 2026, largely aimed at fleet customers.
Further improving driveability are electric power steering, and a new two-tiered suspension tune with springs and dampers designed for either heavy-duty work or more comfort and adventure-oriented private use.
Multiple refinements to the Hilux ladder-frame platform help improve comfort, rigidity and crash performance, including new hydraulic engine mounts and shear-type cabin mounts which reduce vibrations and enhance ride comfort.
Front suspension tower thickness has been increased to accommodate the new electric power steering with the number of fitting bolts increased from three to four, while two frontal frame cross members have also been revised.
Frontal crash performance has been improved with newly designed front rail extensions made to improve impact absorption.
The latest Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistance technology suite 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.
Furthermore, Toyota has confirmed that a hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) variant is scheduled to join the lineup in 2028.
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,” said Hanley.
“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."
