2026 Toyota HiLux evaluate: Fast drive

Talking to the parents at Toyota, I’m assured this isn’t vanity.

By now, you’ve little question learn that the 2026 Toyota HiLux is actually a significant replace of the outgoing model, somewhat than being an all-new car.

And it’s straightforward to imagine {that a} sure stage of vanity may very well be on the root of the newest HiLux – the results of a choice to closely facelift the earlier mannequin, including a refreshed inside and suspension modifications to the now decade-old ute.

In any case, it was the best-selling car in Australia for years, earlier than the Ford Ranger relegated it to the second step. And the HiLux remains to be posting sturdy gross sales figures, even with this ‘new’ mannequin coming over the horizon.

However – after placing the query to Toyota representatives – they guarantee us that isn’t the case. Whereas Toyota has each purpose to take a superior angle, there’s extra at play right here.

Whereas the cab – the whole lot from the A-pillar to the C-pillar – has carried over from the earlier mannequin, the 2026 HiLux will get new styling entrance and rear, led by the Australian design workforce, together with an all-new inside, revised suspension, and electrical energy steering.

Toyota’s prime executives say they’ve been listening to their prospects – 51 per cent of that are earlier HiLux homeowners – and that is the consequence. But we’re seeing all of it throughout the business.

Relatively than dropping a billion {dollars} on a clean-sheet design, as a substitute automakers are simply taking a present mannequin – one thing that’s essentially good already – and giving it an enormous birthday.

The most recent Toyota Camry, Nissan Z, and Ford Mustang – and even the ‘new-generation’ Ranger – had been all handed off as being new vehicles, regardless of being important updates of their predecessors.

In any case, if it ain’t broke, why repair it?

However to make certain, it’s not one single factor that led us right here. The present financial and political local weather might be one main facet, although.

In Australia, we now have the looming New Automobile Effectivity Normal, which can put the screws on all of the legacy automobile producers. Then once more, it may very well be abolished on the subsequent federal election.

Globally, governments are threatening that new petrol and diesel vehicles may very well be banned from sale inside a matter of years, and automakers must be able to adapt.

After which there’s the ever-increasing, relentless stress from the Chinese language auto business, shrinking every model’s piece of the ute pie.

That billion {dollars} saved updating an outdated mannequin will most likely must be deployed within the coming years to reply to new laws, anyway.

No, the newest HiLux wasn’t born from vanity – it was a enterprise choice, a wise play pressured by dangerous timing.

So earlier than you scoff at Toyota, contemplate that there have been most likely dozens of conferences involving some fairly good folks, and this new HiLux is the consequence.

Except for a brand new front- and rear-end styling, the inside has been fully redesigned, with a big infotainment display, digital instrument cluster, and all-new seats. Engineers have additionally created two totally different suspension tunes, and added the aforementioned electrical energy steering.

Within the medical business, it’s often known as ‘Minimal Efficient Dose’. In different phrases, what’s the minimal quantity of remedy required to get the specified consequence?

No matter how we received right here, finally, we need to know whether or not Toyota has carried out sufficient to maintain the HiLux aggressive. Let’s discover out.

How a lot does the Toyota HiLux price?

On the time of writing, there are 16 totally different variants of the 2026 Toyota HiLux to select from: 4 4×2 variants starting from the guide single-cab/chassis WorkMate at $33,990 earlier than on-road prices, to the automated dual-cab SR pickup for $52,990 plus on-roads.

For these requiring 4×4 functionality, there are 12 choices on the desk, beginning with the automated single-cab/chassis Workmate for $45,990 plus ORCs, and topping out with the dual-cab Rogue and Rugged X, each obtainable from $71,990 plus ORCs.

Whereas the Rogue is supposed to be “life-style centered”, the Rugged X is positioned for individuals who enterprise off-road.

Of the 16 variants, Toyota has elevated costs for 9 of them, bumping costs by between $460 and $4300.

Whereas the most cost effective HiLux prices lower than the most cost effective Ranger, Ford has a complete of 25 variants – not together with the heavy-duty Ranger Tremendous Responsibility – and Toyota can be but to reply to the massively well-liked Ranger Raptor.

To see how the Toyota HiLux strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument

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What’s the Toyota HiLux like on the within?

If, like 51 per cent of consumers, you have got a HiLux sitting in your driveway proper now, the inside is the place you’re going to note the largest distinction with the brand new ute.

Taking inspiration from the likes of the Prado and different business fashions within the Toyota lineup, the HiLux will get a way more trendy, three-tiered dashboard – full with a brand new 12.3-inch touchscreen in panorama, which is normal throughout the mannequin vary.

Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be normal, as is the digital instrument cluster – 7.0 inches for the WorkMate and SR, and 12.3 inches for the SR5 and above.

Simply don’t look too carefully, because the centre console isn’t truly symmetrical with the vents and infotainment display. Or vice versa. Both manner, sorry – it’s arduous to unsee.

Toyota says the seats are all-new, providing higher consolation than earlier than. Ergonomics are fairly good, with a fast adjustment to the seat and steering wheel to get snug.

Nonetheless, the cabin stays comparatively cosy. Given it’s the identical because the outdated HiLux from A-pillar to C-pillar, there isn’t any further room to play with. Whereas it’s not uncomfortable, if swinging cats is your favorite pastime, you would possibly need to contemplate a distinct ute.

The again seat is a bit tight, however nonetheless able to becoming two average-size adults comfortably. I spent about 40 minutes within the second row, and I wouldn’t have needed to spend an excessive amount of longer than that again there.

Whereas all of it feels solidly put collectively, the ultimate match and end of the cabin raised an eyebrow or two. There was a pronounced lip between the place the highest of the sprint meets a trim piece, and we seen the surface door handles had tough witness marks from manufacturing.

Positive, this can be a business car – who cares if there’s a plastic ridge on the within of the door handles? Properly, it could not matter to some, however there are many different utes – some for lots much less cash – that appear to care extra in regards to the contact factors.

To see how the Toyota HiLux strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument

What’s underneath the bonnet?

For the newest HiLux, Toyota has dropped the two.4-litre diesel and a pair of.7-litre petrol engines, with the carryover 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine now normal throughout the vary. For now, no less than.

The two.8-litre engine nonetheless places out 150kW of energy, with 420Nm of torque on faucet for autos with a six-speed guide transmission, whereas the six-speed computerized will get the good thing about 500Nm.

Computerized dual-cab 4×4 variants from SR and up additionally acquire Toyota’s V-Lively know-how, which is actually a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup designed to scale back gas consumption and emissions, due to an 8.5kW/65Nm electrical motor generator – although no extra efficiency is quoted by Toyota.

Relying on the variant, mixed gas consumption is quoted as being between 7.1 and eight.0L/100km for guide HiLux utes, whereas automatics get between 7.5-8.1L/100km.

To see how the Toyota HiLux strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument

How does the Toyota HiLux drive?

One of many huge headlines is that Toyota has launched two totally different suspension setups for the HiLux – a heavy-duty tune for carrying masses and towing, and a brand new ‘multipurpose’ suspension, which is supposed to be comfort-oriented.

The opposite huge change is the steering, with the earlier antiquated hydraulic system dropped in favour of electrical energy steering.

On the highway, the modifications to the steering are instantly noticeable – and it’s clearly for the higher. Whereas the earlier truck-like steering had its attraction, after couple of minutes behind the wheel of the newest HiLux it turns into apparent that the brand new energy steering is less complicated to make use of and makes this ute really feel extra trendy.

Within the road-oriented, range-topping HiLux Rogue, it supplied straightforward dealing with and a snug journey on easy roads.

Sound deadening has definitely improved – and is especially noticeable on the Rogue – serving to to scale back the frankly terrible noise of the engine.

The six-speed computerized transmission works wonderful, however is beginning to present its age, being a bit lazy and never as sharp as these discovered on different utes.

It was nice having a few guide HiLux utes at our disposal – a rarity these days – but the diminished torque was noticeable on a number of the steeper sections of highway. Having computerized rev-matching is an attention-grabbing addition, although it would assist save the clutch from employees on the market with restricted guide expertise.

It does appear to be a little bit of an oversight that Toyota hasn’t supplied the choice of full-time four-wheel drive on the brand new HiLux – regardless of being obtainable within the Ranger and different rivals. Being able to change to ‘4A’ is a large confidence booster whenever you’re driving a heavy ute on all-terrain tyres within the pouring rain.

Nevertheless it nonetheless has high- and low-range, in addition to a rear locking differential and multi-terrain modes, and off-road the HiLux is as spectacular because it has ever been. Whether or not scrambling up a free and rocky hill, or navigating by means of a washout product of clay, the HiLux simply crawls alongside, getting the job carried out with out breaking a sweat.

Whereas different utes could have extra devices and gizmos, the HiLux appears to get the identical consequence with much less. It stays a correct off-roader, straight out of the field – although the expertise of the motive force does seem to play extra of an element than rivals that rely extra on know-how.

Regardless of the Rogue providing a snug journey on easy metropolis highways, as soon as we hit some rougher, pockmarked nation roads within the HiLux SR5 – which is supposed to have the comfort-oriented suspension – it felt as if the ute may barely deal with it.

Our preliminary impressions of the journey was that it was good – a transparent enchancment over the outdated one, little question, and helped by well-maintained highways. But as quickly because the highway deteriorated, that concept went out the window. It was so dangerous, in actual fact, that we assumed we’d gotten it mistaken and the SR5 should have had the heavy-duty suspension. However no.

On a correctly tough nation highway, the journey high quality of the HiLux – regardless of having the ‘consolation’ suspension – borders on unforgivable. Even on comparatively benign highway imperfections, the dearth of torsional rigidity within the chassis turns into most evident, with bumps echoing by means of the chassis and shaking the physique.

Toyota little question has made enhancements to the suspension, notably to the ‘multipurpose’ model. Nevertheless it virtually looks like gaslighting – attempting to inject the thought into the zeitgeist that the brand new HiLux is an enormous step up in consolation. That definitely wasn’t our expertise.

To be honest, corrugated gravel roads appeared to have the suspension calm down into a daily frequency, floating the ute over the bumps with out a lot fanfare. However introduce random, sporadic potholes – notably when the automobile is loaded in a nook at velocity – and there’s little signal of sophistication or composure from the chassis.

Our time within the Rogue was very restricted, and we weren’t given the chance to drive the Rugged X. It’s doable just a few heavy equipment over the rear axle – like a sports activities bar, retractable metallic tonneau, and a tow bar – may collectively present sufficient further weight to settle the suspension, nevertheless it’s troublesome to clarify away what we skilled first-hand.

Swapping the SR5 for a WorkMate solely made issues worse. The Workmate will get the heavy-duty suspension, which in equity would little question journey rather a lot higher with some weight within the again. However unladen, as examined, the HiLux was tough as guts on nation roads.

Nonetheless, in a world that appears to be charging full-speed forward right into a future with zero buttons and knobs, it was good leaping into the base-spec HiLux WorkMate, which has beautiful cloth-trimmed seats, a bodily key, and high-quality switchgear. It does miss out on a rear differential lock, however the manufacturing unit Toyota tub provides a fold-out ladder rack on the ring. So, swings and roundabouts.

The SR does get a rear diff lock, considerably enhancing functionality in low-traction environments.

However as a result of it additionally has the heavy-duty suspension, the unladen HiLux SR was simply as uncomfortable over potholes and in tough off-road circumstances. Even a bit little bit of weight within the tub would have preloaded the suspension and helped take in a number of the vibrations and harshness – however that wasn’t what we got to check.

The most recent Mitsubishi Triton GLX+ – which is greater than $6000 cheaper than the equal dual-cab HiLux SR 4×4 auto – additionally provides heavy-duty suspension, but doesn’t assault its occupants to the identical lengthen because the HiLux.

Even an unladen Ranger Tremendous Responsibility, which is designed to hold way more weight than the HiLux, provides a extra snug and compliant journey.

In case you’ve spent your life driving in FJ40s, 70 Collection LandCruisers, and HiLux utes, then the tough journey received’t be unfamiliar to you – and should even supply some stage of reassurance or nostalgia, in that it looks like a correct old-school, Toyota four-wheel drive.

I do know it properly. I’ve owned two older HiLux fashions myself, and admittedly there’s something endearing a few uncooked, unrefined ute.

But, in comparison with what’s on supply from the present crop of utes on sale right this moment – together with a number of the cheaper Chinese language choices – the journey of the HiLux comes throughout as uncomfortable, underdeveloped, and outdated. I’d like to inform you the brand new ‘consolation’ suspension tune was an enormous enchancment, however on tough roads that didn’t appear to be the case.

To see how the Toyota HiLux strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument

What do you get?

Toyota has added a swag of latest gear as normal for the 2026 HiLux, together with LED headlights, a 12.3-inch infotainment display – with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite tv for pc navigation, and DAB+ digital radio – and digital instrument clusters.

The HiLux comes normal in Glacier White, with Gorgeous Silver, Eclipse Black, and (new) Ash Slate obtainable for an extra $675, whereas the SR5 and above might be painted in Frosted White, Feverish Purple, and (new) Sunglow.

Inside, black upholstery is normal, with ‘Mineral’ upholstery normal on Rogue and Rugged X – although a premium inside pack is on the market for SR5 grade and above, which incorporates black leather-based, a power-adjustable seat for the motive force with lumbar help, and a nine-speaker JBL sound system, costing $2500.

For the total rundown, you possibly can learn our worth and specs article by clicking right here.

2026 Toyota HiLux WorkMate normal gear highlights:

• 17-inch metal wheels
• LED headlights
• Electrical mirrors 
• Cloth upholstery
• Guide-adjust steering column
• Guide parking brake 
• 12.3-inch centre touchscreen
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• 2 x USB-C ports
• 1 x 12V accent port (single-cab)
• 2 x 12V accent port (double-cab)
• Two-speaker sound system (single-cab)
• 4-speaker sound system (double-cab)
• Toyota Linked Companies with 12-month subscription

The SR provides (or replaces):

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Silver-painted entrance bumper
• LED entrance fog lights
• Locking rear tailgate
• Aspect steps
• Black door handles, facet mirrors, bonnet inserts
• Keyless entry
• Push-button engine begin
• ‘Excessive grade’ material upholstery
• Leather-based-accented shift-knob
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel 
• Rear air vents
• Wi-fi smartphone charging 
• Eight-speaker sound system 
• Locking rear differential (4×4 solely)
• Multi-Terrain choose (4×4 solely)

The SR5 provides:

• Excessive-grade LED headlights
• Consolation-oriented leaf-spring rear suspension tune 
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Bigger entrance brake discs
• Energy-folding, heated exterior mirrors
• Privateness glass
• Sports activities bar
• Built-in tow-bar
• LED tail-lights
• LED rear fog mild
• Built-in tow bar
• Twin-zone computerized local weather management
• Cooled glove field
• Electro-chromatic rear-vision mirror
• All-weather ground mats
• Digital park brake 

The Rogue provides:

• Matte black 18-inch alloy wheels
• Distinctive entrance bumper design
• Rogue tailgate badging
• Marine-grade carpet bedliner
• Electrical tray curler cowl 
• Deck rail with two sliding factors
• Distinctive sports activities bar
• 12V socket in-tray
• Central locking tailgate
• Mineral-coloured upholstery 
• Towing package deal together with tow-ball, tongue, trailer wiring harness and digital brake controller

The Rugged X provides:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Hoopless bull bar
• Entrance and rear restoration factors 
• LED mild bar
• Rugged decal package deal
• Sports activities bar

To see how the Toyota HiLux strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument

Is the Toyota HiLux protected?

The Australasian New Automotive Evaluation Program, higher often known as ANCAP, has introduced a five-star security score for the 2026 Toyota HiLux, attaining persistently ‘good’ efficiency throughout the 4 main evaluation areas.

The Toyota HiLux WorkMate comes normal with the next security options:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Reversing digital camera
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Parking sensors
• Autonomous emergency braking 
• Pre-collision security system 
• Adaptive cruise management
• Lane hint help (lane centring)
• Lane departure alert
• Velocity signal recognition
• Computerized collision notification (by way of linked companies) 
• SOS emergency name

The SR and above add:

• Encompass-view digital camera
• Tyre stress monitoring system 
• Downhill help management (4×4 fashions solely)

To see how the Toyota HiLux strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument

How a lot does the Toyota HiLux price to run?

The HiLux is roofed by Toyota’s manufacturing unit five-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee, with roadside help for as much as seven years and an engine and driveline guarantee of as much as seven years – supplied the car is serviced on time inside Toyota’s dealership community.

Whereas Toyota provides capped-price servicing by means of its sellers for the primary three years, the HiLux requires servicing each six months or 10,000km, which is behind the business normal of 12-month/15,000km intervals.

To see how the Toyota HiLux strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument

CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota HiLux

In isolation, the 2026 Toyota HiLux is superb.

In any case, it’s an up to date model of the earlier HiLux, which – to be clear – was no dangerous factor. And this can be a important improve of that car.

The brand new steering is nice, dealing with is first rate sufficient, and the 4×4 HiLux is clearly very succesful off-road. As a workhorse, the HiLux is a worthy selection.

The updates to the steering, inside, and know-how ought to all be celebrated – and HiLux devotees will little question welcome the modifications with open arms and wallets.

However that’s solely within the context of HiLux itself. Zoom out, and abruptly it seems weak.

Whereas the HiLux is a noticeable enchancment over the outgoing mannequin, it frankly doesn’t transfer the needle a lot in any respect, and doesn’t shut the hole wherever close to sufficient to the best-selling Ranger, and even the likes of the Kia Tasman.

Past these two, there are plenty of different very succesful, very low-cost (and a few not so low-cost) utes on supply now, and plenty of of them have the power to embarrass the HiLux. Or extra to the purpose, the HiLux is now able of embarrassing itself towards historically lesser competitors.

The journey is nearly to the purpose of being unforgivable. More often than not it’s not an issue – virtually excellent – however each on occasion I’d hit a tough patch being ignored by the council, and it felt like I used to be abruptly again in my 1994 solid-axle HiLux once more.

It’s a disappointing black mark towards what’s, total, a great and stable ute.

For some – or many, as will probably be the case – the smattering of enhancements to the HiLux can be seen as a constructive factor. They simply desire a ute that’s dependable, predictable, succesful, and received’t overload them with tech each time they hop behind the wheel. A identified amount.

That’s what Toyota says its prospects are after, and that’s what it has responded to.

These consumers could take it as a degree of satisfaction that they want fewer gizmos – simply low-range, a locked diff, and a little bit of ability behind the wheel.

Toyota says 51 per cent of HiLux consumers are stepping out of one other HiLux. I think that determine is about to extend dramatically, as a result of the vast majority of the folks shopping for this mannequin merely received’t know any higher.

Those that make a degree to not purchase a competitor’s ute aren’t doing so as a result of the HiLux is best, they are going to merely be selecting the Toyota due to what the badge represents: reliability and functionality.

It really looks like Toyota has taken the ethos of ‘Minimal Efficient Dose’ and adopted it because the mantra for this HiLux – banking on a reputation that was constructed on many years of being one of the best there’s.

And it’s a disgrace, as a result of no matter Toyota’s causes had been for taking this method, it feels just like the HiLux badge deserves extra – and its loyal followers deserve higher.

In isolation, the ‘new’ Toyota HiLux is superb. Nevertheless it doesn’t exist in isolation.

CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new Toyota HiLux. Click on right here to get an awesome deal.

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MORE: Discover the Toyota HiLux showroom