Autocar India

Which variant of 2026 Toyota Hilux should you buy?

The Hilux is available in two trims, one engine-gearbox combo and two drive layouts.
3 min read28 Jul '26
Saptarshi MondalSaptarshi Mondal
3K+ views
Toyota Hilux which variant to buy

Toyota has launched the ninth-generation Hilux in India with prices ranging from Rs 31.99 lakh to Rs 36.69 lakh (ex-showroom). As a pick-up truck, the Toyota Hilux caters to a very niche audience, with the only other alternative in the market being the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross. This latest-gen model brings a contemporary design and a more feature-packed interior, but under the skin, the Hilux has remained largely unchanged from its predecessor.

The new Toyota Hilux is available in two trims – GX and VX – with a single engine-and-gearbox combination but with both 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations. In this article, we take a close look at exactly what you get in each trim and which one is worth your money. 

Toyota Hilux engine options, specifications 

Under the hood, both trims of the Hilux feature a 2.8-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 204hp and 500Nm. A 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox is now standard across the range; a manual gearbox option is no longer available.

Which variant of 2026 Toyota Hilux should you buy?

The base GX trim can be had in a 4x2 or a 4x4 drive configuration, while the top VX trim comes solely as a 4x4. Notably, this is the first time Toyota is offering a 4x2 setup on the Hilux in India; the previous model came with 4x4 as standard. 

Toyota Hilux exterior and interior colour options 

Toyota is offering a total of six monotone colour options with the new Hilux, namely Sulphur Metallic, Platinum Pearl White Metallic, Attitude Black, Ash, Emotional Red and Super White – Sulphur Metallic and Attitude Black are only available on the top VX trim. The interior, irrespective of the trim, comes with an all-black finish for a rugged appeal.

Which variant of 2026 Toyota Hilux should you buy?

Now let’s take a closer look at exactly what features are available in each of the two trims:

Toyota Hilux variant-wise features explained 

GX – 2.8 diesel AT 4x2/4x4 

  • LED headlamps 
  • Integrated side and rear bed steps 
  • Electrically adjustable ORVMs (outside rearview mirrors)
  • Rear fog lamps 
  • Tailgate Assisted Rear Deck Door
  • Front and rear height-adjustable headrests 
  • 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat
  • 4-way manually adjustable co-passenger’s seat
  • 7.0-inch digital driver’s display 
  • 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment 
  • 4-speaker audio system
  • Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Manual AC 
  • Steering mounted controls 
  • Front-seat armrest
  • Tilt and telescopic steering adjust 
  • 7 airbags 
  • Vehicle stability control 
  • Height-adjustable front seat belts 
  • 3-point seat belt with reminders for all seats 
  • Rear parking camera 
  • Day and night IRVM (interior rearview mirror)
  • Electronic drive control - 2WD/4WD (4x4 variant only) 
  • 4WD with high and low range (4x4 variant only)
  • Electronic differential lock (4x4 variant only)

VX – 2.8 diesel AT 4x4

Features over and above GX

  • LED headlamps with welcome function 
  • LED daytime running lamps 
  • Puddle lamps 
  • Hood ornament 
  • Wheel-arch cladding 
  • Front and rear LED fog lamps 
  • LED tail-lamps 
  • Auto-fold ORVMs
  • Shark-fin antenna 
  • Soft-touch material on dashboard 
  • Illuminated door scuff plates
  • Larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment
  • 8-speaker sound system 
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
  • Wireless charger 
  • Drive modes (Eco, Normal and Sport)
  • Keyless entry and go 
  • Cruise control 
  • Rear centre armrest with cup holders 
  • Connected car tech 
  • PM2.5 air filter 
  • Tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
  • 360-degree surround-view camera 
  • Hill-descent control (4x4 variant only)
  • Multi-terrain select traction control (4x4 variant only)

2026 Toyota Hilux: Which variant should you buy?

Between the GX and VX, we’d recommend the fully loaded VX trim with the 4x4 system as standard. The base GX trim misses out on several convenience features, which particularly sticks out at this price point. Moreover, if you are considering buying a Hilux, it is best to opt for the 4x4 system, which will allow you to exploit the full breadth of potential this pickup truck offers. The fact that the top trim is rather well-priced, costing just Rs 70,000 more than its predecessor, further sweetens the deal.

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