Toyota has debuted the new-gen Hilux pickup truck. The new Hilux features completely revamped styling, a more feature-packed interior and, for the first time, a fully electric powertrain option.
New Toyota Hilux powertrains
EV models to get 59.2kWh battery, dual-motor setup.
Much like the outgoing model, the new Hilux is based on Toyota’s IMV body-on-frame platform. As a first for Toyota’s body-on-frame vehicles, the new Hilux will be available as an EV, packing a 59.2kWh battery pack that’s wired up to front and rear motors. This enables full-time AWD, and Toyota claims torque outputs of 205Nm on the front axle and 268.6Nm at the rear.
Per Toyota’s estimates, the new Hilux EV has a payload capacity of 715kg, a towing capacity of 1,600kg and a WLTP range of just over 240km. The electrified pickup will feature “best-in-class charging capabilities”, too, though Toyota didn’t elaborate further on this.
Petrol and diesel powertrains to be on offer too.
Alongside the EV powertrain, the new Hilux will be offered with the existing 2.7-litre petrol and 2.8-litre diesel engines. The latter will get the same 48V mild hybrid setup as the Fortuner Neo Drive, providing assistance to the engine during acceleration. Toyota has placed the battery underneath the rear seats to ensure interior space isn’t compromised, with payload capacity claimed at one tonne and towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Both the new Hilux’s EV and ICE powertrains will have the same wading depth – 700mm – as the current ICE-powered model, as well as a new Multi-Terrain Select system that tweaks brake and torque control to optimise performance for different terrains. This is also the first generation of the Hilux to be equipped with electric power steering, though some markets will continue to get the current hydraulic system.
Hydrogen-powered Hilux EV launching in 2028.
Interestingly, Toyota has confirmed that the new Hilux will be available with a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. This version is slated to arrive in 2028.
New Toyota Hilux exterior design
Available in dual-cab body style only.
Up front, the new Hilux gets slimmer LED headlights connected by a trim piece that houses ‘TOYOTA’ lettering. Below, there’s a honeycomb-patterned grille for the ICE models – the Hilux EV has a largely closed-off panel – along with air intakes on both sides and a muscular skid plate underneath.
Over to the side, the new Hilux sports different alloy wheels depending on the powertrain, and this holds true for the body cladding too; ICE models get black cladding, while the EVs have body-coloured cladding. The rear end is characterised by large vertically oriented tail-lamps with C-shaped LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), bold ‘TOYOTA’ lettering on the tailgate, a black boot handle with ‘HILUX’ branding and an integrated stop lamp and a chunky bumper.
New Toyota Hilux interior and features
All-black interior packs heaps more tech.
The new Hilux is leagues more modern on the inside. Dual 12.3-inch displays dominate the overhauled dashboard layout, along with a new 3-spoke steering wheel that includes ‘TOYOTA’ lettering. There are a plethora of physical controls on the centre console for the HVAC, AWD and drive modes, among others. Notable features include a wireless charging pad, a blind-spot monitor, rear USB charging ports, connected car tech, powered and ventilated front seats, multi-terrain and 360-degree monitors, over-the-air (OTA) updates, safe exit assist and driver monitoring.
Expanded ADAS suite.
Additionally, the new Hilux comes equipped with an expanded version of the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite, which packs low-speed acceleration suppression, proactive driving assist and an emergency driving stop system.
New Toyota Hilux launch plans
Hilux EV going on sale next month, ICE coming later.
Toyota will begin rolling out the Hilux EV in select global markets from December 2025, while the ICE models are slated to launch worldwide in mid-2026. Given that the current Hilux is on sale in India, expect the new-gen model to make its way here, too, possibly as part of Toyota's 15-model onslaught for India by 2030.
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