Toyota will launch the ninth-gen Hilux pickup in India next month, our dealer sources have confirmed. This will be just eight months after the new Hilux’s global debut in November 2025. Considering that this is a new-gen model with several mechanical and feature upgrades, expect it to command a significant premium over the outgoing Hilux, which is priced from Rs 28.52 lakh to Rs 36 lakh (ex-showroom).
- New Hilux has a sharper, more angular design language
- Interior is vastly more modern and feature-loaded than that of the old Hilux
- Expected to retain the current 2.8-litre diesel engine and add 48V mild hybrid tech
2026 Toyota Hilux exterior design
The ninth-gen Hilux introduces an all-new design but retains its predecessor’s rugged ethos. Up front, the pickup features slim high-set LED headlamps bridged by a black trim piece that houses the Toyota wordmark. Below that, there’s a honeycomb-patterned grille flanked by angular air intakes and a chunky bumper.
The side profile is characterised by clean panelling, 17-inch alloy wheels and squared-off body cladding, while the rear gets sizeable vertically oriented tail-lamps with C-shaped DRL signatures. There’s also a large Toyota wordmark on the tailgate and generous cladding on the bumper.
2026 Toyota Hilux interior and features
Inside, the new Hilux is markedly more modern than its predecessor, with dual 12.3-inch displays taking centre stage on the freshly designed dashboard, along with a new three-spoke steering wheel bearing the Toyota lettermark. A welcome sight in the Hilux’s cabin is the abundance of physical controls, spread across the steering wheel, centre console and transmission tunnel.
In terms of features, the new Hilux packs terrain and drive modes, dual-zone climate control, a wireless charging pad, a blind-spot monitor, connected car tech, powered and ventilated front seats, multi-terrain and 360-degree cameras, over-the-air (OTA) updates, an advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite, driver drowsiness detection and more.
2026 Toyota Hilux engine and gearbox
The outgoing Hilux is available solely with a 2.8-litre diesel engine that develops 204hp and 500Nm, with gearbox options comprising a 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque-converter automatic – 4x4 is fitted as standard. Since the new Hilux is based on the same IMV body-on-frame platform, Toyota is expected to retain the 2.8-litre diesel engine for the India-spec model and could add the 48V ‘Neo Drive’ mild hybrid system that was introduced with the Fortuner last year.
In overseas markets, the new Hilux is available in all-electric guise, too, making it Toyota’s first body-on-frame EV. The Hilux EV gets a 59.2kWh battery pack powering front and rear motors producing a combined 196hp, and the WLTP range is pegged at 240km. It remains to be seen if Toyota will offer the Hilux EV in India.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
