First look at new 2026 Toyota HiLux: Has Toyota done enough to beat Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton, BYD Shark 6 and Kia Tasman? Report

Looks like the new Toyota HiLux might not be so fresh after all. 

Despite hopes that Toyota’s new most popular ute would jump onto the brand’s advanced GA-F platform, it looks like the workhorse will continue in a similar guise to its current shape, following new pictures from Thai outlet Headlight Magazine.

The spy images show overhauled front and rear clips but no changes to the doors or passenger cell of what appears to be the ‘new’ HiLux. It’s likely Toyota is gearing up for a major overhaul, as it did with Camry and will do with RAV4, rather than a whole new model. 

This seems to confirm earlier reports from Brazil where insiders admitted that the ‘new’ HiLux would be based on the existing model, including its engines. 

Question, of course, is whether this approach will be enough for the HiLux’s ageing underpinnings to keep up with the Ford Ranger, with its V6, the new Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max, ground-up Kia Tasman and already electrified BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha. 

Let’s dig into what we can see in the spy shots. 

The front end gets a big overhaul. The head lights are slimmer and have the appearance of being set higher with a panel linking them. Below that is a honeycomb grille truncated by another panel, below which is a radar sensor. 

Toyota looks to have reprofiled the bonnet with a flatter, taller panel similar to the new Prado. There are different front fenders and new wheel designs, all of which are under camouflage. 

The mule does not have its doors, A-Pillars or roof covered indicating they’re carryover parts, as in Camry. 

2025 Toyota HiLux spy pics (image: Headlight Mag)

Without so many clear images it is more difficult to see the changes at the rear. The sheet metal looks new, though, as does the rear bumper. It definitely gets fresh light clusters and my score added practical features, like the step seen on its main rival, the Ford Ranger.

Inside is still a mystery, with one image of the back door open not enough to reveal the cabin. Expect the HiLux’s touchscreen to grow from the current 8.0-inch item, potentially as large as 12.3 inches, and pick-up connected services. 

Reports so far point to the HiLux keeping its ‘GD’ diesel four-cylinder engines, including the ubiquitous 2.8-litre turbo-diesel. These will likely be overhauled — going further than the V-Active 48-volt system — to meet emissions regulations, such as Euro 6 and Australia’s new vehicle efficiency standards (NVES).

2025 Toyota HiLux spy pics (image: Headlight Mag)

Toyota’s synergy with hybrid cars is obvious, but for HiLux? It’s not certain. The brand launched its Tundra hybrid ute in 2024 but it’s not clear that the HiLux will follow, at least initially. 

The last big change noted is the transition to electric power-assisted steering. 

It is expected the new HiLux will get a major suspension overhaul, potentially with learnings from the much-improved ‘wide-body’ Rogue and GR Sport models making it to the regular ute.

It is not clear if rear disc brakes will feature on the new HiLux more broadly, but the spied mule certainly has discs on its rear axle which would be a big improvement over the current drum brakes.

2025 Toyota HiLux spy pics (image: Headlight Mag)

Though it may seem like Toyota is phoning it in for the new HiLux, the tactic may prove prudent. Last year saw the HiLux not only overtaken by the Ford Ranger but also an SUV, the Toyota RAV4. 

Ford is already running discounts on its best-selling Ranger this year to move outdated stock, and Toyota Sales and Marketing boss Sean Hanley predicts no overall growth in the ute market in 2025, despite a whole host of new rivals from China entering. 

Reports promise the new HiLux will debut in Thailand, where it’s made for Australia, in the second half of this year.