Toyota HiLux reinvented: Electric variant and hydrogen on the horizon

Toyota has responded emphatically to the threat posed by new Chinese rivals with a suite of upgrades for its best-selling HiLux ute, including refreshed styling, additional features, a fleet-oriented battery electric variant and the promise of a forthcoming hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) powered model.

The changes represent a step change for the Toyota workhorse which currently trails arch-rival the Ford Ranger as Australia’s second best-selling ute, but which until now has trailed both Ranger and the hard-charging BYD Shark 6 in offering an electrified driving solution.

The BYD has forced its way into fourth position in national dual-cab 4x4 ute sales off the back of its keen pricing and impressive plug-in-hybrid electric (PHEV) drivetrain, with Ford responding earlier this year with its own Ranger PHEV variant.

However, Toyota has stopped short of following its rivals down the PHEV route and instead jumped straight to a full battery electric (EV) option, albeit one that is primarily targeted at fleet customers.

The Japanese car maker has also flagged the addition of a hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) variant scheduled to join the local lineup in 2028, which it says is designed to offer customers greater choice while reinforcing the company’s multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation.

Fow now, however, the vast majority of HiLux models will continue to be sold with the company’s proven 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing unchanged maximum outputs of 150kW/500Nm with a six-speed automatic, or 150Nm/4290Nm with the six-speed manual.

As before, automatic double cab SR grades and above will offer the smoother stop-start functionality and additional 8.5kW/65Nm of electric assistance when starting off, courtesy of Toyota’s 48-volt mild-hybrid or V-Active technology.

While the introduction of the first-ever battery-electric powertrain marks a major milestone in the nameplate’s history, Toyota has tempered public enthusiasm by stating it is primarily aimed at fleets and business customers. How this will be put into practice is not yet clear.

Due in 2026, the BEV powertrain will be available in double-cab 4x4 SR and SR5 guise, featuring a single electric motor on each axle, paired with a lithium-ion battery. Toyota says further details including motor outputs, battery size and range won’t be revealed until closer to the local launch in the first half of 2026.

Before then, however, Aussie consumers will begin seeing the new-look Hilux with its “Cyber Sumo” styling and new features in Toyota dealerships ahead of its official launch in December.

The updated diesel-powered models will be offered with a choice of 21 different variants in single, extra and double cab configurations, 4x2 or 4x4 drivelines, manual or automatic transmissions, and in WorkMate, SR, SR5, Rogue and new Rugged X grades.

The previously discontinued Rugged X returns to the HiLux fold as the brand’s off-road hero model, featuring a range of enhancements designed to improve its off-road capability and performance.

All HiLux variants will feature the bold new exterior design that Toyota says was spearheaded by its local design team, in collaboration with Toyota team members in Thailand and Japan.

Dubbed “Cyber Sumo” the new design theme features striking slim-line headlights, sharp lines and completely redesigned front and rear ends, intended to evoke an image of strength and modern style.

The new-look exterior design is complemented by an overhauled interior which Toyota claims brings a significant uplift in modernity, comfort, technology and ergonomics.

A redesigned three-tiered dash sits flatter compared with the current model for improved forward visibility, with all grades adopting a new digital instrument cluster – 7.0-inch for WorkMate and SR grades and 12.3-inch on SR5 and above – along with a new 12.3-inch multimedia central touchscreen display.

The system offers compatibility with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, embedded satellite navigation and voice command, and expanded Toyota Connected Services functionality.

Other interior changes include a redesigned steering wheel promising improved ergonomics and an updated button layout, a wider centre console, and a taller centre console storage lid that now matches the height of the door armrest.

The front and rear seats have also been upgraded, with higher grade variants offering up to eight-way powered driver’s seat adjustment and leather-accented upholstery.

Notable technical changes include the adoption of electric power steering, and a new two-tiered suspension tune with springs and dampers designed for either heavy-duty work or more comfort and adventure-oriented private use.

WorkMate and SR grades employ a spring and shock absorber tune geared toward heavy load carrying and towing, while SR5 grades and above feature different spring rates and suspension stroke to provide enhanced ride comfort for everyday use.

Off-road performance has also been enhanced on automatic SR 4x4 grades and above thanks to the addition of a standard fitment rear locking differential and Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) traction control system, in addition to the standard part-time system with high and low range ratios.

Automatic double cab pickup SR5 grades and upwards add the Multi-Terrain Monitor, which uses cameras around the vehicle to offer a range of views of the vehicle’s surroundings and underbody.

Also included in the updates are new hydraulic engine mounts and shear-type cabin mounts aimed at reducing vibrations, and redesigned front rail extensions designed to improve impact absorption in a frontal crash.

Other safety upgrades include the adoption of Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistance technology as standard across the range. The system includes autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, lane departure alert, lane trace assist, road sign assist (speed signs only) and auto high beam.

Toyota is promising pricing and additional specifications detail closer to the new model’s launch in December.