New Toyota Hilux bakkie fully revealed!
It’s official: the new Toyota Hilux has been revealed, based on the outgoing bakkie’s platform but now with fresh styling, a thoroughly renewed interior and an EV option…
- First new Toyota Hilux in some 10 years unveiled in Thailand
- Prospecton-built version scheduled to launch in SA in 2026
- IMV platform and diesel engine retained but EV option added
The wait is finally over. Yes, after a string of leaks and a surprisingly brief teaser campaign, the new Toyota Hilux has been fully revealed. This 9th-generation bakkie’s officially unveiling in Thailand – including in fully electric form – comes some 10 years after the debut of its predecessor.
Why is this model so significant for South Africa? Well, the Hilux – which first appeared in Mzansi way back in 1969 – has held the title of SA’s best-selling vehicle overall for more than half a century. It’s also produced at Toyota SA Motors’ Prospecton facility in KwaZulu-Natal.
But back to the new, 9th-generation model just revealed in Bangkok. From what we can tell, the latest version of the bakkie retains the outgoing generation’s IMV platform, which gains new hydraulic engine mounts and shear-type cabin mounts to “reduce vibrations and enhance ride comfort”.
Look closely, however, and you’ll be able to spot a few familiar panels (such as the doors and roof), while the load bay appears to be carried over, too. It’s our understanding that the 9th-gen Hilux’s dimensions (including the wheelbase) are largely unchanged from those of the outgoing model.
New Toyota Hilux: design updates
The big design change, of course, comes up front, where most variants adopt a new honeycomb-style grille, reminiscent of that of the Corolla Cross, along with a sharper headlamp design. The squared-off front end additionally features retro-style “Toyota” lettering, a treatment extended to all derivatives.
Styling updates at the rear, meanwhile, are a little more subtle. Inside, the 9th-gen Toyota Hilux features a thoroughly overhauled interior, clearly inspired by that of the J250-series Land Cruiser Prado and boasting a pair of 12.3-inch screens in high-spec derivatives. Toyota says the redesigned cabin “brings a significant uplift in modernity, comfort, technology and ergonomics”.
There are also “newly developed” front and rear seats, with up to 8-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat with lumbar support adjustment and leather-accented upholstery, depending on the grade. The steering wheel, meanwhile, offers “improved ergonomics and an updated button layout”, according to Toyota.
This 9th-generation bakkie also becomes the first Hilux to be equipped with electric power steering, with Toyota promising “significant improvements to driveability and comfort”. Electric power steering, of course, allows the automaker to improve the functionality of its lane-keeping safety systems.
New Toyota Hilux: powertrain details
Under the bonnet, Toyota has seemingly opted to retain the familiar 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, with this “1GD-FTV” motor again generating peak outputs of 150 kW and 500 Nm – and again additionally offered in conjunction with 48V mild-hybrid technology. Interestingly, certain markets in Europe lose the 2.4-litre turbodiesel unit though seemingly retain the “established” naturally aspirated 2.7-litre petrol powerplant.
So, what about the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) version of the new Hilux mentioned earlier? Well, Toyota promises this battery-powered version – which wears the “Travo-e” badge in Thailand – maintains the “core capabilities” of the standard bakkie, offering 500 mm of wheel articulation, 700 mm of water wading and a braked towing capacity of 2 000 kg.
- ALSO READ: Why the new Hilux uses Toyota’s old engines
The Hilux EV features dual electric motors (one on each axle), delivering combined power of 144 kW and drawing their urge from a 59 kWh battery pack offering a claimed 315 km of single-charge range. Interestingly, Toyota says it will also develop a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) version of the Hilux, with this powertrain option scheduled to be introduced in Europe and Oceania “starting in 2028”.
To refresh your memory, the 8th-gen Hilux debuted way back in 2015, before being introduced to South Africa in February 2016. The outgoing range currently comprises as many as 33 derivatives (including single-, extended- and double-cab variants), with prices ranging from R361 700 to R999 000.
Year to date at the end of October 2025, Toyota SA Motors has registered 30 163 units of the 8th-gen Hilux locally, putting the venerable bakkie in pole position to retain its title of Mzansi’s top seller for the year.
Find a Toyota Hilux on Cars.co.za!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is the new 9th-generation Toyota Hilux scheduled to launch in South Africa?
A: The Prospecton-built version of the new Toyota Hilux is scheduled to launch in South Africa in 2026.
Q: What are the major design changes in the new Hilux?
A: The new model retains the outgoing platform but features fresh styling, most notably up front with a new honeycomb-style grille and sharper headlamps. The interior is thoroughly overhauled, inspired by the Land Cruiser Prado, and features a pair of 12.3-inch screens in high-spec derivatives.
Q: Will the new Toyota Hilux be available with an electric powertrain?
A: Yes, the new Hilux has been unveiled with a fully electric vehicle (BEV) option, which wears the “Travo-e” badge in Thailand. Additionally, Toyota is developing a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) version scheduled for introduction in Europe and Oceania starting in 2028.
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