2026 Toyota HiLux at Brisbane’s Downtown Toyota

2026 Toyota HiLux at Brisbane’s Downtown Toyota

With more than 25 years of experience helping Brisbane drivers find the right Toyota for their lifestyle, Jon Wimhurst has seen first-hand how the HiLux has evolved over the years. We sat down with Jon from our new vehicle sales team at Downtown Toyota to get his insights on the upcoming 2026 HiLux, what’s new, what’s changing, and why this next-generation model is one to get excited about.

Toyota HiLux Arrives at Downtown Toyota December 2025

The new HiLux is set to arrive very soon, with the first arrivals expected to be the dual cab pickups, followed by the single and extra cab chassis models early next year. Our Fleet Manager, Michael Lucas, has already seen a lift in enquiries from business customers eager to secure early allocation. He’s encouraging fleets to place their orders ahead of launch to make sure they get their preferred spec and delivery timing. 

One of the biggest updates is under the bonnet. Toyota has retired the long-running 2.7-litre petrol engine previously used in the 4x2 WorkMate, with the entire range now powered by the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder. It’s a strong, efficient engine that pairs perfectly with Toyota’s 48-volt Active Drive system for improved fuel efficiency. The 2.7 served its purpose well, but this next generation of HiLux is all about diesel performance and readiness for the future.

The 2025 HiLux lineup will include familiar favourites such as the SR, SR5, and Rogue, with the popular Rugged X returning next year to replace the GR Sport. Beyond the mechanical updates, the new HiLux has received a complete design refresh. Both the front and rear have been reworked with sharper, more modern styling, while the cabin has been transformed with a clean, premium layout that feels closer to a Prado in design and quality.

Inside, technology takes a noticeable leap forward. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now included across the range, making it easier than ever to stay connected on the go. Higher grades like the SR5 also feature wireless charging, continuing Toyota’s push to make everyday use simpler and more intuitive.

Overall, the new HiLux feels like a major step forward for Australia’s favourite ute. It builds on the reputation for reliability, strength, and practicality that drivers have always loved, while adding the comfort, connectivity, and modern styling today’s customers expect.

2026 Toyota HiLux For Business

We reached out to our Fleet Sales Manager, Michael Lucas, for his thoughts on what the new HiLux means for our fleet customers. Here's what he had to say "The new HiLux is already making a strong impact with our business customers at Downtown Toyota. The upgraded interior has lifted comfort and practicality to a new level, while still delivering the legendary HiLux reliability our fleets need. Proving popular across every industry segment, proving it’s still the benchmark for businesses that need a tough, dependable and now more refined work vehicle."

Register Your Interest in the 2026 Toyota HiLux Today

Interested in seeing the new HiLux for yourself? Jon and the team at Downtown Toyota are gearing up for its arrival and are happy to walk you through what’s new, what’s changed, and which model might best suit your needs. Register your interest today through the form below to be among the first to experience the next-generation HiLux when it arrives in our showroom.

Toyota has unveiled its much-anticipated new HiLux, with a bold new exterior design led by Toyota Australia, significant improvements to drivability and comfort, and a new interior with a significant uplift in multimedia and safety technologies.

Along with the trusted capability of diesel power, the new HiLux will also be the first to be offered with a battery-electric powertrain, largely aimed at fleet customers, as part of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation.

Furthermore, Toyota has confirmed that a hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) variant is scheduled to join the lineup in 2028. The new option is aimed to offer customers even greater choice while reinforcing Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation.

The new HiLux is set to launch in Australia in December 2025 and has been comprehensively updated with valuable improvements across the board, while continuing to embody the Toyota quality, durability and reliability (QDR) for which the HiLux is renowned for.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the new HiLux would continue the iconic story of the rugged pick-up in Australia.

“Generations of Australians have counted on their HiLux to deliver hundreds of thousands of kilometres worth of reliable performance through the toughest conditions our country has to offer,” Mr Hanley said.

“Whether going to the job site or the camp site, the HiLux has always been known as an extremely dependable and capable vehicle, which is reflected in its enduring popularity with customers.

“The new HiLux delivers a wide range of improvements to on and off-road driveability, safety and comfort, along with a new interior design and features, and new exterior design, which we are proud to say was developed right here in Australia.

“Furthermore, the introduction of the first-ever HiLux BEV reinforces Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation, which is an exciting step forward for fleets and businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

“The inclusion of an FCEV variant in 2028 reinforces this multi-pathway approach, and is the result of Toyota’s commitment to hydrogen fuel-cell electric technology.”

Toyota will offer the new HiLux with a choice of 21 different diesel variants in single, extra and double cab configurations, 4X2 or 4X4 drivelines, manual or automatic transmissions, and WorkMate, SR, SR5, Rogue and new Rugged X grades.

The new Rugged X variant offers improved off-road capability with the standard fitment of a range of specifications designed for protection and recovery in off-road terrain.

The bold new exterior design of the HiLux was spearheaded by the Toyota Australia design team, based at Toyota’s Product Centre at Altona, and was developed in collaboration with Toyota team members in Thailand and Japan.

Based on a “Cyber Sumo” design theme, the new HiLux immediately evokes an image of strength and modern style, matching the vehicle’s tough on and off-road capability. 

With its striking slim-line headlights, sharp lines and completely redesigned front and rear ends, the new HiLux will be a standout on the road.

The new-look exterior design is matched with a completely overhauled interior which brings a significant uplift in modernity, comfort, technology and ergonomics.

Up front, the fully redesigned three-tiered dash sits flatter compared with the current HiLux to provide improved forward visibility, especially beneficial when off-roading.

All HiLux grades feature a new digital instrument cluster – 7.0-inch for WorkMate and SR grades and 12.3-inch on SR5 and above – while a new 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen display sitting above the centre console is standard on every variant.

The latest generation multimedia system offers compatibility with wireless Apple CarPlay®1 and Android Auto™2, embedded satellite navigation3 and voice command, and expanded Toyota Connected Services4 functionality.

A wider centre console improves amenity and rigidity, with a taller centre console storage lid that matches the height of the door armrest and can be slid forward to provide greater comfort for drivers.

Interior comfort has also been enhanced with newly developed front and rear seats, with up to eight-way powered driver’s seat with lumbar support adjustment and leather-accented upholstery, depending on the grade5.

Sitting below the 12.3-inch touchscreen, the climate control panel of the new HiLux offers simple and intuitive use with large physical buttons or knobs that allow the driver to keep their eyes on the road ahead.

The steering wheel has also been redesigned offering improved ergonomics and an updated button layout, clearly grouped into three distinct zones – infotainment, audio and driver assistance – with a steering wheel heating function available on select grades.

All grades of the new HiLux, both in 4X2 and 4X4 configurations, are powered by Toyota’s venerable 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, producing maximum outputs of 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque when paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.  Variants fitted with a six-speed manual transmission develop a maximum 420Nm of torque.

Toyota’s 48-volt V-Active technology will also be standard on automatic double cab SR grades and above, offering exceptionally smooth stop-start functionality and an additional 8.5kW/65Nm of thrust when starting off.

The new HiLux also marks a significant milestone in the history of the legendary pick-up, with the introduction of the first-ever battery-electric powertrain aimed to help fleet and business customers reduce the tailpipe emissions of their light-commercial fleets.

Available in double-cab 4x4 SR and SR5 guise, BEV grades will be introduced in 2026 and will be underpinned with an electric motor on each axle, paired with a lithium-ion battery. Further details on the BEV powertrain will be revealed closer to its local launch in H1, 2026.

The significant surface-level changes to the HiLux continue under the skin, with the adoption of electric power steering which delivers improved feel, response and ease of use in all driving conditions.

Light and agile steering feel at low speeds combines with sure-footed high-speed stability, with fewer disturbances through the steering wheel when driving on rough roads.

Electric power steering also improves the functionality of the lane-keeping safety systems in the HiLux to help make driving safer on the open road.

Further improving driveability is a new two-tiered suspension tune with springs and dampers designed for either heavy-duty work or more comfort and adventure-oriented private use.

With a revised independent coil-sprung front and rigid axle leaf sprung rear suspension offered across the range, WorkMate and SR grades employ a spring and shock absorber tune geared toward heavy load carrying and towing, while SR5 and up uses different spring rates and suspension stroke to provide enhanced ride comfort for everyday use.

Excellent off-road prowess is one the hallmarks of the HiLux with 4x4 grades using a part-time system with high and low range ratios. This has been further enhanced on the new model with the standard fitment of a rear locking differential and the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) traction control system on automatic SR 4x4 grades and above.

This sophisticated MTS system underwent substantial tuning and refinement by Toyota Australia’s vehicle evaluation team to handle the country’s harsh and varied terrain.

Automatic double cab pickup SR5 grades and up add the Multi-Terrain Monitor6, which uses a suite of cameras around the vehicle to offer drivers a range of views of the vehicle’s surroundings and underbody, along with the placement of the wheels to allow for safe navigation of difficult obstacles.

Multiple refinements to the HiLux ladder-frame platform help improve comfort, rigidity and crash performance, including new hydraulic engine mounts and shear-type cabin mounts which reduce vibrations and enhance ride comfort.

Front suspension tower thickness has been increased to accommodate the new electric power steering with the number of fitting bolts increased from three to four, while two frontal frame cross members have also been revised.

Frontal crash performance has been improved with newly designed front rail extensions made to improve impact absorption.

Active safety technology has also been enhanced with the adoption of the latest Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistance technology suite, which is standard across the range.

This includes Toyota’s pre-collision safety autonomous emergency braking system, active cruise control, lane departure alert, lane trace assist, road sign assist (speed signs only) and auto high beam.

Other standard safety features include blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and, on pick-up grades, front and rear parking sensors.6

The new HiLux is also the first Toyota to feature a new cabin detection alert system, which uses a radar to detect passengers in the rear seats and notify the occupants when exiting the vehicle.

Along with the significant technology upgrades in the new HiLux, Toyota has also extended the functionality of its Toyota Connected Services technology, that offers a range of safety and convenience functions that are accessible through a smartphone app.4

More details including local specification and pricing will be revealed closer to the new model’s arrival in Australia.

1 CarPlay® is a trademark of Apple, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries.

2 Android Auto™ is a trademark of Google LLC.

3 Coverage varies based on vehicle location.

4 Complimentary period ends 1 year from delivery date. Fees may apply thereafter. See toyota.com.au/connected/plans-packages. Not available outside Australia, if services disabled or terminated or after 2033/Telstra 4G sunset (whichever comes first). Dependent on 3G/4G enabled DCM, GPS signal strength, mobile network coverage and other factors outside Toyota’s control which can limit ability or functionality of system. Check your Owner’s Manual or toyota.com.au/connected for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely.

5 Toyota Australia reserves the right to vary or discontinue the current interior and exterior colours, trims and colour/trim/model combinations.

6 Driver assist feature. Only operates under certain conditions. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely.