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Dust billowed across the Victorian proving ground as we wrestled the all-new Toyota HiLux. December marks its official Australian arrival, but we snagged an exclusive pre-launch drive. Forget press releases, we’re talking hands-on, dirt-in-your-teeth impressions of Toyota’s next-generation workhorse.
A tantalizingly short spin in Toyota’s revamped HiLux left us buzzing with anticipation. Next month, we unleash its full potential. Consider this a thrilling sneak peek before the real adventure begins.
Before unleashing these utes onto the roads in early 2026, expect a gauntlet. We’re throwing the book at them at our proving ground, the same merciless testing we apply to every dual-cab contender. Consider it a trial by fire, ensuring they’re worthy of the road ahead.
How much does the Toyota HiLux cost?
The range kicks off from $33,990 before on-road costs for the entry-level WorkMate 4×2 single-cab/chassis manual.
|2026 Toyota HiLux 4×2| Price (before on-road costs) | | — | — | | WorkMate 2.8 6MT single-cab/chassis | $33,990 (new) | | WorkMate 2.8 6AT single-cab/chassis | $35,990 (new) | | WorkMate 2.8 6AT double-cab pickup | $47,990 (new) | | SR 2.8 6AT dual-cab pickup | $52,990(+$4100)|
|2026 Toyota HiLux4×4 | Price (before on-road costs) | | — | — | | WorkMate 2.8 6AT single-cab/chassis | $45,990 (new) | | WorkMate 2.8 6AT double-cab/chassis | $52,490 (new) | | WorkMate 2.8 6AT double-cab pickup | $53,990 (new) | | SR 2.8 6AT extra cab-chassis | $54,990(+$4295)| | SR 2.8 6MT double-cab/chassis | $54,990(+$4035)| | SR 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab/chassis | $57,990(+$3860)| | SR 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab pickup | $59,490(+$4300)| | SR5 2.8 MT double-cab pickup | $63,990(+$3320)| | SR5 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab/chassis | $64,490(+$3910)| | SR5 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab pickup | $65,990(+$2730)| | Rogue 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab pickup | $71,990(+$460)| | Rugged X 2.8 48V 6AT double-cab pickup | $71,990 (new) |
Priced at $71,990 (before on-road costs), the Rogue and Rugged X represent the pinnacle of the range, offering distinct personalities for discerning drivers. Choose the Rogue for a lifestyle-focused experience, or conquer any terrain with the off-road-ready Rugged X. Both boast cutting-edge 48V mild-hybrid engine technology as standard, delivering power and efficiency in equal measure.
The Aussie auto crown is up for grabs! As we barrel toward the end of 2025, the HiLux and Ranger are locked in a brutal battle for supremacy. Can the HiLux reclaim its throne after a seven-year reign, or will the Ranger continue to dominate? VFACTS figures show it’s neck and neck, a real down-to-the-wire showdown.
Toyota is betting big to snatch back the throne with its revamped model, flaunting a serious glow-up and a new price tag. Say goodbye to the humble 2.7-litre petrol and the thrifty 2.4-litre diesel – the brawny 2.8-litre diesel is now the only engine on offer across the entire lineup. That means a steeper climb to get in, but Toyota is banking on the power and prestige to be worth it.
To see how the Toyota HiLux lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
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What is the Toyota HiLux like on the inside?
Forget the workhorse image for a moment. Slide into the new HiLux and prepare to be surprised. Gone is the utilitarian dash of yesteryear, replaced by a cockpit that’s been completely reborn. Think sleek lines, intuitive tech, and a driving experience that feels more like a premium SUV than a rugged pickup. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a transformation.
Forget squinting at yesterday’s tech. The entire HiLux lineup, from the no-frills WorkMate to the top-tier models, now boasts a stunning 12.3-inch landscape touchscreen. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a quantum leap, dragging the HiLux kicking and streaming into the 21st century. Seamlessly connect your smartphone with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and experience infotainment that finally keeps pace with the legendary HiLux toughness.
Say goodbye to old-school gauges! The new WorkMate and SR models boast a crisp 7.0-inch digital instrument display, while the SR5, Rogue, and Rugged X elevate the driving experience with a stunning, customizable 12.3-inch fully digital screen. It’s like having a high-tech command center right behind the wheel.
The new Toyota boasts a radically redesigned dashboard: a sleek, horizon-hugging, three-tiered layout engineered for enhanced visibility. And breathe a sigh of relief – Toyota hasn’t banished the best climate controls. Expect reassuringly chunky buttons and dials beneath the screen, putting intuitive command at your fingertips.
Other ergonomic improvements include a redesigned steering wheel and a wider centre console with a taller, sliding armrest lid.
Climbing the ladder to the SR trim unlocks a treasure trove of conveniences: ditch the fumbling for keys with keyless entry and push-button start, grip the luxurious leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, and keep everyone happy with rear air vents in double-cab models. Plus, juice up your smartphone effortlessly with the wireless charging pad – say goodbye to tangled cords.
Step up to the SR5, and you’ll find yourself enveloped in a world of elevated comfort. Imagine escaping the sweltering heat with the bliss of a chilled glovebox, or banishing frosty fingertips with the touch of a heated steering wheel – now standard. Dual-zone climate control grants personalized comfort for you and your passenger, while heated front seats offer a warm embrace on those chilly mornings. The SR5 doesn’t just transport you; it cocoons you in premium contentment, right down to the convenience of an electronic parking brake.
Craving a touch of luxury? Shell out an extra $2,500 and the SR5’s Premium Interior Pack transforms the cabin with supple, black leather-accented seats, a power-adjustable throne for the driver, and a concert hall-worthy nine-speaker JBL sound system. Meanwhile, the Rogue flaunts its own distinct personality with a sophisticated "Mineral-tone" interior.
The upgrades are appreciated, but the HiLux’s Achilles’ heel remains: the cramped second row. Forget stretching out back there, especially if you’re stuck behind a long-legged driver. This is where the competition, particularly the upcoming Kia Tasman and its reclining second row, starts to look awfully appealing and highlights the HiLux’s shortcomings.
To see how the Toyota HiLux lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
The entire HiLux range is now powered by the familiar 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
| Specifications | 2026 Toyota HiLux 2.8TD | | — | — | | Engine | 2.8-litre 4cyl turbo-diesel 48V MHEV – auto only | | Engine outputs | 150kW/420Nm – manual 150kW/500Nm – auto | | Transmission | 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic | | Drive type | Rear- or four-wheel drive | | Weight | TBC | | Fuel economy (claimed) | TBC | | Fuel tank capacity | TBC | | Fuel requirement | Diesel | | CO₂ emissions | TBC | | Braked towing capacity | TBC |
The six-speed automatic keeps things steady: 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque. Stick shift fans, take note: the WorkMate and SR manuals still cap torque at 420Nm.
Toyota’s upping the ante. Their ‘V-Active Technology,’ a 48V mild-hybrid system, is now standard on SR automatic models and everything above it SR5, Rogue, Rugged X. Forget incremental tweaks; Toyota’s aiming for a noticeable leap in fuel efficiency and a smoother ride. Exact numbers? Still under wraps, but expect compelling figures soon.
Beneath the revamped HiLux lurks its trusty ladder-frame chassis, now honed to Aussie perfection. Toyota’s secret? A dual-personality suspension: a rugged, no-nonsense setup for the WorkMate and SR warriors, and a silky-smooth, comfort-tuned ride for the top-tier SR5.
To conquer Australia’s diverse landscape, engineers didn’t just tweak; they transformed. Feel the responsive agility of the new electric power steering, grab hold of dramatically enhanced stopping power thanks to larger front disc brakes (SR5 models and above), and unleash the full potential of a Multi-Terrain Select 4×4 system meticulously calibrated for Aussie soil.
Toyota’s powertrain revolution is firing on all cylinders. Buckle up for the all-electric HiLux, hitting the road in 2026 and electrifying fleets. But that’s not all – hydrogen power is joining the party! A fuel-cell HiLux is slated for 2028, proving Toyota’s commitment to a multi-pronged approach to the future of driving.
To see how the Toyota HiLux lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
How does the Toyota HiLux drive?
Before its grand debut, we wrestled the new HiLux across a top-secret proving ground. Imagine: sun-baked highway stretches blurring into tight, serpentine corners, culminating in a brutal off-road gauntlet.
The powertrain might whisper familiar tunes – perhaps a touch more subdued in Rogue guise – but the real magic lies in the ride. Toyota’s retuned comfort suspension has worked wonders, banishing the HiLux’s traditional jittery firmness. Empty or loaded, it now glides with a newfound composure, transforming it from a workhorse with a stiff back to a genuinely refined cruiser.
Bumps and uneven surfaces fade into near non-existence, making gravel roads feel almost civilized. Yet, a frustrating omission remains: the HiLux lacks a full-time 4A mode. This means on slick surfaces or when towing, you’re missing out on the added grip and stability that engaging all four wheels provides. The consequence? Reduced traction on icy roads, potentially eroding driver confidence, especially with a trailer in tow.
The heavens opened, unleashing a two-day deluge that transformed our HiLux test track into a bog of epic proportions. This wasn’t just rain; it was a biblical soaking, the kind that would make most stock vehicles weep. We tackled a familiar off-road course, one I’d previously navigated under sunnier skies. Now, slick with clay-like mud lurking beneath the surface, it became a treacherous beast. This wasn’t a casual Sunday drive; without aggressive all-terrain tyres, you’d be churning mud, going nowhere fast.
Toyota, brimming with audacity, presented us with a near-vertical ascent. We locked the rear differential, shifted into low-range, and braced for the impossible. The tires clawed for purchase. Then, defying gravity and my skepticism, it conquered the climb, surmounting treacherous patches that threatened to send it tumbling back down. It was a victory etched against the sky.
Where the old HiLux punished you for daring to leave the tarmac, the updated suspension now begs for it. We attacked small climbs with newfound confidence, the revised tune swallowing bumps that would have previously sent us bucking. This isn’t just a smoother ride; it’s an invitation to push harder, explore further, and conquer terrain previously deemed too brutal. The dividends of that suspension work are undeniable – off-road, this HiLux finally feels like it belongs.
The steering has traded its hydraulic muscles for a nimble, electrically assisted system. The difference is night and day. Gone is the arm-wrestling match – replaced by a light, responsive feel that shines whether you’re carving asphalt or conquering trails. Where the old system demanded constant correction and left you worn out after a tough off-road stint, this new setup is effortlessly controllable, making every drive a pleasure, not a workout.
"The WorkMate, previously lagging with a gutless petrol engine, now roars to life with the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel found in its siblings (minus the fancy mild-hybrid system). The difference is night and day; it’s like swapping a tricycle for a turbocharged beast."
Stripped to its bare essentials, the single-cab WorkMate we tested – a featherweight contender now soaring only as a Hi-Rider – felt surprisingly spry. Credit its lean physique. Even with the durable Toyota-supplied tray bolted on, it undercuts the rest of the HiLux clan in weight, translating to a genuinely zippy launch off the line.
Beneath the skin, a baffling twist. Toyota’s engineers have inexplicably retreated to inboard dampers, a head-scratching decision that flies in the face of Ford’s Ranger approach and even Toyota’s own prior HiLux Rogue and GR Sport advancements. Shifting dampers outboard widens the track, unlocking superior handling. The question hangs heavy: why invest untold millions in a new suspension design, only to revert to an outdated configuration? It’s a U-turn that leaves enthusiasts utterly perplexed.
We’re chomping at the bit! Buckle up for a full-throttle HiLux deep dive coming your way when production models land later this year. Prepare for a detailed assessment that leaves no stone unturned.
To see how the Toyota HiLux lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
What do you get?
The 2026 Toyota HiLux is here, sporting a serious tech and features boost – and the entry-level models are the biggest winners. The lineup, now boasting five distinct personalities, includes the ever-dependable WorkMate, the well-rounded SR, the feature-packed SR5, the aggressively styled Rogue, and the ultimate off-road warrior, the Rugged X.
2026 Toyota HiLux WorkMate equipment highlights:
- 17-inch steel wheels
- LED headlights
- Electric mirrors
- Fabric upholstery
- Manual-adjust steering column
- Manual parking brake
- 12.3-inch centre touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- 2 x USB-C ports
- 1 x 12V accessory port (single-cab)
- 2 x 12V accessory port (double-cab)
- Two-speaker sound system (single-cab)
- Four-speaker sound system (double-cab)
- Toyota Connected Services with 12-month subscription
The SR adds (or replaces):
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Silver-painted front bumper
- LED front fog lights
- Locking rear tailgate
- Side steps
- Black door handles, side mirrors, bonnet inserts
- Keyless entry
- Push-button engine start
- ‘High grade’ fabric upholstery
- Leather-accented shift-knob
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Rear air vents
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Eight-speaker sound system
- Locking rear differential (4×4 only)
- Multi-Terrain Select (4×4 only)
The SR5 adds:
- High-grade LED headlights
- Comfort-oriented leaf-spring rear suspension tune
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Larger front brake discs (dimensions TBC)
- Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
- Privacy glass
- Sports bar
- Integrated tow-bar
- LED tail-lights
- LED rear fog light
- Integrated tow bar
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Cooled glove box
- Electro-chromatic rear-vision mirror
- All-weather floor mats
- Electronic park brake
The Rogue adds:
- Matte black 18-inch alloy wheels
- Unique front bumper design
- Rogue tailgate badging
- Marine-grade carpet bedliner
- Electric tray roller cover
- Deck rail with two sliding points
- Unique sports bar
- 12V socket in-tray
- Central locking tailgate
- Mineral-coloured upholstery
- Towing package including tow-ball, tongue, trailer wiring harness and electronic brake controller
The Rugged X adds:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Hoopless bull bar
- Front and rear recovery points
- LED light bar
- Rugged decal package
- Sports bar
To see how the Toyota HiLux lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
Is the Toyota HiLux safe?
The verdict is still out: can the next-gen HiLux live up to its predecessor’s five-star safety rating? While the previous model aced the ANCAP tests, tougher protocols mean the latest iteration faces a whole new challenge to prove its mettle.
But here’s the exciting part: even the no-frills WorkMate now boasts the cutting-edge Toyota Safety Sense system as standard across the range, representing a giant leap forward in on-the-job safety.
Standard safety features across the range include:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane trace assist (lane centring)
- Lane departure alert
- Blind-spot monitoring (new)
- Rear cross-traffic alert (new)
- Reversing camera (now standard on all models)
- Road sign assist
- Safe exit alert (new)
To see how the Toyota HiLux lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
How much does the Toyota HiLux cost to run?
Toyota Australia has confirmed the new HiLux will be covered by its standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
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Enjoy peace of mind for up to seven years! Your engine and driveline (even the advanced 48V system) are covered when you keep your Toyota in top shape with logbook servicing at any authorized Toyota dealership.
Commercial vehicles work hard, and their warranties reflect that reality. If your car earns its keep as a taxi, ride-share, or delivery vehicle, its warranty protects it for 5 years or 160,000 kilometers – whichever milestone arrives first. Consider it a safety net tailored to the demands of your business.
Toyota has not yet confirmed service intervals or capped-price servicing costs for the new 2026 HiLux range.
Say goodbye to frequent pit stops! The old 2.8-litre diesel guzzlers demanded service every six months or 10,000km. The silver lining? Your wallet got a three-year breather with capped servicing at a cool $260 per visit – a $1560 total investment in peace of mind.
To see how the Toyota HiLux lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Toyota HiLux
The new HiLux? Let’s just say it embodies a principle I learned the hard way back in university: "Ps get degrees." It’s the vehicular equivalent of scraping by – technically functional, but hardly setting the world on fire.
Toyota’s so-called "next generation" feels more like a missed opportunity. They’ve strapped a carryover engine to a heftier frame, creating a powertrain that strains rather than shines. Inside, the cabin receives a modest upgrade, but it’s still miles from setting any benchmarks. Bafflingly, they’ve even regressed to an outdated suspension design – moving the dampers inward and sacrificing the sharp handling we’ve come to expect. For a vehicle that has sat atop Toyota’s sales throne for so long, these choices are downright perplexing.
Love the HiLux legacy? Prepare to be smitten again. Toyota’s own stats reveal a compelling truth: nearly half of new HiLux buyers are repeat offenders, trading up from their trusty older models. This begs the question: are they blissfully unaware of the dual-cab deluge of the past decade? Or have they simply test-driven the competition and returned, captivated, to the HiLux fold? Either way, loyalty clearly runs deep.
Toyota seems strangely unfazed by the shrinking dual-cab ute market, almost resigned to watching HiLux sales gently fade. The big question is: will the entire segment follow suit, or is the HiLux about to become an isolated case of sales slump in an otherwise thriving market?
Toyota’s silence in the face of Ford’s Raptor-dominated sport truck arena is deafening. Will the roar of a GR Sport flagship finally shatter it, or will Toyota remain a spectator in this high-octane showdown? The automotive world is holding its breath.
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