The Toyota Hilux is a bit like the Portuguese: wherever you go in the world, you always seem to come across one. After the Corolla, it’s the second best-selling model in the Japanese brand’s history - a genuine institution among pick-ups.
Perhaps that’s why Toyota took 10 years - yes, a full decade - to unveil this new generation. Too cautious? Possibly. Technologically, though, it represents the biggest leap the Hilux has ever made. You can see it in the exterior, in the cabin and, above all, in the engineering you don’t notice at first glance.
“Hilux doesn’t follow fashions and it can’t fail,” Makoto Inoue, one of the people leading development of this 9th generation, told me during the model’s presentation. Expectations are high - and the competition is stronger than ever.
New Toyota Hilux now 100% electric
There’s no need to panic. Diesel versions of the Toyota Hilux will remain on sale - we’ll come back to that shortly. The headline, however, is the arrival of a 100% electric variant. It’s the first time in nearly 60 years.
This version uses two electric motors (one per axle), powered by a 59.2 kWh battery, delivering around 240 km of WLTP range.
Combined output is 145 kW (197 hp). More importantly than the headline figure, the front motor produces 205 Nm and the rear motor 269 Nm, enough to provide permanent four-wheel drive and towing capability of up to 1600 kg.
In terms of ground clearance, the Hilux BEV matches its combustion-engined siblings. Range is a different story. With 240 km available, this Hilux BEV will only make sense for very specific jobs that don’t involve high daily mileages.
We’ve already driven it, and we’ll be publishing that test soon on the Razão Automóvel website and on Razão Automóvel’s YouTube channel. The drive took place on the outskirts of Paris at a test centre, away from prying eyes.
Land Cruiser-style interior and modern technology
Inside, the step up in quality in the new Toyota Hilux is beyond dispute. The dashboard takes clear inspiration from its Land Cruiser sibling, with straight lines, a new 12.3-inch central display, digital instruments and physical buttons for the main functions - a deliberately practical choice.
There’s very little missing in the cabin of this new Hilux, which is also better insulated and more comfortable. During the launch, we had the chance to drive the current model and this new generation back-to-back and… you can feel the 10-year gap.
But has all that extra refinement compromised its working ability? For Makoto Inoue, who led development of this new generation, “that was never a possibility. We know exactly what Hilux’s role is in the global market”.
The new Hilux also introduces electric power steering (EPS), over-the-air updates, driver monitoring, safe exit assist, and an updated Toyota Safety Sense system with fatigue detection and automatic emergency braking.
Diesel engine in the Hilux is here to stay
The BEV may grab the headlines, but sales will continue to be dominated by the conventional Diesel-powered Toyota Hilux. According to the brand, “Diesel remains the most rational choice for heavy work and long distances”, and everything suggests it will be the best-seller in Europe.
The 2.8 Turbo Diesel with 48 V mild-hybrid technology stays in the range, offering 204 hp and a 3500 kg towing capacity. It couldn’t really be any other way.
Toyota has also confirmed a Hilux Fuel Cell, powered by hydrogen, scheduled for launch in 2028. The prototype - already being tested in the United Kingdom - shares technology with the Toyota Mirai and stands as another part of the brand’s multi-energy approach.
The same as ever, only more modern
All told, more than 21 million Toyota Hilux units have been sold since 1968. This new generation will be built in six countries and sold in more than 180 markets - including Portugal - with arrivals expected in the first half of 2026.
As for pricing, we’ll need to wait a few more months before we know what to expect. Even so, differences versus the current generation shouldn’t be dramatic. Because, in the fundamentals, the new Toyota Hilux remains the same dependable workhorse as always - now, thankfully, more comfortable…
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