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Toyota Hilux is one of the more iconic nameplates on the road today, with a cult-like following in global markets and India. Despite its standing, our favorite pickup truck has yet to receive a comprehensive update since its 8th-generation model launched in 2015. To this end, the Japanese manufacturer has been steadily developing the next-generation Hilux, and it is getting closer to being fully unveiled at the Thailand International Motor Expo later this year. While we’ve seen a number of test mules throughout the year, the latest set of spy shots from Guatemala gives us our best look yet at the 2026 Toyota Hilux.
The latest Hilux test mule was spotted refueling at a fuel pump in Guatemala, wrapped in a full body wrap. But the details are largely clear: most of the exterior design changes center around the front fascia, while the side profile remains relatively untouched as it rides on an updated version of the IMV platform that also underpins the Fortuner.
2026 Toyota Hilux:
| aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| generation | 9th generation (2026) |
| platform | Updated IMV (shared with Fortuner) |
| external | New two-piece grille, small boomerang LED headlamps, rugged bumper with metal bash plate, straight front-end, square wheel arches with cladding, new alloys |
| previous | Inverted style taillights, minor changes |
| interior part | Floating infotainment, digital cluster, new console, gear selector, center armrest |
| features | Powered/Ventilated Seats, Powered Tailgate, Electronic Parking Brake, HUD |
| Engine (India) | 2.8 liter diesel, 204 bhp, 500 Nm |
| Engine (Global) | 2.8L diesel with 48V mild-hybrid |
| transfer | Manual/Automatic (required) |
| launch | Thailand Expo 2025; Global H1 2026; India expected 2026 |
| their rivals | Isuzu V-Cross, Mahindra Scorpio-N Pickup |
2026 Toyota Hilux: What does it look like?
The 2026 Hilux gets a new exterior design with a new rectangular two-piece front grille that loses shape for a more compact look. The upper grill has a lattice-type design, and the lower unit has horizontal and vertical slats. There are LED headlamps on either side of the grille, which have reduced in size but retain the original boomerang shape with a meaner look. These are likely to be connected to the thick chrome strip that runs along the grille, but we wouldn’t be one to turn down a full-width lightbar.
The front bumper looks sturdier than ever, and despite losing the faux skid plate, the pickup appears to benefit from a metal bash plate for the lower section. In line with current trends, the 2026 Hilux features a more upright front-end design with a flatter grille surround, enabling a stronger and more modern road presence. It remains to be seen whether the design elements come together or whether they ultimately make it look like just another SUV on our roads.
Apart from the new alloys, there aren’t many changes to the side profile of the Hilux. It has a widebody design with square wheel arches with plastic cladding for a bold look. At the rear there is an updated taillight design that appears to be an inverted version of the current units, but the camouflage prevents any useful speculation on whether the interior has been changed for the refreshed appeal.
(Also Read: Toyota Corolla Concept Hints At Electric Power, Debuts At Japan Mobility Show’25)
2026 Toyota Hilux: What’s new inside?
The spy shots don’t reveal the cabin of the new Hilux, but the next generation will bring an overhaul in response to its audience’s demand for a more modern interior. The pickup currently lags behind its rivals on this front, but patent images leaked earlier this year reveal a new dashboard layout with an updated center console design. It will feature a large, floating infotainment display located just above the AC vents, while the driver is likely to get a new digital cluster. Additionally, the Hilux is expected to get a new gear selector as well as a center armrest with storage.
In terms of creature comforts, we expect the new Hilux to expand its range of features to add powered and ventilated seats, a powered tailgate, an electronic parking brake and a head-up display.
2026 Toyota Hilux: What’s to power the next-generation model?
The next-generation Hilux will continue to be built on the IMV platform and is expected to feature the same engine options as the current model. On our shores, it is a 2.8-litre diesel mill that produces 204 bhp and 500 Nm of torque. Globally, this unit is paired with a 48V mild hybrid system for added punch and efficiency.
The 2026 Toyota Hilux is expected to go on sale globally in the first half of 2026, following an initial unveiling which is expected to take place at the Thailand Motor Expo 2025. It is likely to be launched in India, where it will compete against the Isuzu V-Cross and the upcoming Mahindra Scorpio-N pickup. Post its launch, we can expect to see similar updates across the rest of the IMV lineup, including the Fortuner SUV and the Innova MPV.
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