This is it! New Toyota Hilux revealed in Thailand, and it's coming to South Africa in 2026
The new Toyota Hilux is expected to reach South Africa during 2026.
Image: Supplied
The new-generation Toyota Hilux has finally been revealed to the world, with the heavily updated bakkie having made its global debut on Monday at an event in Thailand.
The new Toyota Hilux will be built in South Africa, and the local manufacturer has confirmed that it will reach local showrooms during 2026, although specific launch timing and other details remain under wraps for the time being.
As the spy pictures had led us to believe, the 2026 Toyota Hilux is not an all-new model, but rather an extensive upgrade of the existing architecture.
A brand new tail section brings a more rugged look.
Image: Supplied
The middle section of the vehicle appears identical to the current model, barring new running boards, but the front and rear sections have been redesigned.
Upfront, we see slimmer headlights, flanked by a plastic bar with ‘TOYOTA’ block letters, positioned above a wide honeycomb-style grille.
Beneath the bonnet, the new Toyota Hilux continues to be offered with the current 2.8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel engine, which delivers 150kW and 500Nm, with some versions also sporting the 48V mild-hybrid system. As before, the 2.8 is paired with either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearbox.
Toyota Hilux in European 'Invincible' specification.
Image: Supplied
South African models will likely continue to offer the 2.4 GD-6 diesel as a more affordable option, while the current petrol engines could be carried over too.
Refinements have also been made to the chassis and traction control systems, with Australian models now offering two distinct suspension tunes for the ‘work’ and ‘comfort’ oriented versions.
Big news abroad is that for the first time ever, a fully electric version of the Hilux will also be offered.
Toyota Hilux Travo-e electric model.
Image: Supplied
The Thai version goes by the name of Travo-e, but at this stage, there is no word on whether it will be offered in SA. Its dual-motor system produces a combined output of 144kW, while the 59.2 kWh lithium-ion battery enables a claimed range of “over 300km”.
New, more digitised cabin
The cabin of the 2026 Toyota Hilux has been given a complete makeover, with an all-new dashboard that features a more rectangular design and a ‘floating’ 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Lower-spec models are fitted with a 7.0-inch touchscreen.
All-new interior.
Image: Supplied
The Hilux also gains a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, electronic park brake and wireless phone charger. It also reportedly features an updated suite of driver assistance gadgets.
Keep in mind that South African specifications could differ from the international versions revealed in Thailand this week.
That’s the new Toyota Hilux in a nutshell. Watch this space for updates once more local information becomes available.
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