Toyota reveals the all-new HiLux for 2026 in Thailand in both 2.8L turbodiesel and 196PS dual-motor EV flavours

After months of leaks, spyshots, and speculation, Toyota has finally lifted the covers off the long-awaited 9th-generation HiLux, making its global debut at the 2025 Thai Motor Expo. Known locally as the HiLux Travo, this new generation replaces the outgoing Revo which, much like Malaysia, has been on the market for nearly a decade; just without the odd name.

The HiLux may be one of the oldest nameplates in Toyota’s portfolio, but this new iteration proves that the pickup legend still has plenty of fight left — with bold new styling, smarter technology, and, for the first time ever, a fully electric version.

Designed under the theme of “Cyber Sumo,” the new HiLux sports a tougher, more futuristic aesthetic that aligns with Toyota’s latest design language. The front end features slim LED projector headlights (standard across the range), with L-shaped daytime running lights on higher trims. A black bar emblazoned with the Toyota script connects both headlamps, sitting above a large rectangular grille that can be body-coloured or finished in gloss black.

Below, a chunky hexagonal skid plate and triangular side inlets emphasise its muscular stance, while the rear sees reversed taillight shapes compared to the Revo now sporting C-shaped LED signatures and wraparound edges. The stamped Toyota tailgate script, integrated spoiler, and corner steps echo cues from rivals like the Ford Ranger.

The range-topping Overland trim replaces the outgoing Rocco/Rogue, adding rugged styling cues such as a mesh front bumper, black 18-inch alloys, chunky side steps, and a rear sports bar with LED lighting — perfect for the lifestyle buyer who wants equal parts toughness and flair.

While the new HiLux continues to ride on Toyota’s Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) platform, the same ladder-frame architecture introduced with the 7th-generation Vigo, it’s been thoroughly reworked. The cab and doors may look familiar, but under the skin, this new-gen HiLux Travo gains significant improvements under what Toyota calls the Dynamic Cloud package. Again, odd name.

This includes reinforced body mounting points for added rigidity, retuned suspension for smoother handling, hydraulic engine mounts, and shear-type body mounts that greatly reduce cabin vibration. A thicker steering shaft promises improved precision and steering feedback.

For the first time, buyers can now specify rear disc brakes, and the hydraulic steering setup has been replaced by electric power steering, enabling more advanced driver assistance features. This update allows Toyota to equip the new HiLux with its latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite,  complete with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, pushing it toward Level 2 semi-autonomous capability.

Also carried over from the mild-hybrid Revo models is the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system. Using a rotary dial, drivers can toggle between Dirt, Sand, Mud, Rock, and Snow modes to optimise throttle and gearbox response. Complementing this is a Multi-Terrain Monitor, integrated into the 360-degree camera system, which also shows underbody and surrounding views. All variants equipped with four-wheel drive will also come with a rear locking differential as standard.

In Thailand, the new HiLux Travo sticks with the proven 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine producing 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual (torque limited to 420 Nm) or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Toyota has retained the 48V mild-hybrid system found in Europe and Australia, adding a 12 PS and 65 Nm boost during acceleration while improving overall fuel efficiency. You can most likely expect this powertrain to make its way to Malaysia as well.

Step inside, and the cabin feels like a complete redesign. The dashboard and door cards adopt sharp, angular lines, continuing the hexagonal motif seen outside. The HiLux now features a choice of 7- or 12.3-inch digital instrument clusters and 8- or 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreens. Cabin practicality remains a HiLux hallmark, with corner-mounted cupholders, dual gloveboxes, and a stitched soft-touch dash.

Below the centre stack are new digital climate controls (with manual knobs available on lower trims), a rotary MTS selector, and an electronic parking brake on higher models. The Land Cruiser Prado-inspired steering wheel with square airbag housing, a redesigned gear lever, and new Caretex or SofTex upholstery all lend a more refined, modern feel.

While that’s all well and good, the big (or unexpected) news here is the debut of the HiLux Travo-e, the first-ever fully electric HiLux, and aimed squarely at markets pushing for carbon neutrality, such as Europe and the UK. The Travo-e is powered by dual electric motors — 112 PS (82 kW) and 205 Nm up front, with 176 PS (129 kW) and 268 Nm at the rear — for a combined 196 PS (144 kW) output.

Providing juice for this setup is a decently sized 59.2 kWh battery, offering an unspectacular range of up to 240 km WLTP or 315 km NEDC. While that may sound a little disappointing, Toyota claims the pickup still retains its legendary durability thanks to its Diamond Shield battery cage, designed to resist rock and debris impacts. DC charging speeds top out at 125 kW while its onboard charger maxes out 10 kW for AC inputs through a port on the front fender.

Off-road credentials for the Travo-e remain strong with 500 mm of wheel articulation, 700 mm of water-wading depth, and 1,600 kg towing capacity, although payload is reduced to 715 kg due to the added battery weight. Interestingly, Toyota swapped the traditional solid rear axle for a De Dion setup to accommodate the rear electric motor.

Toyota will begin rolling out the new HiLux across Asian markets starting in 2026, with Japan receiving it mid-year - just don’t hold your breath for the Malaysian debut of the Travo-e. That said, beyond the EV, the brand is said to be already working on a hydrogen fuel cell-powered HiLux for Europe and Oceania, targeted for production by 2028.

In Thailand, the all-new Hilux Travo lineup is priced between THB 767,000 and THB 1,366,000 (approximately RM99,000 to RM176,000) for the internal combustion engine (ICE) variants. Sitting at the top of the range is the fully electric Hilux BEV, which carries a sticker price of THB 1,491,000, or about RM192,000.

For comparison, the current Hilux range in Malaysia, which is locally assembled (CKD), covers a similar spread across various configurations and powertrains. The entry-level Hilux Single Cab 2.4 MT 4WD starts at RM104,880, followed by the Hilux Double Cab 2.4E MT 4WD at RM117,880 and the Hilux Double Cab 2.4E AT 4WD at RM119,880.

Stepping up the ladder, the Hilux Double Cab 2.4V AT 4WD is priced at RM149,580, while the Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue AT 4WD goes for RM163,080. Topping the Malaysian lineup is the performance-oriented Hilux GR Sport, retailing at RM173,280.