Just days after its global debut, the 9th-generation Toyota Hilux is already on a mission to dominate the world of rally racing. Case in point, the Japanese brand’s racing division, Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR), will enter the 2026 Dakar Rally with a purpose-built challenger in the form of the new Hilux. Also called the DKR GR Hilux, the vehicle will be piloted by a new roster of drivers, making a significant refresh for the brand’s World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) program.
The Toyota DKR GR Hilux boasts significant structural and durability-focused upgrades. It features a tubular chassis designed to reduce weight and increase rigidity. Toyota also installed a reinforced transmission, specifically designed to withstand the harsh mechanical loads typical of rally-raid competitions. Another key improvement is enhanced serviceability, allowing the team to perform repairs more efficiently during the long stages that defined the Dakar Rally. While the team emphasised improvements in robustness, it noted that the vehicle is still undergoing extensive testing to refine endurance and performance ahead of the event.
The driver roster, on the other hand, has been reorganized for the new season. Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings, who delivered a commendable 2nd place finish last year, return in the #202 DKR GR Hilux. American driver Seth Quintero continues with the team for his second year in Dakar. He will be helped by seasoned co-driver Andrew Short in the #203 entry. Completing the lineup is two-time Dakar Motorcycle Rally winner Toby Price, who will level up into the four-wheel category, joined by his co-driver Armand Monleón.
Initially, the new Toyota DKR GR Hilux will be exclusive to Toyota’s factory W2RC team, with wider availability to customers and private teams for the second half of the 2026 season. This continues Toyota’s long-standing support for privateer entrants across global rally-raid competitions.
According to Toyota, it will continue its partnership with Red Bull and Repsol for this sporting event. The former supports select Toyota crews, while the latter supplies renewable fuels for the entire fleet. With a renewed lineup and a significantly revised rally machine, TGR aims to extend its competitive momentum and challenge for another Dakar win, following their previous victories in 2019, 2022, and 2023. Beyond Dakar, the 2026 W2RC season will include rounds in Portugal, Argentina, Morocco, and Abu Dhabi.
