Two months ago, rumors of a new Toyota Hilux surfaced, hinting at a more aggressively designed exterior and redesigned interior. New details from Car250, a Thai media outlet, revealed that the next-generation Toyota Hilux will be unveiled before the end of 2025.
The report states that Toyota plans to launch the all-new Hilux on November 28 at this year’s Moto Expo in that region. In more detail, the Japanese car brand is eyeing a split in the Hilux for the Thai market – higher trim levels for enthusiasts and off-road use, and lower trim levels for business and fleet purposes.
The next-generation Toyota Hilux is expected to carry over its IMV2 chassis, the same underpinnings used by the current model. This brings familiarity to current Hilux owners looking to level up their Hilux experience, as soon as the next-generation model comes out. The positive aspect here is that Toyota engineers are reportedly refining the suspension to make it more stable and less bouncy on uneven terrain.
Under the hood, Toyota is retaining the 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine, but with minor, significant upgrades. Aside from retuning the engine, Toyota expects it to achieve an improved fuel efficiency of at least 5-7%, thanks to the addition of a start-stop system to conserve fuel. This works by automatically shutting off the engine at stops, such as at traffic lights, then seamlessly restarting it when the driver releases the brake or engages the clutch. Both manual and automatic transmissions will continue to be available.
However, perhaps the most significant story surrounding the all-new Toyota Hilux is the introduction of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) variant. Car 250 didn’t disclose many details, but it stated that the upcoming model could feature dual electric motors and an all-wheel-drive system. It can be recalled that last year, Toyota showcased an electrified Hilux concept, which was scheduled for release in Thailand this year.
Thailand will be the first to see the all-new Toyota Hilux in the metal. Following the usual global product rollout timeline, it won’t be long until Australia and its neighboring regions, including the Philippines, get their allocations. Given that the Philippines has been one of the strongest markets for the Hilux in Southeast Asia, it’s just a matter of time before Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) brings it in.
