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With a global debut scheduled for 2025, the new Toyota Hilux bets on hybrid engine, revamped design, and technology package to maintain leadership among medium pickups and attract Brazilian consumers who are increasingly demanding.
The new generation of Toyota Hilux is in advanced testing phase and is expected to debut with a renewed look, more technology, and, for the first time, a hybrid option.
Originally launched in 2015, the current eighth generation is nearing the end of its cycle, and the renewal of the medium pickup is already attracting attention in major global markets.
According to automotive industry sources, Toyota plans to present the new Hilux globally in 2025, with its arrival in Brazil scheduled for 2026, already as the 2027 line.
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The development of the future Hilux involves engineers from Brazil, Thailand, and South Africa, demonstrating the model’s importance for different regions.
With the status of a sales leader among medium pickups, especially in the Brazilian agribusiness, the new Hilux aims to maintain national preference while updating to face increasingly qualified competition, including Chinese brands like BYD.
Technical Platform of the New Hilux
Although Toyota classifies the update as a new generation, the technical base of the Hilux will remain the IMV platform, produced for ten years at the factory in Zárate, Argentina.
According to gathered information, the overhaul will be focused mainly on the body and design.
The shape of the doors and the glazed area will be maintained, preserving the essence of the current model, but the body will undergo deep changes, similar to what recently happened with the national Chevrolet S10.
The goal is to modernize the product by enhancing design, mechanics, cabin, and equipment without altering the entire structure.
Redesigned Visual and Dimensions
Recent sightings indicate significant changes in the pickup’s visual appeal.
Despite retaining the wheelbase of 3.08 meters, the Toyota Hilux 2026 will feature a new front bumper, a higher hood, and a square-shaped front grille, a trend accompanied by headlights split into two blocks with horizontal LED DRLs.
These changes reflect the brand’s new global design standard.
Additionally, more robust fenders may slightly increase the pickup’s width, even without changing the track widths.
The height may also be adjusted to optimize approach and departure angles, essential for off-road use, reinforcing the Hilux’s versatile character.
The combination of a modern visual identity and robustness aims to meet the expectations of Brazilian consumers.
Light Hybrid Engine
Among the biggest news is the launch of the light hybrid engine (MHEV), which represents an important step towards the electrification of the line.
The system will consist of the well-known 2.8 turbo diesel four-cylinder engine with 204 hp, paired with a 16 hp electric motor and a 0.2 kWh lithium-ion battery.
This system, according to industry information, operates mainly at low RPM to boost torque, without significantly altering the data for maximum power and torque (50.9 kgfm between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm).
The introduction of a state-of-the-art start-stop system provides smoother and more efficient starts.
The six-speed automatic transmission will be replaced by a more modern transmission with at least eight speeds, following Toyota’s international trends.
Prototypes with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system are being tested, but there is no confirmation of the launch of this configuration for South America until July 2025.
Enhanced Suspension and Steering
The handling of the new Toyota Hilux will be improved with the adoption of a recalibrated suspension, firmer and more dynamic, along with the introduction of electric steering, replacing the old hydraulic system.
Another important update is in the braking system, with discs on all four wheels – currently, the model uses discs only at the front and drums at the rear.
4×4 traction and established driving modes remain in the new model.
Safety and Adas Package
The electrification of the steering allowed Toyota to include a more complete Adas package (advanced driver assistance systems) in the future Hilux.
Among the items are adaptive cruise control (ACC), blind spot sensors, and lane-keeping assist.
According to the manufacturer, these technologies raise the safety standard in the segment, allowing the pickup to perform automatic steering corrections and follow the flow of traffic under various conditions.
Updated and Technological Interior
The interior of the new Hilux has not yet been officially revealed, but leaked documents in Thailand indicate a redesigned dashboard with new materials and improved finish levels.
The expectation is that the pickup will receive the latest generation multimedia center and, possibly, a digital instrument panel, features that aim to bring the driving experience closer to that of SUVs.
The rearrangement of internal elements also seeks to optimize space, following examples from the brand’s SUVs.
Strategy for the Brazilian Market
With a solid presence in agribusiness and recognized as the “queen of the agro,” the Hilux reinforces its strategy for the Brazilian market with the direct involvement of national engineers in the project.
According to development documents, Brazil is one of the main hubs, alongside Thailand and South Africa, which reinforces Toyota’s commitment to local and regional demands.
Global Debut and Production in Argentina
The global debut of the new Toyota Hilux is confirmed for Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, in 2025.
Starting in 2026, production will begin in Argentina to supply all of South America, including Brazil.
The expectation is that the model will be launched locally as the 2027 line.
Update of the SW4 and Advanced Electrification
The SW4 SUV, derived from the Hilux, will also be updated, but only after the arrival of the new pickup.
According to official information, the global debut of the new SW4 will take place in 2026 in Thailand, and in 2027, it will begin to be manufactured in Argentina.
Additionally, the electric Hilux – the result of three years of development – is scheduled to debut in the Asian market alongside the hybrid model in 2025.
For South America, the launch will depend on adjustments in production at the Zárate factory and the unfolding of Toyota’s global electrification plan, which aims to expand its presence in electric vehicles outside of Asian markets.
What changes the arrival of the Toyota Hilux hybrid should bring to the medium pickup landscape in Brazil, and how will the competition react to this technological transformation?
Toyota nunca mais estou a três anos contra a autorizada da Toyota de fortaleza por confiar e entregar minha hilux para fazer pintura e até hoje não recebe o carro por não quererem concerta conforme foi entregue