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Hilux Facelift Bets on Bold Design, Unique Features, and Hybrid Technology to Maintain Leadership Among Mid-Size Pickups. Changes Aim to Increase Competitiveness Against Traditional Rivals in the Brazilian and Global Markets.
Toyota is about to launch a deep update to the Hilux, its mid-size pickup leader in sales in Brazil and worldwide.
The prototypes of the new generation have been circulating in different regions, and recent images released in the Middle East reveal significant changes in the look and mechanics of the model.
The expectation is that the new Hilux, already referred to as the ninth generation, will enhance competitiveness against rivals like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S10, and Mitsubishi Triton, expanding its presence in strategic markets.
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Images Reveal New Look of the Hilux
Photos captured by the specialized profile @kurdistan_automotive_blog_ show the top-of-the-line version of the Hilux with a nearly finalized design.
The strategy adopted by Toyota follows a similar path to what Chevrolet used for the S10: maintaining the structural platform and overall design of the doors, while the front, rear, and dashboard undergo a complete update.
At the front, the optical cluster is now divided into two levels — the upper strip contains the LED daytime running lights, while the lower part houses the main headlights, also in LED.
At the rear, the bed cover features a new design with unique taillights that reinforce the modern look.
Revamped Side and More Sophisticated Interior
The side profile highlights new wheel designs across all versions, retaining the door structure but with exclusive finishing details.
In the caught model, the top-of-the-line version features items such as integrated roll bars, redesigned fenders, and renewed side steps.
More robust visual elements align the pickup with the trends of its main competitors, such as the S10 High Country and the Mitsubishi Triton Katana, demonstrating the brand’s concern in maintaining visual appeal among segment consumers.
The interior of the new Toyota Hilux will also undergo a refining process, according to automotive industry sources.
A more sophisticated cabin is expected, with new finishing materials, a state-of-the-art multimedia center, and increased focus on occupant comfort.
Although internal images have not been officially released, the forecast is that the brand will prioritize embedded technologies and improvements in acoustic insulation, factors that have gained relevance among mid-size pickup buyers in recent years.
New Hybrid Hilux: Technological Highlight
Among the technical innovations, the new Hilux stands out for its advancement in engine technology.
Toyota plans to expand the offering of the light hybrid version (MHEV, or Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle), already available in European markets.
The system combines the traditional 2.8 turbo diesel four-cylinder engine, with 204 horsepower, with a small 16-horsepower electric motor, responsible for replacing the alternator and starter motor.
This setup is powered by a 0.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, integrated into a modern start-stop system.
The goal is to reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, meeting increasingly strict environmental standards.
Global Development and Launch in Brazil
Official documents indicate that the development of the new Hilux generation is jointly carried out by teams from Brazil, South Africa, and Thailand.
The internal project, identified by code 640X, also includes the update of the SW4 SUV, expected to arrive in 2027.
However, the complete renewal of the Hilux has been advanced to November 2024 and consolidates the Japanese manufacturer’s commitment to maintaining leadership in the global mid-size pickup segment.
The launch of the new Toyota Hilux will initially take place in Asia still in 2025, according to insider information.
For the Brazilian market, production will remain concentrated at the Zárate plant in Argentina, with the renewed model expected to reach national dealerships only in 2026.
In addition to the pickup, the renewal of the SW4 SUV follows the same strategy, reinforcing the brand’s presence in South America.
Hilux Maintains Sales Leadership
In numbers, the Toyota Hilux has established itself as the best-selling mid-size pickup in Brazil in 2024, recording 50,000 units sold — the best national performance since 2002.
The model maintains a significant lead over the Ford Ranger, which accounted for 31,852 units, the Chevrolet S10, with 27,389, and the Mitsubishi Triton, which totaled 10,980 sales during the same period.
On the global stage, the Hilux was the best-selling pickup of 2024, with over 617,000 units delivered in various markets.
Perspectives and Challenges of the Mid-Size Pickup Segment
The mid-size pickup segment is one of the most competitive in the automotive industry, with consumers demanding in terms of robustness, technology, and efficiency.
With the arrival of the new generation, the model will have to prove its capacity for innovation to maintain buyer preference and dominance over the competition.
With the introduction of hybrid engine technology, a greater offering of technological features, and an updated design inspired by global trends, Toyota seeks to further strengthen the Hilux’s image as a reference among mid-size pickups in Brazil and worldwide.
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