Introduced in 2015, the eighth-generation Toyota Hilux has been around for a decade. Over its 10-year lifespan, the Japanese automaker’s best-selling bakkie locally received a duo of facelifts, in 2017 and 2020, respectively, while gaining a third subtle refresh in the Australian and Indonesian markets in 2024. With the eighth iteration, Toyota also introduced the ‘GR-Sport’ derivative, which, ahem, sports beefed-up bodywork courtesy of a wide bodykit, wider fore and aft tracks, uprated suspension, and an injection of power and torque. However, soon, the eighth iteration will bow out to make way for its ninth-generation successor, which will arrive in Mzansi in 2026.
So, what’s new on the ninth generation? Well, exterior-wise, the most notable changes come in the shape of sharper styling for the front facia, replete with slimmer headlamp arrays and a box-fresh grille – the latter featuring hexagonal elements. A more pronounced front bumper and bash plate are also present. ‘Round back, new taillamps flank the load bed gate, which features ‘Toyota’ lettering. New wheel designs are also on offer. A neat addition, side steps have been incorporated into the rear bumper to make access to the load bed easier.
The most significant changes, however, have been made to the interior — the latter’s design influenced by that of the Land Cruiser Prado. Sited fore the brand-new multifunction steering wheel is a digital driver’s display, which measures up to 12.3 inches in size (depending on the trim grade). A 12.3-inch, touch-enabled infotainment screen, replete with smartphone screen mirroring, is sited above the redesigned central air vents.
The new Hilux retains its predecessor’s 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel. Revealed in 150 kW state of tune (as a reminder, the current GR-S derivative boasts 165 kW), the 1GD-FTV motor is available with the choice of either a six-speed automatic transmission or manual gearbox with the similar number of cogs — models equipped with the former and latter churning out 500 N.m (or 550 N.m in the outgoing GR-S) and 420 N.m of torque, respectively. The next GR-S variant has yet to be announced.
Although the engine has been carried over, the ninth generation has received a few mechanical upgrades, including (first-for-a-Hilux) electric power steering. The firm has also made tweaks to the suspension arrangement.