Toyota has officially unveiled the ninth-generation Hilux at a global preview event in Thailand, marking a significant leap for the brand’s iconic pickup truck. The new Hilux not only sports a completely overhauled design and modernized interiors, but also debuts with a fully electric powertrain, making it Toyota’s first body-on-frame EV.
Bolder Design, Modern Appeal
The 2025 Toyota Hilux features an all-new exterior with a more muscular stance and sharper proportions. The front fascia gets a large hexagonal grille, C-shaped LED DRLs, and slimmer headlights that lend a rugged yet premium appearance.
The profile is dominated by chunky wheel arches, strong character lines, and a raised bonnet, while the tailgate now gets a cleaner design with ‘HILUX’ embossing. Toyota has also made aerodynamic improvements with air curtains and a reshaped front bumper, improving both efficiency and high-speed stability.
Customers will have multiple alloy wheel choices, ranging from 17-inch to 20-inch designs, depending on variant and market.
Premium and Connected Interiors
Inside, the 2025 Hilux takes a major step up in technology and comfort. The cabin now features soft-touch materials, a floating 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a fully digital instrument cluster.
Connectivity features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car technology, and a 360-degree camera system. Higher variants will get premium amenities such as a JBL sound system, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and ambient lighting.
Toyota has focused on noise insulation and ride comfort, areas where the previous-generation Hilux was criticized.
Powertrain Options: Diesel and Electric
The new Hilux continues to offer a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, now reworked for better refinement, power, and fuel efficiency. Both manual and automatic transmission options will be offered, along with 2WD and 4WD configurations.
For the first time, Toyota has introduced a fully electric version of the Hilux, developed on a reinforced version of the IMV platform. Though Toyota hasn’t released complete specs yet, the Hilux EV is expected to offer around 400–450km of range (WLTP), with fast-charging capability up to 80% in under an hour.
Off-Road Performance and Safety
Despite the new EV variant, the Hilux’s core off-road DNA remains intact. The truck continues to feature selectable 4WD modes, a locking rear differential, hill descent control, and terrain management.
The strengthened ladder-frame chassis is lighter and more rigid, improving both comfort and durability.
On the safety front, the 2025 Hilux gets Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Launch Timeline and Rivals
The 2025 Hilux will go on sale first in Thailand and ASEAN markets in early 2026, followed by launches in Australia, South Africa, and select European countries. An India launch is expected by late 2026 or early 2027, where it will compete against the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross and Ford Ranger.
With its blend of diesel dependability, electric innovation, and Toyota’s bulletproof reliability, the new Hilux marks a transformative chapter in Toyota’s global pickup story.
Check out: New Toyota Hilux Revealed with Diesel and Electric Powertrains
