Once again, there will be more to the new Toyota HiLux range than the top-selling dual-cabs, due to be revealed by the end of this year before launching in Australia in 2026.
The Toyota HiLux looks set to retain one of the broader model ranges in the ute class, as the base-model single-cab is caught on camera ahead of its reveal due by the end of this year.
As with the current model, Australia is likely to get the two-door body as a cab-chassis – without the tub on the back – but it confirms there will be more than just dual-cabs in the new HiLux line-up.
Images posted to Instagram by AutonetMagz show the single-cab will mirror the dual-cab in applying a restyled front fascia, with slimmer headlights and a new grille, onto a carry-over body structure and platform.
There are new tail-lights inspired by the latest US-market Tacoma pick-up, so the tray sides are new, but the proportions appear the same as today's HiLux.
It means it will sit on the smaller end of the ute category, beneath the Ford Ranger and even-larger Kia Tasman, with comparable tub dimensions to today's model, not capable of fitting an Australian pallet between the wheel arches.
The latest spy photos do not show the step in the rear bumper visible in earlier images of high-grade dual-cab examples, likely deemed unnecessary for the single-cab chassis, as it rides lower than four-wheel-drive flagship models.
A familiar footprint means the new HiLux is set to retain the narrow cabin of the current model, but leaked images have indicated a major technology upgrade, with two large displays and LandCruiser Prado-inspired interior finishings, is inbound.
Flagship grades will reportedly continue to draw power from a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, albeit paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing six speeds.
It is tipped to retain 48-volt mild-hybrid technology – capable of assisting the diesel engine under acceleration, rather than driving the wheels on electricity alone – with similar outputs to the current 150kW/500Nm.
The 2.4-litre turbo-diesel and 2.7-litre non-turbo petrol four-cylinders are expected to remain in cheaper variants.
The covers are expected to come off the 2026 Toyota HiLux in Thailand – where it is built – ahead of an Australian arrival sometime next year.
Thailand is the single largest market for the Toyota HiLux, accounting for 142,865 sales last year, ahead of Australia (53,499), Brazil (50,026) and South Africa (32,656), according to JATO Dynamics automotive data analyst Felipe Munoz.
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
