Toyota has unveiled the 9th-generation Hilux, marking one of the most significant leaps in the pickup’s 57-year history. Built in Thailand and co-developed with Australia, the new Hilux represents Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to mobility, blending traditional diesel and petrol engines with a fully electric BEV and even a hydrogen FCEV on the way.
AI Quick Summary
Toyota has unveiled the 9th-generation Hilux, a major update that introduces a multi-pathway approach to mobility, offering traditional petrol and diesel (now with mild-hybrid) engines, a new fully electric BEV, and a hydrogen FCEV planned for 2028. This significantly upgraded pickup features sharper styling, a modernized cabin with dual 12.3-inch displays, advanced safety tech like Toyota Safety Sense 3, and enhanced off-road performance, future-proofing the legendary vehicle.
This summary was generated by AI using this article’s content.
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What’s New in the 2025 Toyota Hilux?
Almost everything. The 9th-gen Hilux moves to a new iteration of Toyota’s IMV body-on-frame platform, keeping its rugged DNA but adding sharper styling, a smarter cabin, and more tech than ever.
Slim LED headlamps now stretch across the front with bold TOYOTA lettering between them. ICE versions get a honeycomb-patterned grille, while EV models feature a smooth, aerodynamically closed-off front panel. Large, C-shaped LED taillamps, new alloy wheel designs, and a chunkier bumper complete the tougher yet modern look.
Only a dual-cab body style is offered at launch, emphasising lifestyle and versatility over bare-bones utility.
How Powerful Is the New Hilux EV?
For the first time, the Hilux goes fully electric. The Hilux BEV packs a 59.2 kWh lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor, feeding front and rear eAxles for full-time 4WD.
Toyota quotes a maximum system output of 144 kW, with torque figures around 205 Nm (front) and 268.6 Nm (rear).
It promises a cruising range of over 300 km (NEDC) or roughly 240 km on WLTP standards.
Payload stands at 715 kg, with a towing capacity of 1,600 kg, and a wading depth of 700 mm, matching the current diesel model. Toyota says the truck offers “best-in-class charging capability”, though full charging specs are yet to be confirmed.
Will It Still Offer Petrol and Diesel Engines?
Yes, Toyota isn’t abandoning combustion. The Hilux continues with its 2.7-litre petrol and 2.8-litre diesel engines. The diesel variant gains 48V mild-hybrid assistance, similar to the Fortuner Neo Drive, offering improved efficiency and smoother low-speed acceleration.
The mild-hybrid system’s small battery is tucked beneath the rear seats to preserve cabin space. Payload goes up to 1 tonne, and towing capacity remains class-leading at 3,500 kg. In Japan, the diesel version will debut by mid-2026, following the BEV rollout in FY2026 across Asia.
What About the Hydrogen Hilux?
Toyota isn’t stopping with electric. An FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) variant is under development, due for release in Europe and Oceania by 2028.
This model will combine zero-emission operation with off-road strength, a symbol of Toyota’s multi-pathway carbon-neutral strategy, where no region or customer is left behind.
How Advanced Is the Tech Inside?
Inside, the new Hilux has jumped forward a generation. It gets dual 12.3-inch displays, one for the instrument cluster and another for infotainment, plus a new three-spoke steering wheel with TOYOTA branding.
Key features include:
- Wireless charging pad
- Ventilated and powered front seats
- Blind-spot monitor & safe exit assist
- Rear USB-C ports
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates
- Multi-Terrain and 360° monitors
- Connected car tech with smartphone integration
What About Safety and Driver Assistance?
The 9th-gen Hilux introduces Toyota Safety Sense 3 (TSS 3), the latest version of Toyota’s driver-assistance suite.
It includes:
- Enhanced pre-collision detection
- Lane-keeping assist
- Low-speed acceleration suppression
- Proactive driving assist
- Emergency driving stop system
A Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) also aid visibility off-road and in tight urban spaces.
How Does It Perform Off-Road?
Toyota has tuned the suspension and chassis to make the Hilux as confident on trails as it is on tarmac. It now features Electric Power Steering (EPS) for improved control and comfort, though hydraulic steering will remain in select markets. The Multi-Terrain Select system adapts braking and torque delivery for sand, mud, or rock surfaces, maintaining Toyota’s off-road credibility.
When Will It Launch In The UAE?
The rollout begins in late 2025 with the Hilux BEV, followed by ICE and hybrid versions in 2026. Thailand and Australia lead development and production, reinforcing Hilux’s roots under the IMV project, a programme that has built more than 13 million Toyota vehicles in Thailand since 2004.
While you can now obtain the existing 2025 ICE Hilux in the UAE, the all-new 9th-generation Hilux (especially the BEV/multi-pathway versions) is likely to arrive in the UAE market by late 2026.
Is the Hilux Still the King of Pickups?
The 9th-gen Hilux doesn’t reinvent the formula; it expands it. With its first-ever electric and upcoming hydrogen versions, Toyota has future-proofed its legendary pickup without compromising on the toughness that made it a global icon.
It’s smarter, cleaner, and tougher, ready to face both city life and mountain trails, a true all-rounder built for the next decade.
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FAQs
What powertrain options will the new Hilux have?
The new-gen Hilux offers multiple powertrains: petrol (2.7 L), diesel (2.8 L with 48 V mild-hybrid), a 59.2 kWh battery-electric (BEV) model, and a hydrogen fuel-cell (FCEV) version scheduled for 2028.
What are the specs of the Hilux BEV model?
The BEV variant has a 59.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, full-time AWD via eAxles, system output of 144 kW, over 300 km NEDC (≈240 km WLTP) range, payload of 715 kg and towing capacity of 1,600 kg.
When will the new Hilux launch globally and regionally?
Global launch begins with the BEV from late 2025, followed by ICE models in mid-2026 in some markets. The FCEV follows in 2028.
What advanced features and tech does the new Hilux include?
It gets dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless charging, ventilated seats, over-the-air updates, expanded ADAS (including low-speed acceleration suppression, safe-exit assist), multi-terrain/360° cameras and electric power steering.
Why did Toyota adopt this “multi-pathway” approach for Hilux?
Because different regions have varying infrastructure and customer needs. Toyota wants the Hilux to serve all markets via ICE, BEV and FCEV options, so “nobody is left behind.”
Toyota has unveiled the 9th-generation Hilux, marking one of the most significant leaps in the pickup’s 57-year history. Built in Thailand and co-developed with Australia, the new Hilux represents Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to mobility, blending traditional diesel and petrol engines
