Thai publication Headlight Magazine has taken, what appears to be, the very first spy shots of the next-generation Toyota Hilux ahead of the bakkie’s debut later this year.
The camouflaged bakkie was spotted testing in Thailand, one of Toyota’s most important markets, apparently confirming several rumours that have come to light over the past year.
It was previously reported that the new Hilux will retain several components from the current generation that are still perfectly suitable for doing their jobs such as the chassis and a few body panels, which now appears true when looking at this suspected pre-production unit.
Only the front and rear sections of the bakkie have been hidden from the public eye as this is where it’s anticipated the most changes will take place.
Peeking through the camouflage, it seems the new Hilux will get a heavily revised front fascia that possibly rises up higher than that of the outgoing version, along with skinnier headlights and a honeycomb grille.
The indents below the visible lights suggest there may be another pair of headlamps situated underneath the top clusters, a design choice followed by several modern automakers, or perhaps air intakes that supply a more aggressive look similar to its US sibling, the Toyota Tacoma.
It’s also riding on a disguised set of wheels, though these are unlikely to be the ones the bakkie is shipped with as test mules are usually equipped with generic rims whilst they’re being put through their paces.
Another element worth pointing out is the small, rectangular black panel above the front number plate.
Generally speaking, this is where manufacturers hide the sensors for advanced driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, so expect the new Hilux to have a few of those types of abilities.
Moving to the rear, Toyota has completely overhauled the load box, rear bumper, tailgate, and taillamps.
Spotting the differences is tough on the hazy spy shots of the moving vehicle, however, it appears that it may have been on the receiving end of more pronounced wheel arches and a more refined rear bumper.
Meanwhile, the doors, windows, side steps, and roof have been left open for the world to see, and they look very similar to those of the Hilux we have today.
This reinforces the idea that the next-generation Hilux may be more of an evolution of the current model than an all-new vehicle from the ground up, a strategy that could leave it on the backfoot against rivals such as the latest Ford Ranger which shares virtually nothing with its forebear.
Mechanically speaking, the incoming Hilux is expected to sit on the same IMV chassis as the present generation which has been upgraded with newer technologies.
Furthermore, it should retain the current petrol and diesel engine selection as well as gain new powertrain options over the course of its lifetime like plug-in hybrid, electric, and hydrogen.
Headlight Magazine writes that the new Hilux is likely to be equipped with an electronic power steering system that is already doing duty in the Hilux Revo e in international markets, instead of the hydraulic system in the current iteration, which should lend it a smoother steering feel.
It will hopefully also get an extensively enhanced suspension system that will improve ride comfort and handling, areas in which the Hilux isn’t particularly known to excel.
Expected launch date
It’s widely thought that the new Hilux will be unveiled in all its glory in mid-to-late 2025, just in time for a commercial rollout in early 2026.
Like the current generation, the upcoming model will be built at Toyota’s Durban factory.
The automaker announced in August 2024 that it is busy establishing a new R1.2-billion component manufacturing plant at the Dube Tradeport in KwaZulu-Natal, which is likely going to support the production of the next-gen Hilux.
The new parts facility will supply a range of necessities exclusively to Toyota including rocker panels, radiator supports, sills, roof rails, body pillars, and rear floor cross parts, and it’s earmarked to open its doors in July 2025.
The mid-2025 date hints that Toyota will start requiring these parts shortly thereafter, perhaps for building up a stockpile of the next-gen Hilux before it officially goes on sale.
Head of Toyota South Africa Motors, Andrew Kirby, told The Citizen in July this year that the next-gen Hilux “will not be coming to market next year” – i.e. 2025.
However, his wording suggests that it could still be unveiled this year albeit not going on ale.
Toyota took the wraps off the new Prado in August 2023 long before the commencement of its market rollout in early 2024, and it might be eyeing a similar strategy with the Hilux.
Additionally, Toyota Australia’s VP of Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley, told CarsGuide that we’ll “have to wait until ’25” when asked whether the bakkie will retain its diesel power.
These breadcrumbs all point to a potential 2025 reveal and 2026 launch date for the new Hilux.
Next-generation Toyota Hilux spy shots by Headlight Magazine
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