A heavily updated Toyota Hilux is expected to make its global debut later this year before reaching UK showrooms in 2026, with Toyota preparing a significant overhaul of its long-serving pickup.
While the underlying ladder-frame chassis and cab structure will be carried over, the front and rear ends are being completely reworked, bringing a squarer, more aggressive design with slimline headlights and a bold grille, closer in style to the latest Land Cruiser range.
Patent drawings and leaked images have already revealed much of the new look.
Inside, the cabin will see a step up in technology. Expect a large ‘floating’ infotainment display set into a reshaped dashboard, digital instruments on higher trims, and improved safety kit thanks to the adoption of electric power steering for the first time.
Under the bonnet, things are also expected to change. We understand that Toyota is dropping the entry-level 2.4-litre diesel, leaving just the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel as the mainstay. That larger engine is already available in UK models, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system designed to trim emissions and improve efficiency.
Both manual and automatic gearboxes are expected to continue, with four-wheel drive remaining standard on UK versions.
Hybrids and EVs coming soon
Despite being rather long in the tooth, Toyota is expected to introduce a plug-in hybrid Hilux later in its life, with a first look anticipated in 2026. A fully electric Hilux is also in the pipeline, though that may not appear until later in the decade. For now, the focus will be on refining the diesel offering for its core customers, while gradually expanding the range with electrified models.
Toyota Hilux extended cab dropped for 2026
It’s suggested that the extended-cab version will be discontinued, leaving only single- and double-cab body styles, with the former available only in the fleet-friendly entry-level Active spec. The pickup is also expected to grow slightly in size, with both length and width increasing by around 20–25mm, although the wheelbase remains unchanged.
The outgoing Hilux range in the UK runs from basic “Active” workhorse models through to lifestyle-focused Invincible and Invincible X versions, and Toyota is likely to continue that broad spread.
The next Hilux is due to be revealed at the Thailand Motor Expo
in late November 2025. That means UK customers could see the first deliveries towards the middle of next year.
