Tag Archives: Hilux BEV

2026 Toyota Hilux debuts in Thailand

Toyota Motor Asia (TMA) has officially unveiled the 9th generation of the Toyota Hilux pickup truck, which will be available starting in 2026.

Here are some key facts you should know:

 

Powertrain Options

The new Hilux continues with a 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine (code 1GD-FTV) that can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission (204 PS/420 Nm) or a 6-speed automatic transmission (204 PS/500 Nm).

Toyota is also offering an electric version of the Hilux (Travo-e in the Thailand market), powered by two electric motors with a total output of 196 PS.

With a 59.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Hilux Travo-e has a range of 315 km (NEDC data).

Aligned with a multi-pathway approach, Toyota will develop a hydrogen fuel cell model (FCEV) to be introduced in Europe and Oceania starting in 2028.

 

Chassis

This new generation Hilux retains the IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) platform but has been enhanced with various modern technologies.

These enhancements include a mechanical upgrade called Dynamic Cloud, which encompasses:

  • Additional connection points on the body frame for a sturdier and more stable structure
  • Suspension tuning for smoother handling
  • Hydraulic engine mounts to reduce vibration impacts
  • A larger steering shaft for more responsive control

 

Exterior Design

The 2026 Hilux features visual changes such as:

  • A Cyber Sumo front face with thinner headlight units
  • The addition of side steps on the truck bed
  • Neater rear lights
  • Newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels

 

Cabin Space

The layout of the new Hilux cabin showcases a theme of Robust Simplicity with the following features:

  • A 12.3-inch digital cluster screen
  • A 12.3-inch central screen
  • Climate control buttons with a digital display
  • Land Cruiser-style steering wheel and gear knob
  • More ergonomic seat design

Additionally, the new Hilux comes with an electric parking brake system with Auto Brake Hold functionality, as well as electronic power steering (EPS).

 

Safety Features

All variants of the Hilux sold in the Thai market come equipped with standard safety features such as rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), and a blind spot monitoring system (BSM).

Furthermore, the Toyota Safety Sense 3 (TSS) package now includes improved pre-collision and lane-keeping assist functions, along with a panoramic view monitoring system (PVM) and Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM).

2026 Toyota Hilux BEV

Toyota tests Hilux BEV prototype units at Australian mining site

The Toyota Hilux BEV was introduced in Thailand a few years ago, featuring a single cab body configuration.

To better suit the demands of mining operations, Toyota has decided to unveil a prototype unit of the Hilux BEV, based on the single cab body style.

In collaboration with mining company BHP, Toyota aims for this Hilux BEV prototype to provide invaluable data for developing a production model.

Over the next 12 months, this Hilux BEV pickup will replace diesel trucks for various operations at Port Hedland, one of the largest iron ore mining sites in the world.

This double-cab prototype Hilux BEV closely resembles the diesel engine version, with the only distinguishing feature being the presence of a charging port on the front fender.

Additionally, Toyota has fitted a bull bar at the front, complete with extra LED lights.

To date, Toyota has kept the specifications of the Hilux BEV prototype under wraps.

However, this is not the first time we’ve heard news about the use of electric Hilux trucks to replace diesel-powered vehicles in mining areas.

A few years ago, Toyota Australia developed an electric version of the Land Cruiser 70 Series as part of efforts to reduce emissions.

Last year, SEA Electric and MEVCO announced a AU$1 billion collaboration to develop 8,500 EV units based on the Hilux and Land Cruiser for use in the mining industry.

Moreover, in the UK, Toyota is conducting an initiative to test up to ten prototype Toyota Hilux units powered by fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology adapted from the hydrogen sedan Toyota Mirai.

 

Toyota Hilux FCEV

Toyota to assemble Hilux BEV in Thailand by end-2025

Toyota is currently testing the battery-electric Hilux BEV to assess its performance as it prepares to commence the production of the truck in Thailand by the end of 2025.

According to Reuters, Thailand is a critical market for Toyota, with pickup trucksmaking up more than half of total vehicle sales. The company also has a large manufacturing plant in the country.

“Our intention is to be producing the Hilux BEV over here,” Pras Ganesh, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Asia told Reuters.

Ganesh did not provide any details on pricing or production volume for the Hilux BEV, which would be Toyota’s first electric pickup truck offering.

He added that the pickup truck will be primarily targeted at the Thai domestic market but Toyota will also consider exporting the model.

The Japanese automaker is testing the Hilux BEV for various use cases in different road and temperature conditions.

“The more range I have to put on it, the more battery I have to put on it, which means the weight of the vehicle also becomes significantly heavier, which means the loading can be much less,” Ganesh said.

“So ‘Is it going to meet the customer’s usage needs?’ is always our biggest issue. We are always trying to understand what they do,” he added.

Meanwhile, Toyota’s closest rival Isuzu Motors also plans to assemble its electric D-Max pickup truck in Thailand.