Forget flashy features; sometimes, the real story is in the basics. Toyota understands this perfectly, which is why the unveiling of the 2026 Hilux included a look at its most fundamental form. This isn’t just about the high-end trims; it’s about the heart of the truck – the workhorse, the reliable companion.
This ninth-generation Hilux embraces a classic approach. Think halogen headlights and sturdy steel wheels. To keep things affordable, some parts, like door handles and side mirror caps, remain unpainted. There’s a certain charm in seeing a pickup stripped down to its essentials, a refreshing reminder of its core purpose. The interior continues this theme.
Inside, the leather seats of the more luxurious models are swapped out for durable cloth upholstery, ideal for the demands of a working truck. The cabin is dominated by hard plastics, and blank buttons serve as a gentle reminder of the optional features you could have. This base model, designed for markets like Thailand, keeps it simple with manual air conditioning and a mechanical handbrake.
And here’s a detail that will excite some and disappoint others: the six-speed manual gearbox is still alive and kicking in the new Hilux! This isn’t entirely surprising, given that the pickup is built on an evolution of its decade-old predecessor’s platform. The most affordable version remains rear-wheel drive, and the engine choices still include dependable gasoline and diesel four-cylinder options. However, there’s a modern twist: a battery-electric version is joining the lineup, with a hydrogen fuel cell variant planned for 2028.
While the European Hilux is exclusively offered as a double cab, other markets will have more options. This single cab is one of them, along with an access cab featuring shorter, rear-hinged back doors. Toyota is currently showcasing the ladder-frame truck, but the possibility of another Fortuner – essentially an SUV based on the Hilux – can’t be ruled out.
Whether for developing countries or Western markets, Toyota seems determined to offer a Hilux configuration to suit almost every need. It’s expected to live up to its reputation for being “indestructible,” thanks to its proven underpinnings. However, the styling is taking a fresh direction, and the higher-end versions boast far more modern interiors than before.
With over 21 million Hilux units sold since its debut in 1968, Toyota is clearly onto something. The new model appears to be building on that winning formula, opting for evolution rather than a complete reinvention.
What are your thoughts on this back-to-basics approach? Do you appreciate the simplicity, or do you prefer the more modern features of the higher trims? Share your opinions in the comments below!