2026 Latest Toyota Hilux: Unveiled at Brussels Motor Show, A Practical Pickup Full of Highlights

[PCauto] The 2026 Toyota Hilux pickup truck appeared at the Brussels Auto Show.

This model enjoys high recognition in Southeast Asian markets, especially in regions like Thailand and Malaysia.

Therefore, the latest Hilux was first launched in Thailand last October, including a fully electric version.

Why has it become the top choice among Southeast Asians?

Simply put, the Hilux does not come with unnecessarily high-end features but instead closely caters to the core needs of Southeast Asian users for durability, strong power, and practicality.

Due to these advantages, the Hilux has also gained global recognition.

This time, while preserving its classic advantages, it has undergone significant upgrades. Let's talk about its performance after the upgrades.

It is often said that when looking at a car, the exterior is the first impression. The latest Hilux continues its tough pickup style with optimized design details while maintaining its overall look:

• The front features a brand-new black honeycomb grille, paired with sharp LED headlights and a prominent TOYOTA logo in the center, greatly enhancing its recognition;
• The sides of the vehicle are equipped with dark plastic fender flares, black door handles, and mirrors, effectively protecting against scratches on unpaved roads;
• The rear features exclusive "Rogue" decals, unique tailgate decorations, and a dark bumper;
• It is paired with 18-inch wheels and 265/60R18 Toyo Tyres Open Country H/T 2 tires.

After discussing the changes in the exterior details, let's take a look at the practicality of the interior configuration.

The interior quality of the new Hilux is commendable, with thoughtful design details catering to both the driver and passengers.

• The interior features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system;
• Supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity;
• The rear seats are equipped with air conditioning vents and blue LED ambient lighting;
• The seats are made of dual-tone perforated leather material;
• The steering wheel offers manual tilt and telescopic adjustment.

The performance of the safety system cannot be ignored. The latest Hilux is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense active driver assistance system (ADAS), including features such as Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert and Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), etc.

It performed well in actual tests and can effectively reduce driving risks.

However, it needs to be objectively stated that the image quality of the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and the rearview camera still has room for improvement.

Under adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, the clarity is insufficient, which is something that users who often reverse in complex road conditions need to take note of.

With safety systems no longer a concern, let’s take a look at upgrades related to the body structure and off-road capabilities:

• The latest Hilux still uses a non-load-bearing body, but the frame strength has been increased by 20% compared to the old model, which means better load-carrying and towing capabilities. According to relevant test reports, the new model's measured load capacity can reach 1000 kg, with a towing capacity of 3500 kg;
• The manufacturer has equipped it with a rear axle differential lock and long-travel suspension as standard features;
• The new model retains the 700mm wading depth design, making it easy to cross shallow riverbeds during the rainy season.

Note: The rear axle differential lock can quickly distribute power when one side's wheel slips; the long-travel suspension optimizes shock absorption on rough roads, reducing the shaking of the vehicle during bumps.

The core power of the latest Hilux is still the 2.8-liter turbocharged 1GD-FTV diesel engine, which is also the main configuration for the global practical pickup truck market.

After optimization, the maximum power has been increased to 204 horsepower, and the peak torque reaches 500Nm, showing a significant improvement compared to the old model's 177 horsepower and 450Nm.

The key to the power improvement lies in the optimization of the turbo cooling system and the increase in fuel rail pressure (from 220MPa to 250MPa), which makes the vehicle's mid-to-late stage power more aggressive, providing more ease when climbing steep slopes with heavy loads or overtaking at high speeds.

In terms of transmission, it is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which is well-tuned and offers smoother driving performance than the 10-speed transmission of the Ford Ranger.

At the same time, the noise control of this diesel engine is well-managed and is not noticeable during driving, ensuring it does not affect the in-car driving experience.

In addition to traditional diesel power, Toyota also offers a 48V mild hybrid version for users who prioritize fuel economy.

The core function of this system is to enhance smoothness during start-up, reducing the jerkiness when the diesel engine starts at low speeds. It also recovers energy during deceleration and coasting, helping to reduce fuel consumption.

More importantly, it does not affect the vehicle's load-bearing and towing capabilities, maintaining the practical characteristics of the diesel version.

This particularly caters to users who are sensitive to operational costs but still require the load capacity of a pickup truck.

Note: Based on the 2.8T diesel engine, a 48V motor and supporting battery have been added to form a mild hybrid system.

It is worth noting that at this auto show, Toyota also showcased an all-electric version of the Hilux designed for the European market.

The electric version is equipped with a 59.2kWh lithium battery pack and features a full-time four-wheel-drive system with dual electric motors at the front and rear.

The maximum torque of the front motor is 205 Nm, while the rear motor delivers a maximum torque of 268 Nm, providing powerful and smooth comprehensive torque output.

It needs to be explained that the characteristics of the motor enable the vehicle to respond quickly with torque at low speeds, completing power distribution in milliseconds. Whether starting in the city or handling off-road conditions, it can provide stable and controllable power output.

As for the pure electric version's range performance, the official WLTP driving range is 258 kilometers.

Although the range level needs improvement, the energy replenishment efficiency is high, requiring only 30 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% in fast charging mode.

The performance of the new Hilux aligns with the positioning of a rugged pickup truck.

Due to its body-on-frame structure, the vehicle may tilt slightly during cornering and experience some shaking on bumpy roads, requiring a short time for the suspension to stabilize.

However, it also has clear advantages, such as a broad field of vision, and with the variable flow control steering system, the driving experience approaches that of a large sedan.