Toyota Motor Thailand has unveiled the ninth-generation Hilux, introducing a new era for one of the world’s most recognisable pick-up trucks. The latest model continues the brand’s long-established reputation for Quality, Durability, and Reliability (QDR), while adding improvements in performance, comfort, and technology to meet the diverse needs of modern users.
Developed through collaboration between engineering teams in Thailand and Australia under the IMV project, the new Hilux is built on an evolved ladder-frame chassis.
Structural enhancements have increased frame rigidity for improved durability and performance. Suspension tuning revisions provide better ride comfort both when carrying loads and when driven without cargo, while the adoption of Electric Power Steering (EPS) gives lighter, more precise steering in urban environments.
Powertrain and Variants
In Thailand, the ICE version of the new Hilux is powered exclusively by the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbodiesel engine producing 204 PS. The engine is available in three body configurations:
- Single Cab
- Extended Cab (Smart Cab)
- Double Cab
The engine delivers:
- 420 Nm when paired with a 6-speed manual
- 500 Nm when paired with a 6-speed automatic
Depending on specification, models are available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the 2.4-litre diesel continues to be offered on the outgoing Hilux Revo range as low-riding rear-wheel drive options positioned below the new-generation lineup.
Interior, Safety, and Connectivity
Inside, the new Hilux features Toyota’s latest digital and safety technology. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 enhances pre-collision and lane assistance performance, while Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) help improve visibility in tight or complex environments.
The infotainment system has been updated with improved smartphone integration and connected services to enhance convenience over the vehicle’s lifecycle.
Hilux Travo-e: First-Ever Fully Electric Hilux
For the first time in the model’s history, the Hilux lineup now includes a fully electric variant known as the Hilux Travo-e. This electric model demonstrates Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy toward carbon neutrality, offering customers a zero-emission option without sacrificing the core utility and toughness expected of a Hilux.
The Hilux Travo-e is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system:
- Front motor: 112 PS and 205 Nm
- Rear motor: 176 PS and 269 Nm
- Combined output: 196 PS
This configuration provides strong low-speed torque delivery, beneficial for both work and off-road driving.
While a 59.2-kWh lithium-ion battery supplies energy with a 315 km range (NEDC), charging capabilities include:
- AC charging up to 10 kW
- DC fast charging up to 125 kW
Battery protection has been a priority in development. The pack is mounted within a diamond-shaped reinforcing subframe to reduce stress during frame flex and is surrounded by a shock-absorbing safety structure to prevent damage during rough use. This approach ensures the electric Hilux maintains the durability expected of a body-on-frame vehicle.
The Hilux Travo-e is offered exclusively as a double cab, aligning with its intended use across municipal fleets, commercial operators, and private users seeking a practical but more sustainable pick-up.
That being said, the arrival of the new Hilux and the introduction of the first-ever Hilux BEV reinforce Toyota’s commitment to meeting varied mobility needs across global markets.
The diesel-powered models continue to deliver proven reliability and work-ready strength, while the Hilux Travo-e provides an alternative pathway for regions transitioning toward electrified transport. Together, they ensure the Hilux remains one of Toyota’s most important and enduring nameplates as it moves confidently into a new era.
