Latest intelligence suggests a Cruiser-look next Hilux
The ever-evolving story about the next Toyota Hilux continues to unfold with Japanese sources now revealing a few key links in the chain as the Motor Company starts to ramp up for production.
What we already know is that the new Hilux will share its chassis and many other components with the already revealed US market Toyota Tacoma. Both ‘mid-sized trucks’, as they call them in the ‘States, Tacoma and Hilux will share their architecture for the first time in several generations. But these latest revelations now allow us to piece a little more of the puzzle together.
For starters, it is understood that the new Hilux will adopt a different face to the Tacoma. It will allegedly take its cues from the Land Cruiser 300, as the bakkie takes a step upmarket. Leaving the basic Hilux workhorse chores to the rough, tough, and basic forthcoming Hilux Champ. Using that information (and not AI!) has allowed us to create our exclusive Auto images of the Stellenbosch White Hilux ‘GR Pro’ and Ruby Red ‘Legend’ in the pictures.
Longer wheelbase is biggest Next Hilux change
The allegedly well informed sources also suggest that the new Hilux will measure up 5,355 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,800 mm tall. Which is a bit of a moot point considering that different models of the current Hilux carry different dimensions. Length alone varies between 5,265 and 5330 mm. But for argument’s sake, the current GR Sport is 5,320 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1815 mm tall.
By comparison, the new Tacoma TRD Pro is 5,392 mm long, 1,890 mm wide and 1,793 mm tall, so there really isn’t all that much in it. The biggest change however comes in wheelbase, where the Tacoma gains 150 mm to 3,235 mm, which suggests shorter overhangs for the new Hilux. We’d expect a Hilux perhaps called GR Pro to measure up close to that.
Digging a little further, our sources suggest that Hilux will continue with albeit optionally electrified 2,4 and 2.8-litre turbodiesel engines in Eastern Hemisphere markets like South Africa, Europe, and Australasia. It is unclear whether the present generation of 110 kW 342 Nm 2.4 and 150 kW 500 Nm or 165 kW 550 Nm 2.8 GD6 will continue. Or if the engines will be fresher, more powerful units.
Hybrids rather than V6s for next Hilux?
Hybridisation is however a given and likely to be a subtle upgrade of the recently revealed belt-integrated 48 V system. The 12 kW and 65 electric Nm starter generator is powered by a 48V battery. V6 engines appear off the table for now. The flagship Tacoma however packs a 240 kW 630 Nm I- Force Max turbo 2.4-litre four-cylinder hybrid. So what chance of that power unit this side of the pond? It adds 35 kW electric motor via a 1.9-kilowatt-hour battery pack.
Looking at the Tacoma for more Hilux clues, it gets rear, four and all-wheel drive. Rear drive bakkies get a limited-slip diff. 4x4s have an electronically controlled high and low-range transfer case and upgraded Active Traction Control. The top-of-the-line models have full-time all-wheel drive with a centre-locking differential.
The SR5 double cab and TRD Sport lose the conventional leaves for a new coil sprung multi-link rear suspension, each with unique tuning. The TRD Pro gets Fox shocks, the TRD Off-Road has Bilstein dampers, and the TRD Sport has TRD units for better on-road feel. Tacoma loses a bit of towing capacity at a braked 2,950 kg, but payload improves to 775 kg.
All-new high-tech cabin for next Hilux
Stepping aboard, we expect the cabin to echo the Tacoma. Which means a new 8-inch touchscreen, with an optional 14.0-inch display on premium models. Both come with essential buttons and knobs on Toyota’s CarPlay and Auto compatible interface with wireless Apple and Qi wireless charging. Add a removable JBL Bluetooth speaker with the 10-speaker upgrade. Standard 7.0-inch dials step up to a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Tacoma also gets new advanced trailering features like a trailer brake controller, a trailer backup guide, and a digital rear-view mirror. Tacoma’s approach, departure, and breakover angles are touch down but new options like stabilizer bar disconnect and a multi camera Multi-Terrain Monitor help elsewhere. Multi-Terrain Select extends to 4WD High as well as 4WD Low, with three Mud, Dirt, and Sand modes adjustable on the fly.
A new Crawl Control off-roading function now comes with five adjustable speeds. Toyota’s Isodynamic Performance Seat is part of a new Trailhunter trim with forged monotube Old Man Emu shocks, new steel bumpers, more-robust rear recovery points, and rigid mount points for rooftop tents, and the rest.
Independent reports suggest a 2025 launch date for the latest version of South Africa’s biggest selling car. Toyota SA however remains tight lipped on when its new baby will arrive, but with another step in the GR Sport coming in a month or so, don’t expect to see it much before the end of the year. Toyota of course traditionally launches the newest Hilux early in December. So, keep watching this space!