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/11 November 2025/inToyota News

New Toyota Hilux Coming to NZ: Details, Photos, and Its Arrival in 2026

The next-generation Toyota Hilux is set to arrive in New Zealand in 2026, bringing significant upgrades to the country’s most trusted workhorse. With a bold, tough new interior and exterior design, and the legendary durability Kiwis have relied on for decades, the 2026 Hilux is ready to tackle everything from farm work to family adventures.

Following four years of development (with a large portion led by Toyota Australia), the new Hilux lineup also features, for the first time, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) powertrain, as well as a hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) variant scheduled to join the lineup in 2028.

As always, the new 2026 Toyota Hilux range ensures there’s a variant or grade to suit every Kiwi ute driver – whether you’re a farmer needing a trusty workhorse, need something to tow the toys, a construction manager on-site all day, require something to fit the kids in on the school run, or simply someone who can appreciate a good Hilux.

What you need to know about the arrival of the new Toyota Hilux in New Zealand

  • The new Toyota Hilux is set to arrive in New Zealand in the first half of 2026, celebrating 50 years since the iconic ute first launched in NZ
  • Major exterior and interior design overhaul includes modern styling, advanced digital displays, enhanced cabin space, and improved driver ergonomics throughout the new Hilux range
  • The new Hilux will be available in New Zealand with a choice of 12 diesel and hybrid diesel variants in Two Wheel Drive, Four Wheel Drive, single cab, extra cab, and double cab with both the cab chassis and well-side options
  • Enhanced safety features target a 5-Star ANCAP rating, including Pre-Collision System with motorcycle detection, Emergency Driver Stop System (SR5 and above), and front centre airbag.
  • A battery electric vehicle (BEV) Hilux is coming, with more details expected in the coming months. A hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) variant will follow in 2028

Learn more or express your interest with ILAM Toyota or  Miles Toyota in Christchurch, or Pacific Toyota in the Bay of Plenty. You can also live chat with us in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen. Further details, pricing, specifications, and more will be released closer to the New Zealand launch.

Read on for more. Please note that international imagery is used, and New Zealand specifications may differ.

Toyota New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Tatsuya Ishikawa, shares that the new Hilux continues to build on the iconic story of the rugged pick-up, much adored by its fans from Bluff to Cape Reinga.

“For generations, Kiwis have trusted Hilux to deliver strength, reliability, and near-unbreakable performance through the toughest conditions this country can throw at it. The new-generation proudly carries that legacy forward as we approach a milestone – 50 years of Hilux in New Zealand in 2026. This evolution is more than a celebration of heritage; it’s a statement of Toyota’s vision for the future, with a multi-pathway approach that includes a BEV and a hydrogen fuel cell Hilux variant scheduled for 2028.” he says.

New Hilux 2026

A bold, rugged, modern design for the new Hilux, both inside and out

The new Hilux’s bold design was led by our cousins over the ditch – Toyota Australia’s design team – in collaboration with Toyota teams in both Thailand and Japan. Inspired by the ‘Cyber Sumo’ design theme, the new Hilux’s design philosophy underscores strength and modern sophistication, perfectly aligning itself with legendary on- and off-road capability.

Designed to turn heads, the new design features slim-line headlights, an assertive front design, and sharp, modern lines. Besides the cabin and doors, nearly every part of the Hilux has been reimagined. New or updated additions to the model include:

  • Step integrated into the tailgate for added convenience
  • All-new well-side design introduces smooth exterior contours
  • Easy access side steps
  • Wrap-around taillights
  • Integrated tailgate handle with assist system
  • Pressed Toyota logo
  • Centrally positioned reversing camera

What colours will the new Hilux be available in?

The new-generation Hilux will be available in a range of colours, including Glacier White, Tensile Silver, Ash, and Eclipse, with select specifications offered in Emotional Red. For a premium touch, the Adventure grade introduces exclusive shades: Sulphur and Frosted White.

New Hilux interior design

Interior upgrades

Perfectly complementing the exterior upgrades, inside the new Hilux, you’ll find a redesigned interior that boasts major upgrades in modernity, comfort, technology, and ergonomics.

  • At the front, a fully reimagined three-tier instrument panel sits flatter than before, creating a more spacious cabin feel and improving forward visibility – particularly useful when off-roading
  • A 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster display for SR grades and a premium 12.3-inch unit for SR5, SR5 Limited, and Adventure variants
  • A 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen for all grades, offering next-generation hardware and software for an immersive media experience
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration
  • A wider centre console improves amenity and rigidity, with a taller centre console storage lid that matches the height of the door armrest to provide greater driver comfort
  • Interior ergonomics are enhanced with newly developed front seats, with up to an eight-way powered driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support adjustment and leather-accented upholstery, depending on the model specification
  • Key Hilux controls retain tactile, intuitive push switches and dials, positioned for even easier access. As an example, all four-wheel-drive controls are located ahead of the shifter for quick, hassle-free operation when you’re out exploring

Powertrains, performance, and off-road capability in the new 2026 Hilux

Toyota New Zealand will offer the new Hilux with a choice of 12 diesel and hybrid diesel variants in Two Wheel Drive, Four Wheel Drive, single cab, extra cab, and double cab with both the cab chassis and well-side options.

Starting with the diesel engine, new-generation Hilux will carry over the 2.8L turbo diesel engine (1GD-FTV) across the range. 1GD-FTV will deliver 150kW of power and 420 to 500Nm of torque depending on transmission choice. The Hilux engine is capable of producing its maximum torque at lower rpm range and maintain the maximum torque across a wide engine speed range ensuring best drivability in demanding conditions such as heavy acceleration, towing and off-road driving. This torque control also allows for a very smooth, controlled and safe off-road driving experience Hilux is known for globally.

While the core powertrain is unchanged from the reliable 2.8 turbo diesel of the current model, Toyota has made a significant number of upgrades to the performance and technology in the Hilux. Some, such as Electric Power Steering on all grades and refined suspension for the SR5 and higher grades, are to improve ride comfort, on and off-road dynamics and reduce driver fatigue.

Excellent off-road prowess is one of the hallmarks of the Hilux with 4×4 grades using a part-time system with high and low range ratios. This has been further enhanced on the new-generation with the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) traction control system on most automatic SR 4×4 grades and above.

2026 Hilux model range and variants

To get the wheels moving, there will be the option of a six-speed automatic transmission and three manual transmission variants for those who prefer the control and direct driving experience of manual gear change.

Tatsuya Ishikawa says the diesel hybrid Hilux has grown in popularity as customers realise the hybrid system takes nothing away from the ute’s performance. In fact, stronger acceleration, smoother operation combined with a Start Stop system, which is now standard across the range, helps reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

Toyota recognises the strong interest in the SR Cruiser and GR SPORT grades with their wide-track configuration. These grades of the new-generation Hilux won’t be available in New Zealand at launch. While these models are not part of the initial launch, Toyota New Zealand is exploring opportunities to make them available in the future.

New Hilux front BEV

Prototype new-generation BEV Hilux

New Hilux BEV rear

Prototype new-generation BEV Hilux

Safety and driver assistance in the new Hilux

Rightfully so, safety features and ratings are important to all buyers. The new-generation Hilux is expected to achieve a 5-Star ANCAP rating, with new safety technologies added to maintain its rating.

New safety features in the new-generation Hilux include:

  • Pre-Collision System with motorcycle detection
  • Intersection Collision Avoidance Support
  • all-speed DRCC (dynamic radar cruise control) (A/T)
  • Lane Tracing Assist

Emergency Driver Stop System is added for grade SR5 (A/T) and above. Additional enhancements to safety include the addition of a front centre airbag, Parking Support Brake for all automatic well-side variants and, in one for the farmers, the Down Hill Assist function has been retuned to operate at a lower speed.

The new-generation Toyota Hilux: truly for every Kiwi driver

Tatsuya Ishikawa says that over the past 50 years since entering the New Zealand market, the Hilux has evolved to form an unbreakable bond with Kiwis, from being very much the simple tough off-road capable farmer’s ute to a reliable ute that can wear many hats and appeal to different customers and usage scenarios.

“Undoubtedly, the Hilux is still incredibly tough and gets the job done. That rugged ‘truck’ appeals to the core rural and trade segment. However, Hilux can also be the family vehicle, happy in a town or urban setting. So, comfort, safety and a modern cabin are important to Hilux customers.

Our medium to large fleet and government customers look for something else from a Hilux. They want a vehicle that’s first and foremost safe, meets their functional needs and enables their business while lowering fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. So, the hybrid, and shortly, the BEV Hilux, will provide lower or zero emitting options. We expect to reveal more details on the BEV early in the new year.

And then we have our ‘weekend warriors’ who use the Hilux during the week for light duties, but on the weekend they throw a boat and trailer on the tow bar or fill the tray with bikes or a few sacks of topsoil from the local garden centre. This is where the versatility, features, technology, towing power and off-road capabilities all come to the fore,” he says.

The legend rolls on. What’s next?

The new-generation Toyota Hilux is built for New Zealand conditions and ready for any challenge. Tougher, smarter, and more capable than ever, the 2026 Hilux handles everything from farm work to family adventures, business fleets to weekend getaways. When you need a dependable ute, Hilux delivers. The legend rolls on.

Learn more or express your interest with ILAM Toyota or  Miles Toyota in Christchurch, or Pacific Toyota in the Bay of Plenty. You can also live chat with us in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.

Read the full press release from Toyota New Zealand

Who is the Miles Group?

With dealerships dating back to as early as 1918, the Miles Group is one of New Zealand’s leading independent motor vehicle groups, officially representing a diverse range of respected vehicle brands online and at 18 physical locations throughout New Zealand.

Our group exists today thanks to our founding director’s focus on excellence in customer service throughout all aspects of our business, combining the strength of our nationwide group with a local-centric approach to each dealership’s own community.

Along with servicing all aspects of New Zealanders’ vehicle needs – from sales and finance to service, parts, and accessories – the group’s dealerships all play an active part in supporting their local communities through various charitable and sporting initiatives, investing in a better tomorrow.

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