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Toyota’s mid-cycle upgrade for the Hilux has been delayed due to factory closings caused by Covid-19.
Factories in Thailand are closed until at least May 7, meaning the Hilux update can now occur in October instead of the end of July, as originally planned. If the Thai government decides to extend the closing regulations, the new debut date could be even later.
The update was reportedly slated to bring a new look, more technology, and increased power to Toyota’s ute to keep it competitive until the next generation buckles around 2023 or 2024.
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How the revamped Hilux is rumored to look. We may be waiting for some time now.
What the design changes will be, aside from some speculative renders, is unknown, but the new technology should include infotainment updates, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota already offers its Safety Sense package in the Hilux range as standard, so there could be additional improvements on that front as well.
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There could be more luxury, too, with Volkswagen’s Amarok competition showing that customers are willing to pay for a sleeker interior. Hyundai could stoke the fire with its upcoming Santa Cruz lifestyle, although Australia and New Zealand are more likely to accept the workhorse-oriented offering.
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Toyota’s current Hilux has been around since 2015 and an update is expected. Unfortunately, we will be waiting a little longer.
As for under the hood, no figures were given, but motoring.com.au He says a “modest” power boost can be expected for Toyota’s in-line four-cylinder 2.8-liter turbo diesel, which exceeds current output of 130kW / 450Nm (automatic) and 130kW / 420Nm (manual).
A fix for the engine’s troublesome Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is sure to be part of the new engine package.
The improved towing capacity could come as a result of the extra horsepower, putting the Hilux on par with the dominant Ford Ranger.
Enoch Gabriel Gonzales / Supplied
Hyundai’s next ute might look like this. Would you buy it in a Hilux or Ranger?
Hopefully, this will also be when Toyota reveals its competitor Ranger Raptor, the GR Hilux. It could come with a V6 turbo diesel with power that improves on the 200kW and 650Nm offered by the current V8 diesel in the Land Cruiser 200 series.
We already know that any Toyota vehicle prefixed with ‘GR’ will come with “remarkable” performance enhancements, which aren’t limited to just the powertrain.
That means we should expect a suitable Raptor competitor on and off the road, rather than just a more powerful Hilux.
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This is last year’s Gladiator concept. I wonder if the GR Hilux could look a bit like that.
Things He contacted Toyota NZ to try to shed some more light on the situation, but had not had a response at the time of publication.
In terms of the next generation, Hilux is expected to unite with the largest Tundra on a unified platform. That could mean we see the Tundra selling itself on the right-hand drive.
Hybrid powertrains are almost certainly coming, too. However, we will not see that for at least three more years.
