It’s no secret that the next-generation Toyota Hilux is coming soon. If anything, it might be revealed before the end of the year at the earliest, as it’s slated for the 2026 model year. There have been several spy shots and renderings over the last couple of months, just to brew up the excitement.
Now, it appears we might have a better idea of what it could look like. Alleged patent images of the new-generation midsize pickup have surfaced online, showing not just the exterior but also the interior.
The folks behind the cars_secrets Instagram page claim they have the said patent images of the pickup, and it’s looking more like a heavy rebody than an outright all-new generation. Sort of like the Camry, then.
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For the exterior, the front end has a more angular appearance, following the trend of squared-off designs from new competitors. The headlights are slim and moved higher up, and the bumper features a load of creases, folds, and angles.
As for the rest of the truck, the middle section appears identical to the current model, right down to the kink on the rear window. There’s different body cladding, though, and some other interesting details. We noticed a lip on the tailgate and larger wraparound taillights similar to the Tundra’s. There’s also an integrated tub step like on the Ford Ranger.
But the big deal here is the interior, because it’s possibly the first time it’s been revealed (in a way). The soft and flowing curves from the current model have been banished. Now, there’s a more chiseled look that draws inspiration from the Prado and the Tacoma.
If these images are accurate, we can expect a two-tier dashboard with a flat dash top and a middle section that prominently sticks out. The photo also shows a wide infotainment screen that’s separate from the instrument cluster. Speaking of which, we’re likely to see a digital gauge there, or a semi-analog unit at the very least. The pop-out cupholders by the aircon vents are still present.
Other details remain a mystery, but there’s a good chance that the new Toyota Hilux will actually ride on a new frame. By new frame, we mean the heavily updated IMV chassis, now dubbed the IMV-0. We might get a better ride out of it, given our impressions with the Tamaraw.
As for engines, it’s possible that these will be carried over from the present model. If so, that means a 2.4-liter diesel with 148hp and 400Nm, along with a 2.8-liter diesel that puts out 201hp and 500Nm or 221hp and 550Nm, depending on trim. A mild-hybrid application is likely for select markets.
