The new Toyota Hilux is just around the corner, with the first teaser having been released and the next-generation bakkie’s official reveal date finally confirmed…
- Toyota drops teaser video for new Hilux
- Official reveal date set for 10 November
- 15-second clip hints at new design cues
After a string of leaked images and plenty of speculation, the first teaser of the new Toyota Hilux has been released, with the Japanese brand also confirming the next-generation bakkie’s official reveal date.
Yes, Toyota Motor Thailand has released a short teaser video that includes a handful of shadowy shots of what will be the 9th-generation Hilux. The 15-second clip (which we’ve embedded below) also confirms a reveal date of 10 November 2025.
As with the outgoing model, the new Toyota Hilux will be built in several factories around the world, including Thailand. The latest version of the bakkie is also expected to again be produced at Toyota SA Motors’ Prospecton facility in KwaZulu-Natal. The brand’s local division has yet to announce a launch date, but an official market introduction is expected at some point in 2026.
But back to the new bakkie. While official details are still very thin on the ground, it appears that the new Hilux will retain the IMV platform of the current-generation version rather than switching to Toyota’s more advanced TNGA-F underpinnings. In fact, spy shots suggest the doors and certain panels will be carried over.
In addition, the 2026 Hilux is widely expected to stick with Toyota’s 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (again likely offered with or without 48V mild-hybrid technology). As a reminder, this 1GD-FTV engine currently makes 150 kW and 500 Nm in standard guise, while an updated version employed by the GR Sport derivative generates 165 kW and 550 Nm.
The teaser video gives us a glimpse of the new Hilux’s redesigned front and rear ends, as well as a quick look at the revised bakkie’s wheels. Based on the clip (which shows a double-cab variant), we can expect slimmer headlamps and taillamps, along with simple “Toyota” lettering on the grille (the latter similar in design to the outgoing GR Sport flagship).
While the teaser video doesn’t show the new bakkie’s cabin, leaked images suggest it will draw heavily on that of the J250-generation Land Cruiser Prado, perhaps even scoring that SUV’s 12.3-inch touchscreen display.
To refresh your memory, the 8th-gen Hilux debuted way back in 2015, before being introduced to South Africa in February 2016. The Hilux has held the title of Mzansi’s best-selling vehicle for well over 50 years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is the official reveal date for the new Toyota Hilux?
A: The official reveal date for the 9th-generation Toyota Hilux has been confirmed for 10 November 2025.
Q: What are the expected engine and platform details for the 2026 Hilux?
A: The new Hilux is expected to retain the IMV platform of the current model and will likely stick with Toyota’s 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (1GD-FTV), potentially featuring 48V mild-hybrid technology.
Q: When is the new Toyota Hilux expected to launch in South Africa?
A: While an official launch date has not been announced by Toyota SA Motors, an introduction to the South African market is expected at some point in 2026.
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