Sources from VnExpress indicate that Toyota Vietnam will import the new generation Hilux, with sales beginning in 1/2026. Many dealerships of the Japanese automaker in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are currently accepting deposits from customers for early deliveries, aiming to hand over the vehicles before Tet Nguyen Dan.

The 2026 Hilux marks the 9th generation of the popular pickup truck. Its styling adopts a "Cyber Sumo" aesthetic, a departure from the familiar "hammerhead" design seen on recent Toyota models. On the Japanese pickup, slimmer LED headlights flank a body-colored honeycomb grille, while angular front bumper air intakes and a robust skid plate create a rugged, utilitarian appearance. The electric version features a unique front bumper with a closed grille and redesigned air intakes.

The 9th generation Toyota Hilux in Thailand. Photo: Toyota

Completely new exterior design.

Newly designed taillights.

Bed color matches body color.

Completely redesigned cockpit.

Strong styling similar to the Tacoma line.

Drive mode selector button.

All-electric version.

Overall dimensions remain unchanged with a length of 5,320 mm and a wheelbase of 3,085 mm.

The new Hilux's silhouette remains familiar, as the windshield, pillars, and doors are carried over from its predecessor, which debuted in 2015. However, the front and rear fenders have been redesigned with squared-off wheel arches, combined with a new wheel design, contributing to a more robust stance. At the rear, the Hilux presents a more distinct appearance than before, featuring sharper LED taillights and a modern bumper that now integrates convenient side steps, similar to those found on the Ford Ranger.

The interior has undergone a comprehensive overhaul, blending modern technology with the Hilux's traditional utilitarian nature. It features a boxy dashboard, a freestanding 12.3-inch infotainment screen (8-inch in the standard Thai version), and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (7-inch in lower versions). Physical controls for functions like air conditioning and audio have been retained. A robust steering wheel with buttons borrowed from the Land Cruiser is present, while a compact gear selector knob and drive mode selector are located on the center console. There are two vertical storage compartments on the passenger side, along with dashboard-mounted cup holders.

The configuration of the 2026 Toyota Hilux set to be sold in Vietnam is not yet clear. Dealership sales staff suggest that the vehicle will likely retain three versions, similar to the current generation: a four-wheel drive manual transmission (MT), a two-wheel drive automatic transmission (AT), and a four-wheel drive automatic transmission (AT).

Older generation Hilux models sold in Vietnam are all equipped with diesel engines, featuring a 2.4-liter capacity in the two lower versions and a 2.7-liter in the highest version. In Thailand, all versions of the new generation Hilux use a 2.8-liter diesel engine, producing 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque. It comes with either a manual transmission (MT) or automatic transmission (AT) option. The price for double cab versions (excluding the all-electric variant) ranges from USD 29,285 to 39,870.

Dealerships are not accepting orders for the all-electric version of the Hilux, stating that the company has no plans to bring it to Vietnam. In Thailand, this version is called the Hilux Travo-e and is priced at approximately USD 46,100. The all-electric Hilux uses two electric motors, generating a combined output of 193 hp. The vehicle's 59.2 kWh battery pack provides a range of 240 km according to the WLTP cycle, or slightly over 300 km under NEDC standards. Toyota anticipates adding a hydrogen fuel cell version in 2028.

Like most of its competitors, the current generation Toyota Hilux (priced from 689-999 million VND) sold in Vietnam is imported from Thailand. While the Hilux dominates its segment in Thailand, which is Southeast Asia's largest and one of the world's leading pickup truck markets, with sales exceeding 170,000 units (2024 data from Focus2move), its performance in Vietnam is quite the opposite. The Hilux is significantly overshadowed by its rival, the Ford Ranger. As of October, cumulative sales for the Toyota Hilux reached 3,026 units, placing it third in the segment. The Ranger sold 14,453 units, nearly five times that of the Hilux.

Thanh Nhan