2026 Toyota HiLux: Redesigned interior revealed in leaked patent diagrams
We found these images on the cars_secrets Instagram account, which claims they are from a patent filing.
These patent sketches match with recent spy photos showing that the 'new' HiLux is actually just an upgraded version of today's ute, but with a new front and rear.
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What we see for the first time is the HiLux's interior, which looks as though it will be a nicer and more modern place to be.
The dashboard and centre console are all new, and in the centre of the dashboard is a widescreen infotainment display, likely the same 12.3-inch unit fitted to many recent Toyotas. It's possible lower-spec versions of the HiLux will have a smaller screen in the same spot.
Below are the central vents and climate controls, although the patent images image give no clue as to whether it will have physical or capacitive controls. The set of vents and switches used in the LandCruiser Prado would fit in well with this HiLux's dash design, though.
In the centre tunnel there's a chunky gear shifter, and what might be a set of drive toggles beside it. We can't see a hand brake anywhere, so it's likely to have been replaced by an electronic switch or maybe it's obscured by the centre arm rest.
There seem to be cupholder slots in front of each side vent. Like the current HiLux there's a second covered storage area on top of the glove box.
Back to the exterior, which features carry-over doors and roof. There is, however, a new front end with slim headlights, while at the rear the tail-lights wrap around further into the flanks.
The model pictured here has slim, angular plastic wheel arch protectors, but judging from earlier spy photos, these won't be present on all model trims.
Underneath it all is the IMV platform, which dates back to 2004. This will disappoint those looking for a more modern Toyota ute, and are unwilling to move to the US for such a privilege.
The latest versions of the Tacoma, as well as the larger Tundra that's re-manufactured locally in right-hand drive, both ride on the TNGA-F body-on-frame architecture that also does duty under the latest LandCruiser and LandCruiser Prado, as well as their Lexus siblings.
This means it's less likely the new HiLux will feature some of the more interesting power plants available in those cars.
The Tacoma, for example, is available with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine available in three outputs: 170kW/329Nm, 201kW/420Nm, and 207kW/430Nm. There's also a hybrid version making 243kW/630Nm.
And for those who want to dream a little bigger, the Tundra is sold with a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol making 260kW/549Nm or 290kW/650Nm, as well as a hybridised version pumping out 326kW and 790Nm.
By comparison, local versions of the current HiLux are available with 2.4- and 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engines, topping out with the 150kW/500Nm V-Active mild-hybrid and the GR Sport's 165kW/550Nm.
The sole petrol offering here is a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre four-cylinder. The 235kW/376Nm 4.0-litre V6 sold in the Middle East isn't no longer available Down Under.
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Leading the charge is Australia's best-selling ute, the Ford Ranger, whose 4×4 sales might be down 13.8% on the year, but still strong enough to lead the segment. Its closest competitor, the Toyota HiLux, outsold the Ranger in July, but it still has some ways to make up the nearly 1,500 sales margin. Still, with a new HiLux on the way sometime in the next 16 months, it will be interesting to see how Ford responds beyond the launch of their plug-in hybrid models. The answer is likely Super Duty, with a surprisingly affordable price now confirmed for Australia. Below, we've included information about the top-spec V6 diesel variants. Power and torque are still something the HiLux can't compete with. Ford Ranger V6 Diesel key specifications: Engine : 3.0-litre single-turbo diesel V6 : 3.0-litre single-turbo diesel V6 Power / Torque : 184 kW @ 3250 rpm / 600 Nm @ 1750-2250 rpm : 184 kW @ 3250 rpm / 600 Nm @ 1750-2250 rpm Transmission : 10-speed automatic : 10-speed automatic Drivetrain : On-demand 4WD with 2H, 4A, 4H, 4L modes : On-demand 4WD with 2H, 4A, 4H, 4L modes Braked towing capacity: 3,500 kg 2024 Toyota HiLux | Image: Toyota Australia 2. Toyota HiLux, 30,943 sales Price: from AUD$27,730 to $75,310 before on-road costs. With strong sales in the month, the Toyota HiLux clawed back ground on the Ford Ranger. Fleet sales still determine a large portion of this market, and with mining being such a prolific purchaser of new utes, it's not surprising to see the HiLux at the top of the market, despite its age. We expect to see a new HiLux model arrive sometime next year. Still, this generation has been continually refined to include a GR Sport variant (the most potent option) and even a mild-hybrid 48V variant over the years. It's important to note here that the Toyota HiLux is the best-selling 4×2 ute (4,698 sales). With an entry price below AUD$30,000, it's nearly $10,000 cheaper than a base-model Ford Ranger, and is a favourite amongst trademen and women who aren't interested in off-roading and camping and simply want a cheap and practical ute. Toyota Hilux GR Sport key specifications: Engine : 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder : 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder Power / Torque : 165 kW / 550 Nm : 165 kW / 550 Nm Transmission : 6-speed automatic : 6-speed automatic Drivetrain : Part-time 4WD : Part-time 4WD Braked towing capacity: 3,500 kg 2025 Isuzu Ute D-Max X-Terrain | Image: Isuzu Ute 3. Isuzu D-Max, 16,416 sales Price: from AUD$32,700 to $78,900 before on-road costs. 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We had to drive one, and after only a few hours behind the wheel at the vehicle's launch, we were very impressed. It's not a hard-working ute built for the bush, but for most buyers, it's better because of it. The hybrid powertrain is superior to any common-rail diesel on the market, the ride comfort is top-notch because it doesn't have a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, and the NVH is SUV-like. With a successful marketing roll-out and a good product, sales followed. BYD has sold 11,657 Shark 6s this year, which isn't due to a spike in deliveries. The brand has sold more than 1,000 Shark 6s monthly since the vehicle landed on our shores. Even with a tougher month in July, where the Mitsubishi Triton beat it, it still managed 1,233 sales, a 7.1% increase on the prior month. The scary thing for mainstream ute brands is that the BYD Shark 6 is the first in a long line of cut-price, tech-filled, practical, and capable Chinese-made utes. 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