Toyota Hilux : Toyota unveiled the ninth-generation Hilux on November 10, 2025, marking its first battery-electric pickup while sticking to diesel roots for tough jobs worldwide.
This revamp brings sharper styling, a tech-loaded cabin, and electrified options, with EV sales starting December 2025 in select markets and India likely by 2026.
Built on the upgraded IMV frame, it balances workhorse duties with lifestyle appeal for off-road fans.
Striking New Look Commands Roads
Slimmer LED headlights link via a sleek ‘TOYOTA’ bar above a honeycomb grille on diesel models, while EVs get a sealed panel for aero gains.
Black cladding dresses ICE versions, body-color bits suit electrics, and vertical tail lamps with C-shaped DRLs cap the boxy rear—dual-cab only for now.
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Wheel sizes vary by powertrain, from 17s up, on a 5325mm-long body with 700mm wading depth matching the old guard.
Electric power steering debuts across the board, sharpening turns on trails or highways.
Powertrains Mix Old Grit with New Green
The EV flagship pairs a 59.2kWh battery to front (205Nm) and rear (268.6Nm) motors for AWD, claiming 240km WLTP range, 715kg payload, and 1600kg towing.
Fast charging shines, though details stay vague, with Multi-Terrain Select tweaking torque for mud or sand.
Diesel fans keep the 2.8-litre turbo (204hp, 500Nm AT) with 48V mild-hybrid assist like Fortuner, plus 2.7-litre petrol—payload hits 1 tonne, towing 3500kg. A hydrogen fuel-cell variant eyes 2028, pushing Toyota’s multi-path strategy.
Cabin Leaps into Modern Era
Dual 12.3-inch screens dominate the dash—a digital cluster and infotainment with OTA updates, wireless charging, and connected tech.
Three-spoke wheel bears ‘TOYOTA’ script; physical knobs handle HVAC, AWD modes, keeping gloves-friendly ops.
Ventilated/power seats, rear USBs, 360-camera, and blind-spot monitor elevate comfort, alongside Toyota Safety Sense ADAS with proactive assist and emergency stop. All-black theme feels premium yet durable for dusty hauls.
Off-Road Prowess Stays Unbeaten
Body-on-frame toughness endures with locking diffs, hill descent control, and that 700mm ford depth—EV matches it seamlessly.
New dampers and terrain modes smooth rough stuff, while 80-litre tank (diesels) stretches legs far.
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Current India models boast 220mm clearance unladen, lapping Global NCAP at 5 stars with 7 bags.
Owners rave about Spiti snow runs, proving the legend lives on.
India Pricing and Black Edition Buzz
Current Hilux runs ₹28.02-35.37 lakh ex-showroom (STD to High AT), with Black Edition at ₹37.90 lakh from March 2025—all-black flair on the 2.8 diesel.
On-road in Haryana nears ₹33-42 lakh, undercutting Isuzu V-Cross for similar grunt.
GST cuts shaved up to ₹2.53 lakh in September; new-gen could slot similarly post-2026 launch amid Toyota’s 15-model India push. Waiting lists hit 2 months.
Rivals and Real-World Edge
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross (₹28-34 lakh) trails in power but wins affordability; Fortuner shares DNA at higher SUV prices.
Hilux edges with 10kmpl city/14kmpl highway claims, though loads improve ride.
Fleet operators love 2710kg GVW for hauls; adventurers dig accessories from global aftermarket. Service nets span India, resale holds like gold.
Why Hilux Owns the Pickup Game
Over decades, Hilux conquered wars, Top Gear torture tests, and farms—1 million-plus in India alone.
EV shift nods to green regs without ditching diesel torque for remote runs.
Urban bosses flex its dino presence; rural pros bank on bulletproof build.
Minor gripes like firm seats fade against invincibility feels.
Toyota Hilux Verdict: Tougher, Smarter, Electric-Ready
Ninth-gen Hilux evolves without erasing grit, blending EV innovation with proven brawn for India’s demanding mix.
Book the Black Edition now or eye 2026 imports—this pickup refuses to quit, electrified or not.