New Toyota Hilux revealed: iconic pickup truck goes electric for the first time

The new Toyota Hilux has been unveiled – and for the first time there will be a battery electric model.

To be sold alongside a mild-hybrid diesel, the electric Hilux will add to the small but growing number of electric pick-up trucks on sale when the it arrives in June 2026.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

New Toyota Hilux Design

The new Hilux takes inspiration from the current Land Cruiser SUV, with a chunky and rugged appearance. There is a family resemblance to Toyota’s passenger SUV, but the new pick-up draws from the Hilux’s styling back-catalogue, too.

It has a rugged appearance, with a tall and imposing front end with slimmer headlights than today’s Hilux.

Diesel models have a honeycomb grille, while the battery electric version (BEV) has a different treatment for aerodynamic benefit rather than cooling.

Either way, the Toyota name is written above the grille on a central bar running between the headlights.

Some models feature a rear deck step, while others have a redesigned side step for easy access to the load space.

New Toyota Hilux Interior and technology

Every version of the Hilux is a double cab with two rows of seats. Toyota says this is the type of body customers want, so it hasn’t developed single cab or crew cab derivatives.

Toyota promises improved interior quality compared with the eighth generation. We won’t be able to make a judgement until we’ve been inside the new Hilux, but we can see that Toyota has super-sized both the digital driver’s display and the infotainment screen.

The customisable driver’s display is 12.3 inches across, while the touchscreen also measures up to 12.3 inches, depending on the trim level.

Sensibly, Toyota has kept the heating and ventilation controls separate from the touchscreen. They sit across the centre console, just below two air vents for the driver and front-seat passenger.

Controls for the four-wheel-drive system are also kept away from the touchscreen so they can be reached quickly with minimal distraction. Both diesel and electric models are four-wheel drive.

Hilux owners will be able to connect to the vehicle through the MyToyota app, which can show the Hilux’s location, fuel level and EV charge status.

New Toyota Hilux Engines

The mainstay of the engine line-up is the 2.8-litre diesel with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. It’s the same engine that was introduced to the current range earlier this year.

The 48-volt battery is stored beneath the rear seats so that it doesn’t eat into passenger space or the load bed.

Expect the engine to match the 2025 version with 204hp and 369lb ft of torque. Toyota says the electric assistance of up to 16hp is particularly noticeable when starting off.

The diesel Hilux’s towing ability will be unchanged with a braked trailer capacity of 3,500kg. That’s as good as the capacity of any other pick-up on sale in the UK.

Toyota says the electrified components have been positioned high up on the engine, which helps the Hilux to withstand a 700mm wading depth.

For the first time, the Hilux will also be sold as a battery electric vehicle as an alternative to the Maxus T90 EV and forthcoming electric pick-ups from Isuzu and KGM. With a 59.2kWh battery Toyota expects an official WLTP range of around 150 miles.

Acceleration times have not been released, but the front and rear motors combined will have a torque output of 349lb ft, so slightly down on the diesel. The wading depth matches the diesel’s 700mm.

Final weights are to be confirmed, but Toyota expects a payload of around 715kg (compared with around 1000kg for the diesel mild-hybrid). The braked towing capacity is anticipated to be 1,600kg.

Charging speeds have not been confirmed but Toyota says they will be “best in class” to “minimise vehicle down-time”.

Toyota will add a third powertrain option in 2028. The hydrogen fuel cell model would the only pick-up using this type of power if it comes to the UK. Toyota is playing a chicken-and-egg game with the sparse hydrogen fuelling infrastructure, hoping that “a further demonstration of Toyota’s commitment to realising the potential of hydrogen as a valuable source of clean energy will add stimulus to a wider roll-out of hydrogen eco-systems and infrastructure in Europe.”

When can I buy the new Toyota Hilux?

Toyota will confirm UK prices and specifications nearer the on-sale date of June 2026. If it follows the same pattern as today’s model, the ninth-gen Hilux will be available in two specifications, Invincible and Invincible X. Both are likely to be very well-equipped as Toyota tends to leave the budget end of the pick-up market to other brands.

We expect a starting price of around £37,000 (excluding VAT).

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.