Get your diaries out, pickup fans. Toyota is officially bringing the all-new 9th-generation Hilux to India, with the official launch scheduled for 28th July. This comes after the global giant premiered the updated model last year in November. To the relief of off-road purists, the new model is sticking with the tried-and-tested IMV ladder-frame platform, which keeps the pickup’s legendary rugged capabilities completely intact while keeping manufacturing costs under control.
While the new-gen Hilux undergoes a pretty substantial makeover with a more contemporary profile and plenty of new equipment, it is widely expected to retain its brute performance specifications.
A Sportier, More Angular Exterior Makeover
The 9th-gen Toyota Hilux gains a much sportier road presence, with the lion’s share of visual tweaks focused right up front. The massive hexagonal grille that defined the outgoing 8th-gen model has been ditched for a sleek, contemporary body-coloured unit.
Here is what else is changing on the outside:
- The Front End: A brand-new gloss black trim featuring bold ‘TOYOTA’ lettering neatly connects the headlamps. The front bumper takes on a much more angular and rugged design approach, paired with a fresh skid plate.
- The Side Profile: The silhouette remains largely unchanged, though the squared wheel arches look far more sharply defined. It is also expected to roll on a brand-new set of alloy wheels.
- The Rear End: Eager buyers can look out for updated LED tail lamps and a redesigned bumper. Matching the fresh aesthetics up front, the tailgate is tipped to receive the prominent ‘TOYOTA’ lettering, alongside some fresh colour options.
A Sharper, Tech-Laden Cabin
Stepping inside the 9th-gen Toyota Hilux reveals a significantly more modern and sharper design approach. The curvy dashboard panels from the older pickup have been replaced with crisp, straight lines. A similarly sharp design language has been applied to the new steering wheel and the updated centre console.
When it comes to new equipment, the cabin takes a massive leap forward. It now packs dual 12.3-inch screens—one serving as the infotainment hub and the other acting as the digital instrument console. Thankfully, Toyota hasn’t thrown out everyday practicality, keeping physical buttons for all your frequently used controls.
Other premium features loaded into the cabin include dual-zone climate control, powered and ventilated front seats, and wireless charging. The safety kit also gets a major boost, now featuring a 360-degree camera and a radar-based ADAS suite.
Retaining the Grunt Under the Bonnet
Underneath the updated skin, the 9th-gen Hilux relies on the same dependable powertrain options, though Toyota has tweaked the chassis to offer enhanced rigidity, improved stability, and better ride comfort.
Carried over from the previous model is the powerhouse 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine, which pumps out a solid 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. It will be interesting to see if Toyota decides to introduce the 48V mild-hybrid system with this engine, similar to what is currently used in the Fortuner Neo Drive variant.
While a fully electric BEV format of the Hilux is available globally—marking Toyota’s very first body-on-frame BEV, complete with a 59.2 kWh battery pack, dual electric motors, and a WLTP-certified range of around 260 km—it remains highly uncertain if the Hilux BEV will make it to Indian shores.
Pricing and Competition
With all these heavy aesthetic updates and premium new equipment, the 9th-gen Toyota Hilux is expected to carry a slightly higher price tag than before. For context, the current 8th-gen Hilux is sitting in the price range of Rs 28.52 lakh to Rs 36 lakh (ex-showroom). Once it hits the market at the end of July, the new Hilux will continue its long-standing rivalry with the Isuzu V-Cross.
