Toyota Hilux: old vs new

Toyota Motor Philippines has already introduced the all-new Hilux at the 10th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).

It is one of the brand’s three-piece debuts at the ongoing automotive event together with the Land Cruiser FJ and the Land Cruiser LC 300 hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). 

Notably, it is the only next-generation model out of the three. The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, after all, is a completely new model, while the Land Cruiser LC 300 HEV is the electrified version of the current model we already have in the local market. 

That said, the all-new Toyota Hilux is guaranteed to capture Filipinos' attention. The pickup truck, after all, is a gargantuan segment in the local setting, and the Hilux nameplate counts as one of the most popular. 

But how exactly does the next-gen model differ from the previous version? We’ll be finding the answer to that here. However, to keep it simple, we’ll focus on the previous and newly launched iterations of the Conquest trims where applicable. 

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Toyota Hilux old vs. new: Powertrain, chassis

One of the key differences between the old and new Hilux is its powertrain options. Unlike the old version, which used the 2.4-liter and 2.8-liter mills, the new version’s fossil-fuel variants exclusively come with the 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbodiesel engine. 

The aforementioned applies to the new V variant, the Conquest, the G, and the entry-level E. All of these trims may also come with a six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) or a six-speed automatic transmission. 

Output-wise, the said 2.8-liter turbodiesel can produce up to 201 horsepower. Depending on the trim, however, it has a peak torque figure ranging from 420 Newton-meters (Nm) to 500 Newton-meters. 

Notably, the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux for the local market also received a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) version for the first time. Known simply as the Hilux BEV, it produces 193 hp and has a range of 315 kilometers (km). It can also be topped up with an alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) port. 

While tagged as a “next-generation” model, the Toyota Hilux launched at PIMS 2026 still uses the familiar International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) ladder-frame platform. This was carried over from the outgoing model and is also used on the Toyota Tamaraw, Fortuner, and Innova. 

The 2026 model also carried over the same front double-wishbone and rear leaf-spring suspension system. 

Interestingly, the next-gen model received a new V trim, which sits between the top-spec Conquest and the G. It comes with a 4x4 drivetrain and a differential lock like the Conquest, but it exclusively comes with a manual transmission. 

Toyota Hilux old vs. new: Exterior

Appearance-wise, the newly introduced Toyota Hilux wears the “Cyber Sumo” design language, which gives it a more modern-looking front fascia compared to the bulgy front clip of the previous version. 

It is also much sleeker now, thanks to its sharp LED headlamp clusters, but feels less aggressive as it sports a relatively flatter hood, grille, and wheel arches. On the one hand, the new model does get a more prominent-looking front skid plate, as well as a more angular rear bumper. 

The next-gen pickup truck’s side section, however, still has the familiar Hilux silhouette. The model also sports a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, the same size as those on the old Hilux. 

For reference, here are the dimensions of the old and new Toyota Hilux side-by-side:

Model	Eight-gen Toyota Hilux Conquest	Ninth-gen Toyota Hilux Conquest
Length (in millimeters)	5,325	5,320
Width (in mm)	2,020	1,885
Height (in mm)	1,845	1,865
Wheelbase length (in mm)	3,085	3,085
Ground clearance (in mm)	310 (4x4)	312

Based on the figures above, the old Hilux is longer and wider, but the new one is significantly taller. Both versions have the same wheelbase (not surprising, as they share the same platform), but Toyota made sure they all have the same ground clearance. 

Exclusive to the Toyota Hilux BEV is a more aerodynamic version of the Cyber Sumo look. This is shown on the actual model by a closed-off grille and a sleeker side profile without too much bulging on its wheel arches. On this note, the BEV version looks unlike any Hilux that we’ve seen before. 

Just like the outgoing Toyota Hilux, only the higher-spec Conquest trims come with extra goodies, such as a sports bar and a unique front bumper design. 

Toyota Hilux old vs. new: Interior

For the next-generation Toyota Hilux, the brand opted to provide it with a more tech-heavy cockpit, at least when compared to the older model. 

To start, its Conquest variants have a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which is significantly larger and more high-tech than the old model’s 4.2-inch multi-information display and analog gauge combo. 

Furthermore, the new Hilux was kitted out with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display that simply outmatches the old truck’s 9-inch head unit. Both do come with the same wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity options, but the newer nameplate now features an electronic parking brake.

Like the older model, the new one also has leather upholstered seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a drive mode (terrain) selector, and a data communication module to integrate the car with the MyToyota smartphone app. 

Toyota Hilux old vs. new: Safety equipment

In general, the all-new Toyota Hilux carries over the same passive safety kit as the older version. Examples of this include its seven-piece set of SRS airbags, a panoramic view monitor, anti-lock braking, stability control, and ISOFIX - among others. 

The new one also has the latest version of the Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS). For now, TMP has yet to fully list its constituent components for Hilux, but the old model pre-collision system, lane departure alert, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert. 

2026 Toyota Hilux: pricing

4x4	BEV	P2.99 million
	2.8 Conquest A/T ER (Emotional Red)	P2.631 million
	2.8 Conquest A/T	P2.611 million
	2.8 V M/T ER	P2.553 million
	2.8 V M/T	P2.533 million
	2.8 E M/T	P1.903 million
4x2	2.8 Conquest A/T ER (Emotional Red)	P2.293 million
	2.8 Conquest A/T	P2.273 million
	2.8 G A/T	P1.849 million
	2.8 G M/T	P1.798 million
	2.8 E A/T	P1.772 million

Final thoughts

Overall, the all-new Toyota Hilux represents the brand’s well-known philosophy of “if ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Specifically, it shows that the GD series and IMV Platform combination still has a lot of life to it, especially for tough and capable off-roaders like the Hilux. 

At the same time, however, it is fairly obvious that the brand isn’t holding back when it comes to introducing something new. Sure, it may have some detractors, but the Cyber Sumo design language offers something different from the age-old Hilux shape we have become familiar with over the years. 

The added tech is likewise a strong point for the next-generation truck model, at least for those wanting a more modern cockpit for their work-capable rides. And of course, there’s no denying that the Toyota Hilux BEV represents a leap in technology for the brand.

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