The New Hilux Looks Great, But Toyota Has Pulled A Kris Jenner
Alright, grab your meat pie, iced coffee, ciggies and hi-vis, because this one’s got a bit of a bite. Let’s talk about the 2026 Toyota HiLux. Yeah, that one, the “new-gen” ute that’s making waves across Aussie 4×4 forums, dealer lots and lunch-room coffees.
The BIG Reveal
Toyota claims the 2026 HiLux has been revealed with “bold new looks” and upgraded tech. For example: 12.3-inch infotainment screens, new “Cyber Sumo” design theme (that’s not a joke, they really called it that), new lights, fresh bumpers.
But here’s the thing: despite the “new generation” gloss, the underpinnings? Not so new. Reports and the drips or pre-release reviews show the same old IMV platform (dating back many years) and many sections of the body are unchanged (door skins, roof, window glass).
In plain English: It’s really more of a facelift than a full-on rebuild.
“Spy shots…have confirmed earlier reports the HiLux may not be an all-new model but rather a heavily updated version of the current vehicle.”
And one Reddit voice nailed it:
“Looks exactly the same as the last 8 years minus the headlights…”
And Toyota’s defence? According to the exec:
“That car will go fine…it’s got everything a ute buyer wants. It’s reliable. It’s got good quality. It’s got a brand behind it.”
Translation: “We changed the face but kept the guts, and you’ll buy it because you always do.”
The “Old Under The Skin” Part
Let’s be clear: The same powertrain (2.8-litre turbo-diesel) is retained across the board, in many cases the same 6-speed automatic/manual transmission setup.
The same chassis footprint. The same door skins, same roof, same window glass. “Carry-over” sections abound.
So we have a vehicle that looks new(er), but underneath: oldish. Classic reskin move. Nothing inherently wrong with that if the price was fair. But…
The Price & Car Market Context
Here’s where the fun begins, vehicle prices in the past few years have gone bonkers. We’ve seen manufacturers release “all-new” generations (or heavy facelifts) while asking way more for them. Supply chain disruptions, inflation, currency stuff, parts shortages, pick your excuse.
For example: A new ute generation drops, and suddenly you’re paying tens of thousands more than the previous version. Meanwhile the “new” model might still be riding on old bones. In other words: value vs marketing is getting fuzzy.
So: if Toyota launches a “new” HiLux that’s essentially a 10-year-old model under the skin, and asks you to pay it like it’s all-new, well, we have to question: are we paying for genuine innovation, or just for the badge + face change + inflation + brand premium?
Call It What It Is
If you ask me (and you did, bro) this is a bit cheeky.
It’s like giving someone a mid-2000s sedan, slapping a fresh front grille, new headlights, a new interior colour and saying “Look, we built you a 2026 car!”
If Toyota thinks that’s worth the dramatic price hike, one would hope they consulted Kris Jenner’s surgeon for some pointers in effective cosmetic surgery. Because that’s basically brand new cosmeticsurgery on an old girl.
The takeaway
• Yes: The 2026 HiLux looks sharper.
• But: Underneath, many things are carried over from the current/previous model.
• In a market where car prices are already rising rapidly, that raises the question: Are we getting real value or just paying the “brand + new face” tax?
• If you’re in the market for a ute and you care about genuine newness (chassis, platform, unique powertrain), you might want to dig deeper than the “2026” badge.
• Alternatively: If you just want a HiLux and you trust Toyota (and you don’t mind old bones) then this could still be fine, but know what you’re buying.
For a company that spent the 00’s and 2010’s being mocked as the maker of white goods on wheels, Toyota’s come a long way. The revival started with the 86, a car that reminded everyone the brand still had a pulse. Then came the A90 Supra, their unlikely love child with BMW, and a fresh wave of design courage seen in the new Prado, Land Cruiser, and that pint-sized retro FJ-style 4x4 everyone’s praying actually makes it to Australia. Plus don’t forget about the brilliant GR Yaris, So yes, credit where it’s due, Toyota’s finally showing signs of personality again.
But when it comes to the HiLux, it’s hard not to wonder if they’re coasting with this one. Maybe they know, deep down, they don’t have to try that hard, because no matter how much we complain, from the tradies and every mining conglomerate from here to Timbuktu, as sure a the night is long, you are still gonna bloody buy one.