With 50 years under its belt in New Zealand, Toyota’s Hilux ute has been launched in its new-generation guise, and this time it comes with a battery-electric version.

Toyota has launched the 2026 Hilux alongside the new Hilux BEV, a fully electric version of its iconic Hilux marking fifty years since the first Hilux was assembled in a rented warehouse in Wellington.

The new-generation Hilux carries over its 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine, in both standard and hybrid form, mated to a six-speed transmission, and available in four-wheel drive. The significant changes for the 2026 generation are to the exterior style, interior design, ride quality and passenger comfort, says Toyota.

Toyota New Zealand Chief Strategic Officer, Andrew Davis says the anniversary coinciding with the electric launch has been significant. “Hilux has been a core nameplate within the line-up for 50 years, which is a milestone in itself.

Launching the new generation, across diesel, hybrid, and full battery electric variants at the same time makes it even bigger. We have also extensively driven the BEV version on the same tracks as the diesel ute and it holds its own, both on and off-road. It’s got the tough go anywhere DNA of a Hilux!”

The Hilux BEV has a maximum range of 315 km (NEDC data), with Toyota stating that it best suited to operations that return to a home base or depot each night for charging. Its all-wheel-drive system uses dual electric motors producing 144 kW. Towing capacity is 2,000 kg braked.

“This makes it perfectly suited to a wide range of roles and work environments – from the farm or orchard to project management, government or council fleets.”

Diesel and Hybrid will remain central to the range. “For customers working in remote areas where recharging isn’t practical, diesel is still the right answer,” Andrew says.

Engineered to handle demanding working environments, the new-generation Hilux brings major structural, suspension, steering and refinement updates. Combined with its 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system on selected grades, Toyota claims the new Hilux delivers improved comfort, capability and efficiency without compromising the qualities that have made it a trusted tool for New Zealand farmers, contractors, trades and fleet operators.

The new-generation Hilux has been awarded a 5-Star ANCAP safety rating. This rating applied initially to all diesel variants and has now also been extended to the battery electric variants.

2026 Toyota Hilux: Changes

Chassis, suspension improvements and tuning represent the most significant changes. Customers often travel with one or two passengers, so Toyota tuned the suspension to suit everyday conditions, not just full load.

Hilux keeps its independent front suspension and leaf-spring rear axle, but both have been retuned. Working SR grades stay firm for carrying heavy loads while higher grades adopt a more comfortable ride.

Across all variants, rural and construction users, Toyota says they will notice:

• Better ride control when unladen

• Reduced rear-end bounce on uneven terrain

• Improved composure on gravel and corrugated roads

• Better stability when moving between sealed and unsealed surfaces

Toyota is claiming the switch to electric power steering makes a real difference for farmers and tradies. Low-speed steering is noticeably lighter, making access through sheds, gates, tight farm tracks or job sites much easier. At highway speeds, the steering remains stable and predictable, giving confident control when towing or carrying loads. It also supports new safety functions further improving user experience.

2026 Toyota Hilux: Design

‘The new Hilux exterior was led by Toyota Australia’s design team at the Product Centre in Altona, Melbourne, in collaboration with Toyota teams in Thailand and Japan. Inspired by the ‘Cyber Sumo’ design theme, it projects strength and modern sophistication, says Toyota.

Beyond the cabin and doors, nearly every element has been reimagined. For example, the well-side now includes a step integrated into the rear bumper for added convenience.

Its all-new well-side design introduces smooth exterior contours, easy-access side steps, wraparound taillights, an integrated tailgate handle with assist system, a pressed Toyota logo, and a centrally positioned reversing camera.

The new-generation Hilux is available in a range of colours, including Glacier White, Tensile Silver, Ash, and Eclipse, with select grades offered in Emotional Red. For a premium touch, the Adventure grade introduces exclusive shades: Sulphur and Frosted White. The Hilux BEV is offered in two colours – Glacier White and Ash.

2026 Toyota Hilux: Interior

The bold exterior is matched by a completely redesigned interior that provides a step up in comfort and technology.

Up front, the fully reimagined three-tier instrument panel sits flatter than before, creating a more spacious cabin feel and improving forward visibility, especially useful when off-roading.

Every Hilux grade now features a digital instrument cluster: a 7.0-inch display for SR grades and a premium 12.3-inch unit for SR5, SR5 Limited, Adventure and BEV variants. A 12.3-inch multi-information display with satellite navigation comes standard across all grades, with next-generation hardware and software. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.

A wider centre console provides solid storage, with a taller lid that matches the height of the door armrest to provide greater driver comfort.

The newly developed front seats offer up to an eight-way powered driver’s seat and 2-way lumbar support for improved ergonomics, plus leather-accented upholstery depending on the grade.

2026 Toyota Hilux: Range and availability

The 2026 Hilux diesel turbo range for New Zealand is available in a wide variety of 12 grades, drive, transmission and body types, including the SR, SR5, and two top of the line SR5 Limited and Adventure grades. Each is designed to serve different commercial and private requirements. Hybrid 48-volt assistance will be available on selected 4WD automatic variants, while three manual transmission models retain the proven 2.8-litre turbo-diesel powertrain.

The Hilux BEV will be available in three options: a double cab chassis only in an SR grade, and two Wellside formats in both SR and SR5 grades. All BEV variants come with All-Wheel-Drive and Multi Terrain Select (MTS), powered by dual electric motors producing a combined 144 kW. For customers with predictable, shorter daily driving needs, Hilux BEV offers sufficient range for day-to-day use.

Pricing for the Hilux BEV starts at $79,990 (Toyota Driveaway Price).

Toyota Hilux and Hilux BEV 2026 Pricing

For more information, go to www.toyota.co.nz