Believe it or not, there’s over 200,000 Toyota Hilux’s on New Zealand roads, and Toyota sells nearly 10,000 more every year. And now, they’ve finally launched a new one. With a butch front end, a new mild hybrid powertrain, and all the same Hilux features you know and love, it’s time to put this new model through its paces to see how it stacks up against the competition on, and off-road.
What We Like and Dislike About the 2026 Toyota Hilux SR5 2.8D Hybrid 4WD DCW
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Great looks | Ride is a bit jittery on rough roads |
| Good off-roading capability | Engine is noisy |
| Wide range of models | No proper tiptronic |
| Well priced | Wish infotainment had a home screen |
| Solid interior | |
| Dependable drivetrain |
What’s in the 2026 Toyota Hilux range?
Toyota New Zealand offers a revamped Hilux range spanning body styles from basic workhorse Single Cabs to plush Double Cabs. The core powertrain across the mid-to-high double-cab lineup is the updated 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine mated to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a smooth six-speed automatic transmission. The mild-hybrid setup utilises an electric motor-generator to deliver 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque while optimizing fuel efficiency and low-speed response.
The range kicks off with the entry-level SR 2WD double cab starting at $49,990. Stepping up to the SR 4WD models introduces selectable four-wheel-drive capability and optional mild-hybrid technology. Our test vehicle, the mid-tier SR5 2.8D Hybrid 4WD Double Cab Wellside (DCW), starts at $58,490. It upgrades standard kit with dual 12.3-inch screens, dual-zone climate control, rear disc brakes, wireless Apple CarPlay, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Above the SR5 sits the SR5 Limited at $59,990, adding leather-accented upholstery and power-adjustable heated front seats. The range tops out with the rugged Adventure grade at $63,990, featuring aggressive exterior cladding, smoke silver trim, and exclusive interior highlights.
2026 Toyota Hilux SR5 2.8D Hybrid 4WD DCW Colour Range
Toyota provides a comprehensive colour palette for the Hilux range in New Zealand:
- Glacier White (Standard – No extra cost)
- Frosted White (Crystal Pearl – $590)
- Tensile Silver (Metallic – $590)
- Graphite (Dark Grey Metallic – $590)
- Eclipse Black (Mica – $590)
- Nebula Blue (Metallic – $590)
- Emotional Red (Special Metallic – $590)
For a full list of specs and options available for the Toyota Hilux, head on over to Toyota New Zealand’s website.
What’s the Competition for the 2026 Toyota Hilux SR5 2.8D Hybrid 4WD DCW
The double-cab ute segment in New Zealand remains red hot, with the Hilux squaring off against formidable rivals like the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton, and Mazda BT-50. With Ford dominating sales charts via its V6 and twin-turbo offerings, Toyota’s introduction of standard 48-volt mild-hybrid power on the SR5 potentially gives it a crucial edge in urban smoothness, fuel economy, and lower carbon emissions without compromising its 3.5-tonne towing ability.
We’ve left off the cheaper (mainly Chinese) options off the table, as we feel if someone is looking at a Hilux, one of those options would not be on the radar.
Ute Comparison Chart
| Make / Model | Engine | Power / Torque | Fuel Economy | Towing Capacity – unbraked/braked | Rear Tray Load | Price |
| Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.0 V6 4WD | 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel | 184 kW / 600 Nm | 8.4 L/100km | 750 / 3,500 kg | 985 kg | $76,490 |
| Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 4WD | 3.0L 4-Cyl Turbo Diesel | 140 kW / 450 Nm | 8.0 L/100km | 750 / 3,500 kg | 970 kg | $65,990 |
| Toyota Hilux SR5 2.8D Hybrid 4WD DCW | 2.8L 4-Cyl Turbo Diesel MHEV | 150 kW / 500 Nm | 8.3 L/100km | 750 / 3,500 kg | 965 kg | $58,490 |
| Mitsubishi Triton VRX 4WD | 2.4L Bi-Turbo Diesel | 150 kW / 470 Nm | 7.7 L/100km | 750 / 3,500 kg | 1,030 kg | $59,990 |
| Nissan Navara ST-X 4WD | 2.3L Bi-Turbo Diesel | 140 kW / 450 Nm | 8.1 L/100km | 750 / 3,500 kg | 1,010 kg | $58,990 |
2026 Toyota Hilux SR5 2.8D Hybrid 4WD DCW – Specifications
| Starting Price | $58,490 |
| Price as tested | $59,080 |
| Engine Type | 2.8-litre 4-Cylinder Turbo Diesel Mild-Hybrid (48V) |
| Engine Power/Torque | 150 kW / 500 Nm |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed Automatic |
| Spare Wheel configuration | Full Size Alloy |
| Kerb Weight | 2,135 Kg |
| Length x Width x Height | 5325 x 1885 x 1815 mm |
| Boot Space / Cargo Capacity | 965 Litres (tray capacity) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 Litres |
| Fuel Economy | 8.3 L/100km |
| Towing Capacity | 750 / 3,500 Kg |
| Turning circle | 12.6 metres |
| Warranty | 3 Years / 100,000 km |
| Safety information | ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars Rightcar.govt.nz: 5 Stars (RMA266) |
