Toyota Hilux receives another facelift in Australia
If you’re waiting for Toyota to release a new generation of its popular Hilux pickup truck soon, you might have to wait a bit longer. We don’t blame you though since the current generation has been around since 2016. For now, here’s another facelift.
Revealed for the Australian market, this update gives the Hilux a few changes on the exterior and interior, some additional convenience features, as well as a mild-hybrid turbodiesel powertrain which we first saw on the European version a few months ago.
While it still retains an overall familiar look, this facelift gives the Hilux a little bit of similarity as its larger siblings from North America. The front bumper is more angular, matched with a new octagonal grille with a honeycomb pattern. It also gets new dark-tinted LED headlight clusters, as well as a gloss black finish for the foglight bezels, side mirror caps, and door handles.
Inside, higher variants get a wireless phone charging pad, while double cab variants get two new USB Type C ports for the rear passengers.
And for its powertrain, just like what was recently released for the European market, this updated Hilux gets a mild-hybrid powertrain with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery that provides 16 horsepower and 65 Nm of torque, which has been added to the tried-and-tested 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbodiesel engine. Combined power output remains at 204 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque.
In addition, mild-hybrid powered Toyota Hilux variants get a new Multi-terrain Select system, providing the driver the option to adjust vehicle stability control settings, or the driver to select one of five different modes—Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow, or Rock.
The updated Toyota Hilux will first roll-out in the Australian market. Given that they source from Thailand where Toyota Motor Philippines sources local units, we’ll probably just have to wait a bit before it arrives here.