New Toyota Hilux for 2026: Leaked patent images show us the exterior and Prado-like cabin

There is a great deal of anticipation surrounding the new-generation Toyota Hilux, and it is coming closer to fruition, with recent spy shots as well as leaked brochure pages and patent images all giving us a good idea of what to expect.

Numerous sources abroad suggest the new bakkie could be unveiled internationally before the end of 2025, and although its local introduction remains unconfirmed, there is a good chance that we’ll see it before the end of 2026.

What appear to be legitimate patent images have leaked onto the internet courtesy of Cars_Secrets on Instagram, correlating with recent brochure scans and spy shots of disguised prototypes. However, these all suggest that the 2026 Hilux is more of a comprehensive update than an all-new model.

The use of the current model’s doors and roof structure suggests that the new Hilux is based on a modified version of the current IMV underpinnings, which date back to 2004. The current shape has been around internationally since 2015.

Earlier reports had suggested that it would move to the more modern TNGA-F architecture, which underpins its American cousin, the Tacoma, as well as the latest Land Cruiser 300 and Prado SUVs.

While its shape remains familiar, Toyota has completely redesigned the front and rear ends, with slim new headlights making an appearance alongside a more rectangular grille. At the back, we see fresh taillights, featuring a more angular shape and 3D-style LED light clusters.

The leaked patent images reveal a completely redesigned interior, however, replacing the current bakkie’s dated fascia with an all-new cockpit layout that closely mimics the latest Prado’s interior.

To that end we see a larger central screen that ‘floats’ above lower-positioned central air vents, while the separate instrument cluster is likely to be digital.

Also evident is an all-new centre console, housing a slimmer gear lever and given that we can’t see a manual handbrake, it’s likely that this has become electronic too.

There is no word on what powers the new 2026 Toyota Hilux, but sources abroad suggest it will continue to offer the current 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine as its mainstay, with the 48V mild hybrid versions likely fitted across a wider array of models, and a plug-in hybrid drivetrain has also been rumoured.

The current 2.8 GD-6 engine produces 150kW in its standard guise and 165kW in sportier GR-S trim. It’s unclear whether Toyota will attempt to extract more power from this engine.

For markets such as South Africa, it’s almost a given that the smaller 2.4-litre turbodiesel will also soldier on as a more budget-friendly option. However, with the current version producing just 110kW, Toyota may give it a small boost to better compete with more powerful rivals like Ford’s 125kW 2.0 SiT in the Ranger.

The fleet-focused 2.0-litre and 2.7-litre normally aspirated petrol engines could soldier on too, but on that note, Toyota could well introduce the back-to-basics Hilux Champ, which would likely use the Stallion name locally.

It’s all a game of speculation for now, but it won’t be long until we find out all the juicy details about the upcoming Hilux. But has Toyota made a wrong move by sticking to the current platform, or will sticking to the tried and tested prove to be a winning formula? Only time will tell.

IOL Motoring