Leaked Toyota Tacoma patents have revealed our first look at the all-new Toyota HiLux, with the two utes to share underpinnings, and – if these lodged documents are our guide – will be styled to look like mini versions of the Toyota Tundra.
The documents, discovered by US site Motor1 after patents were lodged by Toyota in Brazil, give us our best look yet at Toyota’s new generation of utes, all of which will share the TNGA-F platform as Toyota takes a more global approach to its truck production.
In short, what we’re looking at here could act as a guide of what to expect from the new HiLux, too.
In the United States, the new Tacoma is tipped to be offered with two engine options, the first being a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol good for 198kW and 419Nm.
But it’s the second option we’re most interested in, with the electrified 2.4-litre hybrid offering a diesel-bating 272kW and 550Nm – and is the powertrain already tipped to appear in a new-generation LandCruiser Prado.
With diesel on the decline globally, and Toyota Australia ready to embrace the hybridisation of its workhorse family, it’s this powertrain that has the most chance of appearing in Australia.
That said, diesel is not yet done in Australia, with Toyota having previously pointed to the hybrid tech expanding the lifespan of its popular commercial vehicle engine choice.
Whichever way it goes, Toyota in Australia has promised that, whether diesel or petrol, any hybrid powertrain would be suitable for Australia.
“Absolutely they would,” Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, told us last year. “If it’s practical, affordable, and it does the things they need to do.
“We’ve never ruled out the expansion of hybrid into the broader Toyota range. If and when we do that, it will be suitable for the Australian environment. We have the knowledge and the testing, so if we deliver it, you can have the confidence it will do what needs to do.”
The new Tacoma is tipped to be offered with two engine options.The all-new Toyota HiLux is expected to debut in 2024, but more likely in 2025, with the fact the brand is about to launch the current-generation HiLux GR Sport suggesting an all-new model is still some way off.
Set to launch in the second half of this year, the HiLux GR Sport features the HiLux’s regular 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, but with the power upped to 165kW and 550Nm. For reference, the new Ranger Raptor has swapped to petrol power, and features a twin-turbo V6 good for 292kW and 583Nm.
It’s not just the engine that’s changed, though. Toyota will assemble our vehicles in Melbourne – alongside the HiLux Rogue – and almost all the important bits have been upgraded, including the power pump, a wider track, tuned suspensions and better brakes.
“It has been designed to turn heads with aggressive in-your-face styling that’s reinforced by a healthy performance boost, enhanced high-speed handling and even better grip on dirt roads,” Hanley says.
“Thanks to the extensive involvement of our local designers and engineers, HiLux GR Sport is a fun-to-drive vehicle that will bring new capabilities and excitement to the adventure lifestyles of Australian customers.”
Keyword: The all-new Toyota HiLux will look like a mini Tundra! Leaked patents open window into all-important Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max rival