Australian-led Toyota HiLux exterior is a “Cyber Sumo”

The Australian-developed exterior design of the new ninth-generation Toyota HiLux has been dubbed ‘Cyber Sumo’.

On sale in locally in December, the new HiLux is the first to have its exterior design led by Toyota’s Design Australia (TDA).

The interior design theme developed by TDA was also a key focus during the production of the ninth-generation Toyota HiLux.

Toyota’s interior lead designer Du Tran Nguyen spent two years in Japan refining the theme and ensuring it hit the mark for production.

TDA’s senior manager Nic Hogios said leading the HiLux redesign was more than a design challenge – it was to showcase talent.

“It was a great endorsement for our entire studio and makes the new HiLux, the most Australian ever, at least in terms of design,” Hogios said.

Based at Toyota’s Product Centre in Altona, Victoria, the TDA team kicked off the HiLux redesign in 2021, bringing together designers, modelers, and fabricators for the ambitious project.

Back then, the research phase of development looked at the core elements of the HiLux, and what would be the most important points of focus.

However, TDA’s ability to develop something new and different was restricted by the decision to retain the existing HiLux IMV ladder frame platform and footprint.

The HiLux gets fresh front and rear styling, but the cabin structure between the A- and C-pillars –along with the tub and interior space, including the tight rear seat – remains unchanged.

Former Holden and GM designer Ewan Kingsbury developed the Cyber Sumo theme, fusing the Sonkyu starting pose of Japanese sumo wrestlers with Toyota’s vision of a futuristic look.

The standout feature is a front end raised by 100mm, integrating a bold body-coloured mesh grille flanked by slimline headlights and anchored by a redesigned lower bumper.

“The decision to not have the upper grille delineated by colour and line was a huge discussion point around the world,” Hogios said.

Other design features include angular wheel arch flares, tauter body surfaces, corner steps incorporated into the pick-up tub, and alloy wheels are a new design.

Hogios said the same was a menacing design that still retained the HiLux’s practicality.

“That was very intentional to get an aggressive mean stare.

“We felt it was the right decision to ensure the design had longevity and move the needle to a future rather than a current lens.

“Additionally, it offered a point of difference to other products out there and ensured it would be unmistakeable and iconic befitting of the HiLux nameplate.”

Another challenge was ensuring the new headlights delivered the same performance as the larger units they replaced, while also complying with incoming global safety standards and regulations regarding their position.

A range of accessories has been developed to match the new exterior design including bullbars, undercover protection, side steps, rock rails, sports bars, a winch, roller covers, and more.

The retention of practicality while modernising the aged current presentation was an interior priority – an approach Hogios describes as “almost combat ready”.

“Everything is where it needs to be ergonomically, tech is a massive step up and it doesn’t rely on gimmicky styling, making it a great place to work or play,” he said.

The fully redesigned three-tiered dash sits flatter compared with the current HiLux to provide improved forward visibility, especially beneficial when off-roading.

All HiLux grades now feature a digital instrument cluster – 7.0-inch on WorkMate and SR, and 12.3-inch on SR5 and above – alongside a standard 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen positioned above the centre console.

“Customers want tech, but they don’t want annoying tech, they don’t want to drill through sub menus,” Hogios said.

“A HiLux has to work in the real world otherwise there will be a lynch mob at the door.”

Toyota said the wider centre console improves both amenity and rigidity, while its taller storage lid aligns with the door armrest height to enhance driver comfort.

Front and rear seats are new, with up to eight-way powered driver’s seat with lumbar support adjustment and leather-accented upholstery, depending on the grade.

Buttons and dials remain on the centre console for commonly used functions, while the redesigned steering wheel improves ergonomics with an updated button layout grouped into three zones – infotainment, audio, and driver assistance – and adds a heating function on select grades.

The responsibility of developing the new HiLux exterior and interior is a huge vote of confidence in the capability of Toyota Design Australia.

Perhaps more design responsibility may be headed TDA’s way, potentially extending to Australian favourites like the LandCruiser and Prado.

“It’s fantastic to have an Australian-designed HiLux out there on the world stage to truly showcase our local capability,” Hogios said.

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