SPY PICS: Is the 2026 Toyota Hilux just a hefty facelift?

The next-generation 2026 Toyota Hilux has been spotted testing in broad daylight in Thailand looking rather familiar in its proportions, adding weight to the notion of a carried-over platform and powertrain.

A revealing batch of photos was published this week by Thai publication Headlight Magazine which managed to snap the next-gen ute from all angles, giving us our first look Toyota’s upcoming workhorse away from unofficial renders and AI generated images.

Predictably wrapped in elaborate camouflage, the spied test rig bears an uncanny resemblance to the current model in terms of its stature and overall proportions but thankfully dons an all-new front fascia blending elements of the RAV4 medium SUV and Tacoma pick-up truck.

There’s obviously less to write home about re the tray and tailgate but have a closer look and you’ll spot the disc rear brakes peaking out from behind the disguised alloy wheels and how well the driveline is tucked up into the undercarriage.

The doors and glasshouse are virtually identical to those of the current model which suggests reports out of Brazil claiming the new version would retain the familiar IMV ladder frame chassis rather than adopt the more modern TNGA-F platform of the LandCruiser 300 Series, Prado 250 Series and Tundra were on the money/

Toyota predictably hasn’t been drawn into confirming any major details of the new model, however local executives recently insinuated the current 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine could be carried over as well.

“Everybody talks about the current Hilux like there is something wrong with the powertrain,” Toyota Australia sales, marketing and franchise operations vice president Sean Hanley told carsales in November.

“There is nothing wrong with the powertrain. It’s an extremely capable and reliable powertrain.

“Whatever we decide to do with Hilux … we know that it has to maintain that reliability and capability.”

“I can assure you the new model will absolutely look the part and will be absolutely capable of doing the things Australians expect of it.”

It sounds then like Toyota is adopting its usual ‘if it ain’t broke, don't fix it’ approach to the next-gen Hilux’s development, a huge portion of which – as with previous iterations – has been carried out in Australia.

Odds are the new model will score some refinement tweaks to its existing and proven platform and feature the same 2.8-litre turbo-diesel mild hybrid powertrain as seen in the latest Prado, potentially with some LandCruiser 70 Series-inspired, utilitarian-focused upgrades.

The global reveal is tipped happen in the second half of the year ahead of a local showroom debut in the first half of 2026.

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