Tough 2025 Toyota HiLux rendered

The 2025 Toyota HiLux has been imagined ahead of its release next year, with popular automotive digital creator Theottle blending a “Tacoma skeleton with Tundra skin” to create their impression of the next-generation Ford Ranger rival.

Big, bold and masculine are the terms that come to mind at first glance, followed by tough, rugged and purposeful.

With the next-gen HiLux set to ride on the same TNGA-F ladder-frame platform as the LandCruiser 300 Series, Prado, Tundra, Tacoma, Sequoia and 4Runner, media and consumers alike have been earmarking Australia’s second-favourite ute as a Tacoma clone for years now, albeit with a diesel powertrain – with the same true of the subsequent Fortuner.

The Americanisation of modern pick-up design is prevalent across the board, with even the Chinese brands getting in on the act.

It only makes sense then for the all-new HiLux – which is already in Australia testing – to be bigger, bolder and more imposing than its predecessor… just like the current Ford Ranger.

While the TNGA-F platform is pretty much a certainty, there’s still plenty of room for discussion around the HiLux’s size, specification and capabilities, one of the most intriguing facets of which are the powertrains.

Toyota Australia has been promising hybrid versions of all its models, 4x4s and light commercials included, for years now and is slowly making good on that commitment with its steady rollout of 48V mild hybrid diesel powertrains: current HiLux, LandCruiser 70 Series and of course the new Prado.

We fully expect the next HiLux to leverage its powertrain straight from the latest Prado, blending a now proven 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (150kW/500Nm) with a 48V MHEV system and new eight-speed automatic transmission, however the HiLux will more than likely continue with a part-time 4x4 system in place of the Prado’s more advanced full-time set-up.

No doubt there’ll be a proper, full-fat hybrid system launched down the track, but our money is on the core line-up running with the momentum and engineering convenience of the current 2.8.

Toyota claims the ‘V-Active’ electrification reduced fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent on the current HiLux and Prado, pointing to similar gains for the new model, even if it doesn’t have any more muscle to match its tough exterior.

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