Refreshed Hilux leaked online

Tuesday, 28 April 2020

Toyota is planning an update for its venerable Hilux ute, originally due to arrive sometime around July. The timeline is a bit murkier now thanks to COVID-19 but a Dubai-based website, Milele Motors reckons it knows what the new ute will look like.

If these images are on the money, the refreshed Hilux will get a new front end with redesigned headlights (LEDs for the higher-end models, halogen for lesser), fatter bumpers and a grumpier grille. The rear lights have been altered too. We don't get a look at the interior but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support are both expected, along with various style changes.

Under the hood will be the same 2.8-litre turbodiesel inline-four, tweaked to improve power and torque over the current generation. motoring.com.au says a 'modest' power increase can be expected, bumping output above the current 130kW/450Nm (auto) and 130kW/420Nm (manual).

These renders were 'inspired by confidential internal illustrations of possible Toyota HiLux design themes,' so the final product may not look quite as dramatic when it lands.

A fix for the engine's problematic diesel particulate filter (DPF) will almost certainly be a part of the new engine package.

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The new look brings the Hilux closer to the larger Tacoma, with which the Hilux could share a platform with as part of the next generation (due around 2023).

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If this is the refreshed Hilux, it certainly is a tougher look than the current divisive one.

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According to CarAdvice, the images from Milele Motors were 'inspired by confidential internal illustrations of possible Toyota HiLux design themes.' That means the final product may not look quite as dramatic when it lands.

The update could also usher in the long-rumoured GR Hilux, Toyota's challenger to the Ranger Raptor. It should come with 'noticeable' performance upgrades, not all of which will be related to the powertrain.

Naturally, Toyota has been tight-lipped about the hi-po ute, but the Australian operation has trademarked the 'GR Hilux' name. Just in case.

The next generation of Hilux is expected to bow in 2023. If the Internet rumour mill is to be believed, Toyota may merge the platforms of the Hilux and Tacoma, which may allow the larger pick-up to be sold locally.

It'll face some stiff competition, with Isuzu's new D-Max arriving sometime this year, which is expected to provide the bones for an updated Mazda BT-50.

The big rival will come next year in the form of Ford's latest Ranger. Over in the States it can be had with a version of the Blue Oval's 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo-four but we'll probably make do with an updated diesel powerplant.

With any luck, that V8 Raptor will surface at the same time too…