2024 Toyota HiLux: “Surprise” reveal teased, is it an all-new model?

A “surprise” 2024 Toyota HiLux will be unveiled next year, the brand has confirmed.

At the HiLux GR Sport launch in Sydney, Toyota Australia vice president for sales and marketing Sean Hanley said more HiLux news will be announced in 2024, but wouldn’t be drawn to providing further details.

“The arrival of the 48-volt battery will be the third major update for HiLux since October last year, and we have at least one more HiLux surprise in store for next year,” he said.

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Moving forward, there are a few possibilities for the HiLux, which has been Australia's top-selling vehicle since 2016.

An all-new model is expected to arrive in 2025, and we could see our first glimpse in the final months of next year.

For instance, arch-rival Ford unveiled the latest Ranger in Australia in November 2021 before it arrived in local showrooms in July 2022 – and other Toyotas, like the new Prado, have a similar gap between the global reveal and on-sale date.

As detailed in the story linked below, 4X4 Australia expects the ninth-generation HiLux ute to shift to the modular TNGA-F ladder-frame architecture shared with the latest Tacoma, Prado and LandCruiser 300, replacing the current IMV platform from 2004.

A series-parallel petrol-electric hybrid is likely for the next-generation HiLux to complement the 48-volt system, which is added to the current diesel SR5 and Rogue 4x4 dual cabs – and optional for SR – in early 2024.

However, like the new Prado, Toyota could elect to offer a diesel-only, 48-volt assisted line-up for the new HiLux at launch in Australia.

Toyota Australia would likely be keen to get an all-new HiLux into the market as quickly as possible, with the new Ranger now beating the HiLux in more profitable four-wheel-drive sales. The HiLux still takes the overall win thanks to stronger 4x2 workhorse demand.

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We could also see a final update for the current HiLux, first launched in 2015, with a limited-edition swansong variant, or minor revisions that could potentially include rear disc brakes on more variants and a larger, updated infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay.

It is unlikely that Toyota would invest in significant updates for the current HiLux, such as a turbo-diesel six or a full-hybrid system, so late in its lifecycle.

Anticipating likely questions about the forthcoming reveal, Hanley told media: “Before you ask me what it is, you'll have to wait.”

“This regular updating of HiLux shows just how committed we are to meeting the requirements of our local customers. We're no longer locked into these product cycles of yesteryear. We’re nimble. We’re quick,” added Hanley.

“We're bringing cars to market and having a Toyota conversion centre in Altona. Wow, that just makes the magic that allows us to do the things that you're seeing today quickly outside of what would be normal product cycles.”

“A total number that now exceeds one in a quarter-million HiLux owners. And we update HiLux as required outside of the normal cycle irrespective of where we are in that model cycle.”

Stay tuned for our 2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport launch review on Thursday, September 21 at 7:00pm AEST.