The ninth-generation Toyota Hilux has landed in India, and it brings with it a legacy that few other nameplates can match. This is the vehicle that has conquered war zones, outlasted apocalypse scenarios in popular culture, and built a reputation for being genuinely indestructible. In India, however, the Hilux occupies a unique space, not as a workhorse, but as a lifestyle pickup truck for enthusiasts who value its go-anywhere capability and tough image.
We spent time behind the wheel of the new Hilux to see if it lives up to its legendary status, and more importantly, if it makes sense in a market where the asking price now crosses the ₹40 lakh mark on road.
Exterior
The first thing you notice about the new Hilux is just how dramatically different it looks from its predecessor. Toyota has taken a bold step with the design, ditching the relatively conservative face of the old model for something far more aggressive and contemporary. The front-end is completely reworked, featuring slimmer LED projector headlamps that flow seamlessly into a prominent honeycomb grille . The traditional Toyota emblem makes way for bold ‘TOYOTA’ lettering across the grille, a design cue borrowed from the larger Tacoma and Land Cruiser models, and one that works brilliantly to enhance the Hilux’s road presence.
The Cyber Sumo design philosophy, as Toyota calls it, is evident in the muscular proportions and the upright stance . The redesigned bumper incorporates larger air intakes, piano black inserts, and a silver skid plate that adds to the rugged appeal. The flared wheel arches are finished in black plastic cladding, which not only looks purposeful but also serves a practical function by protecting the paint from stone chips during off-road excursions.
Toyota has downsized the wheels from 18 inches to 17 inches, which might sound like a downgrade at first . In reality, and this is my personal opinion, this is a thoughtful move for enthusiasts. The 265/65 R17 all-terrain tyres offer more sidewall, which translates to better ride quality and improved off-road capability. More importantly, 17-inch wheels give owners a vastly wider range of tyre options when it comes time to upgrade.
Around the back, the updates continue with new C-shaped LED tail-lamps and, thankfully, an assisted tailgate. The old model’s tailgate would simply drop open with a thud once unlatched, a characteristic that felt decidedly un-premium if that’s even a word. The new setup opens in a controlled manner, which is a welcome improvement . The integrated hexagonal steps on the rear bumper are another practical addition, making it far easier to access the cargo bed. The large ‘TOYOTA’ lettering on the tailgate ensures that nobody behind you misses what you’re driving.
Interior
Step inside, and this is where the story becomes complicated. The cabin is completely new, and there are definite positives. The dashboard has a clean, flowing design, and Toyota has used soft-touch materials on the door pads, which brings a much-needed feel compared to the utilitarian interior of the previous generation. However, the soft-touch leather like finish that existed on the 8th gen and the outgoing fortuner, is unfortunately, gone, being replaced with a plastic dashboard top.
The centrepiece is a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system (on the top-spec VX variant, the GX gets an 8.0-inch unit) that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen is a massive upgrade over the previous model’s dated unit. Toyota has also added a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, similar to the hycross. Though it’s worth noting that international versions get a larger 12.3-inch display . The three-spoke steering wheel, borrowed from the Land Cruiser, feels substantial and places all controls within easy reach.
However, the positives are overshadowed by some surprising cost-cutting measures. In a pickup that comfortably sails past ₹40 lakh on-road, you’d expect certain features as standard. Instead, you get manual air conditioning with rotary dials that look like they belong in a commercial vehicle from 2015 . There’s no automatic climate control, let alone dual-zone. The front seats are manually adjustable and lack ventilation, and the upholstery is fabric rather than leatherette. Even the auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror has been replaced with a conventional unit. These are not things we expected Toyota to add on to the new gen, these were simply supposed to be carried over as they existed in the 8th gen. Why did Toyota do this ? To put it simply, cost-cutting.
Engine & Performance
Under the bonnet sits the legendary 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which needs no introduction. It produces 204 PS and 500 NM of torque, and it’s one of the finest diesel engines ever sold in India. The engine is now paired exclusively with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, the manual gearbox has been dropped entirely. A sad day for manual enthusiasts.
The engine remains wonderfully refined for a commercial-based unit. There’s a solid thrum at idle, but once underway, it settles into a smooth and composed cruise. The torque delivery is relentless and available from low revs, making the Hilux feel effortless to drive, whether you’re crawling through city traffic or accelerating onto a highway .
The three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, are well-spaced out. Sport mode adds a noticeable edge to the throttle response, helping the big truck get to speed with gusto. The six-speed automatic gearbox is a smooth and predictable partner, and it’s perfectly suited to a vehicle of this size. Toyota has also made the sensible for some and idiotic for others, decision to offer a rear-wheel-drive variant alongside the 4×4 options, making the Hilux more accessible to buyers who don’t need full-time four-wheel drive.
But there’s a caveat. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system available on international models hasn’t made it to India. This is a missed opportunity, as the mild-hybrid system would have improved fuel efficiency and throttle response.
Ride & Handling
On the road, the Hilux behaves exactly as you’d expect a body-on-frame pickup truck to behave. The ride quality at low speeds is a bit bouncy, primarily because there’s no weight in the rear. This is the same characteristic that every leaf-spring pickup exhibits – load up the cargo bed, and the ride smooths out considerably.
The hydraulic power steering is heavy at parking speeds, making three-point turns in the city a workout. But the moment you venture off-road, that hydraulic setup proves its worth. The feedback from the front wheels is raw and unfiltered, giving you a genuine sense of what the tyres are doing. The steering effort is substantial, but that’s part of the Hilux’s character – it feels like you’re driving something substantial.
Off-road, the Hilux is in its element. The 4×4 variants come with a proper high/low range transfer case, an electronic differential lock, Downhill Assist Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. On rough gravel tracks, the Hilux barely breaks a sweat. In wet grass and mud, there’s ample grip, and the massive articulation allows you to negotiate deep ditches with ease. The 700 MM water-wading capability adds another layer of confidence when crossing flooded trails.
The brakes are adequate, with ventilated discs up front and drum brakes at the rear. While drum brakes might seem dated, they are generally more durable and better suited to heavy-duty load-carrying applications.
Safety
Toyota has made a significant improvement by offering seven SRS airbags as standard across all variants, which is a meaningful upgrade from the outgoing model. The safety suite also includes Vehicle Stability Control, ABS with Brake Assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. The top-spec VX variant gets a panoramic view monitor and front and rear parking sensors, which are invaluable when manoeuvring a vehicle of this size. However, the quality is so horrendous, that you’d barely find them useful when covered in dust or mud.
It’s worth noting, however, that the more advanced ADAS features available on the Hilux globally haven’t made it to the Indian lineup. There’s no adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, or autonomous emergency braking. The top-spec Indian variant is essentially a mid-spec international model, and it shows. Why does Toyota do this, even whilst having a very loyal fanbase across India ? Our guess is as good as yours.
Price in India
The 2026 Toyota Hilux is available in three variants, and the prices are as follows (ex-showroom):
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price |
| 4X2 GX, AT | ₹ 31,99,000 |
| 4X4 GX, AT | ₹ 33,69,000 |
| 4X4 VX, AT | ₹ 36,69,000 |
The entry-level 4×2 variant is a new addition that brings the Hilux’s starting price down, but the range-topping VX 4×4 commands a substantial premium. The new Hilux is up to ₹3.47 lakh more expensive than the previous generation, which makes the cost-cutting measures even more difficult to justify.
Verdict
The new Hilux is an epic truck with a legendary soul, but it’s also a frustrating one. Toyota has nailed the exterior design, the Hilux finally looks as modern and imposing as its reputation suggests. The engine is bulletproof, the off-road capability is peerless, and the fundamental toughness that defines the nameplate remains intact .
But the interior is a letdown. Toyota’s decision to remove features that were available on the outgoing model, automatic climate control, powered front seats, leatherette upholstery, and rear AC vents, is baffling. A new generation should add features, not delete them. The cost-cutting is visible and feels out of place in a vehicle that now costs nearly ₹37 lakh .
The Indian market is also getting a de-contented version of the global Hilux. The top-spec VX variant here is a mid-spec model internationally, and we miss out on the 48V mild-hybrid system, the larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and the ADAS suite . It feels like Toyota is charging a premium for the badge rather than the features.
Ultimately, the Hilux is a vehicle for enthusiasts who understand and appreciate what it stands for. It’s not trying to be a luxury SUV with a cargo bed. It’s one of the toughest, most dependable vehicles you can buy, and it has genuine off-road credentials that few vehicles can match. The driving experience, especially off-road, is soulful in a way that modern crossovers simply cannot replicate. If you’re willing to overlook the disappointing interior and the high price tag, the Hilux remains a uniquely compelling proposition. For everyone else, the value equation is harder to swallow.
