In a move to keep its best-selling pickup, the Hilux, at the forefront of the Australian market, Toyota has revealed the third facelift for its eighth-generation model. Facing competition from rivals like the Ford Ranger, the Hilux undergoes a makeover to stay relevant in the rapidly expanding midsize pickup segment.
The 2025 Hilux sports a redesigned front end, featuring a more pronounced bumper, an updated octagonal radiator grille, and refreshed intakes, resulting in a bolder and more adaptable appearance. While maintaining an overall design connection with its predecessor, the tailgate now incorporates dampers for smoother operation.
Buyers can choose from various finishes for the grille and bumpers, with the entry-level WorkMate boasting a rugged black honeycomb mesh grille. The SR model showcases a silver-coloured lower bumper finish, while the SR5 comes with a black upper grille, dark-tinted LEDs, and gloss-black accents on door handles and mirror caps. The top-tier Rogue and GR Sport models exhibit distinctive looks aligned with their unique personas.
A notable addition to the lineup is the introduction of a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 48-volt technology. This mild-hybrid system, standard for the Rogue and SR5 models and optional for the 4×4 SR, incorporates a DC/DC converter, a 48-volt battery, and a belt-driven electric motor generator. Apart from improving fuel efficiency by 6 to 10 per cent, this system reduces noise and vibration while delivering 201hp and 500Nm of torque.
Equipped with the Multi-Terrain Select system featuring six driving modes, all mild-hybrids offer enhanced adaptability across diverse driving conditions.
Inside the Hilux, new features include wireless charging pads adjacent to the gear shifter and two USB-C ports in the rear for the SR5, Rogue, and GR Sport grades. Across the range, standard features include dual-zone automatic control, smart entry/start, power windows, and carpet floor mats.
Anticipated to hit Australian showrooms in March 2024, the 2025 Toyota Hilux comes with a starting price of 26,475 Australian dollars (RM82,574) for the front-wheel-drive variant, while the 4×4 models begin at 40,965 Australian dollars (RM127,768). Offering a range of engine options, including non-electrified 2.8-litre and 2.4-litre turbodiesel engines and a 2.7-litre petrol engine, the Hilux provides manual or automatic transmissions and front-wheel or four-wheel-drive configurations.
