2026 Toyota HiLux Review: The Top Ute? 🚗

The Toyota HiLux has been one of Australia's most popular vehicles since it arrived on local shores in 1968. Since that time, more than 1.4 million HiLux models have made their way onto Australian driveways and worksites, proving to be trusted and dependable workhorses unphased by Aussie terrain.

But the ute market has evolved significantly over the past decade and today's ute buyer demands more than just a 'fit-for-purpose' work truck. A ute is now expected to do double or even quadruple duty as a tradie vehicle, family conveyance, comfortable commuter and lifestyle champion. That's one reason why the Ford Ranger has taken line honours in the sales charts of late – it ticks all of those boxes for private buyers and user-choosers, with more finesse than the ageing HiLux.

We've driven the new 2026 Toyota HiLux range on-road and off-road to consider what it has to offer and whether Toyota has done enough to topple Ranger from the top spot. But also, what does it offer to keep affordable newcomers like the MG U9 and Foton Tunland from the door and can it out-style the Kia Tasman? Watch to find out!

Read more: https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/car-reviews/toyota/2026-toyota-hilux-review.html

0:00 – Intro: The Legend Returns
0:15 – The 9th Gen HiLux Arrives
0:34 – Pricing and Model Range
1:16 – "Cyber Sumo" Exterior Design
1:41 – Interior Tech and Cabin Comfort
2:44 – Rear Seat Space and Features
3:27 – Engine Specs and Suspension Tunes
3:50 – On-Road Driving Impressions
5:03 – New Electric Power Steering
5:26 – Drive Verdict vs. Ranger and Tasman
5:47 – Off-Road Capability and Towing
6:02 – Safety and Connected Services
6:33 – Final Verdict: Still the King?

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