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The ute millions rely on just got a full reboot. Toyota has launched a completely redesigned Hilux, starting in Japan.

A Tougher Look

Toyota built the new Hilux around a design theme it calls Cyber SUMO, inspired by the stance of two sumo wrestlers squaring up. Translation: it looks broad and planted.

There are two flavours, the base Z and a chunkier Z Adventure with a sports bar and extra body garnish. The Hilux has been on sale since 1968 across more than 190 countries, and this reboot does not mess with that formula.

Diesel, Frame, and 4WD

Under the bonnet is the familiar 2.8-litre 1GD diesel paired with a six-speed auto. It keeps the traditional ladder-frame chassis and part-time 4WD.

The 1GD diesel is tuned for low-end pull, the kind of torque that counts when you are towing a trailer or running fully loaded.

Toyota added Multi-Terrain Select and a Multi-Terrain Monitor, plus electric power steering to calm the kickback you usually feel off-road. Retuned springs and dampers smooth out the ride without softening the work-truck toughness.

Built to Haul

The new Hilux measures 5,325 mm long and carries up to 500 kg in the tray. The deck keeps a flat floor and sits 845 mm high with the tailgate down, while deck steps in the rear quarters make reaching cargo easier.

Optional extras like a bed liner and a tailgate lift assist make load-lugging less of a chore for the weekend crowd.

Inside there is a 12.3-inch display, a wide centre console and a horizontal dash designed to help you place the truck off-road. An extra 36 spot welds in the floor cut vibration and noise.

Smarter and Connected

Toyota Safety Sense gains Proactive Driving Assist and better intersection detection. An electric parking brake adds stop-and-hold to the radar cruise for crawling through traffic.

Connected navigation, live traffic and an automatic emergency call round out the tech, and Toyota says it will keep adding features over time through software updates.

The Ute That Matters

Japan gets it first, from about 4.98 million yen, and it is built in Thailand. Given how many markets live and die by the Hilux, a wider rollout is only a matter of time, and the formula still looks bulletproof.

In markets like Australia and Thailand the Hilux is a perennial best-seller, so this redesign matters far beyond Japan.
images via global.toyota/en/newsrooml

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Toyota's New Hilux Is Finally Here