Finally better than a Ford Everest? New 2026 Toyota HiLux to feed toughened up seven-seat Fortuner that could take the fight to Ford

The 2026 Toyota HiLux continues to take shape, with leaks and design sketches now paving the way for a next-generation Toyota Fortuner to take the fight to the hot-selling Ford Everest.

The Fortuner is Toyota's HiLux-based SUV, in the same way the Everest is the SUV sibling to the Ranger, but the two models have wildly different trajectories in Australia.

Last month, for example, the Everest was the fifth best-selling vehicle in the country, while the Fortuner didn't crack the top 10. It's been a similar story across 2025, with the Everest notching up a total 14,719 sales, compared to the Fortuner's 2003.

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But a new HiLux gives the brand a chance to remedy that, with these new renders – from GaadiWaadi and based on the spy images and leaks of the HiLux we've seen to date – showing a sharper, tougher and more modern seven-seat SUV to take into battle.

These images are the latest step towards the HiLux's official reveal ahead of its launch later this year, with appears to be official brochure leaks and offical sketches of the exterior and interior.

The latest, according to Thailand's reputable Headlight Magazine, is that the HiLux will borrow from its Ford Ranger arch rival, and its LandCruiser sibling, in adopting a popular design standards from each model.

From the Ranger, the new HiLux looks certain to borrow the integrated tray steps that make accessing the back of the bed so much easier, while from the LandCruiser Prado, it's the chunky automatic gear selector.

2026 Toyota Fortuner GR Sport render

Those additions will reportedly join the new-look exterior design (with a key focus clearly being the front-end) and a thoroughly modernised interior now awash with screens and connectivity.

And those additions – save the tray steps, of course – will surely make their way to the new Fortuner, along with the 48-volt equipped 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine that will carry over into the new HiLux.