The all-new Toyota HiLux will now launch in 2024 in the face of new or renewed competition from models like the Mitsubishi Triton, Ford Ranger and the incoming Kia Tasman, shaving around 12 months of its expected launch window of 2025, according to new reports.
If proven accurate, that would see the HiLux touch down within around 12 months of the current-generation HiLux GR Sport, which will launch at the end of the year, making that hardcore special edition a send-off for the sales-dominating diesel dual-cab we've grown accustomed to.
It would also see the HiLux arrive ahead of the incoming Kia Tasman ute, which isn't scheduled to arrive in Australia until sometime 2025, giving the Toyota clear air for its launch.
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The as-yet-unconfirmed news comes from Japanese scoop site Response, which reports that the all-new HiLux will now arrive in 2024, at least globally.
The site also suggests that diesel will survive with the new model, with two powertrain options.
The first is a hybrid 2.4-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo-diesel and the second is a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which is likely to be the engine currently offered in the HiLux, only with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.
The site also says full electrification is coming to the HiLux, only a little deeper into its model life, with the electric ute to offer a single electric motor powering the rear wheels, and a more powerful dual-motor setup for AWD models.
The new model is also expected to be slightly longer and wider than the current-gen HiLux, which measures 5325mm in length, 1855mm in width, and – if the timing prophecies prove accurate – should begin to leak in concept form towards the end of this year.
It must be pointed out, though, that Toyota in Australia is yet to comment on timing or details surrounding the new HiLux.
For now, then, watch this space.
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