Two-speed 2026 Toyota HiLux strategy revealed as Australia's former best-seller is set to encircle Ford Ranger, BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha and other hybrid utes

Is Toyota preparing two completely different utes to replace the ageing current HiLux in Australia from next year?

With the mid-sized Tacoma a North American-market-only proposition, the number-one brand in this country is taking a different tack in what is the second-largest vehicle segment by volume.

The first – and by far the most important (and undoubtedly profitable, given that the initial development costs were probably amortised years ago) – is the widely-speculated but as-yet publicly unconfirmed facelift of today’s eight-generation HiLux.

That’s due in Australia before the end of this year for the 2026 model year. More on that a little later on.

The second HiLux, meanwhile, is new-from-the-ground up, and the production version of the EPU (Electric Pick-Up) dual-cab concept that debuted at the 2023 Tokyo motor show some 18 months ago.

To refresh, this is a pure battery electric-vehicle (EV) at this stage, as well as Toyota’s first monocoque-bodied dual-cab ute, developed expressly for increasingly-stringent emissions regulations moving into the next decade.

To that end, the all-new EV architecture has been engineered to support the long-awaited solid-state battery tech in time, as well as dual electric motors for four-wheel drive.

With Toyota confirming last month that sales are to start as soon as some time next year in Europe, before presumably hitting Australia, Asia and the Americas not too long after that, the productionised EPU is a very big deal.

Interestingly, at a media event detailing its EV rollout for the region, Toyota Europe revealed last month that its new EV ute will carry “a very familiar name”, so HiLux is obviously the leading contender. But Stout is also part of the brand’s ute history, as a mid-century small truck. Time will tell.

Whatever badge is chosen, the goal is for HiLux to blanket the market.

In one corner, the EPU EV is set to take on the new breed of electrified alternatives, that in Australia are currently represented by the GWM Cannon Alpha hybrid and plug in hybrid (PHEV), BYD Shark 6 (PHEV) and LDV eTerron 9 EV utes.

And then, circling back to the coming facelift of today’s existing, internal combustion engine (ICE) HiLux, its job is to continue taking on the rapidly-evolving diesel establishment, as represented by the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton, imminent Kia Tasman and redesigned Nissan Navara from next year.

While Toyota remains silent on what the changes will be, it has been widely reported that the MY26 HiLux will retain the same structure and dimensions. This means the pillars, door apertures, roof and glass will remain.

The extent of styling change beyond those is the big question, with redesigned headlights, tail-light lenses, grille and bumpers expected to be the extent of it. If buyers are lucky, new sheetmetal for doors, guards, bonnet and tailgate may also make an appearance. After all, most of those date back from 2015 on the outgoing HiLux.

Greater differentiation is forecast inside, too, with the dash, instruments, multimedia screens and trim all set to undergo an overhaul, though the same, comparatively narrow dimensions as in today’s HiLux won't likely change.

Underneath, the Toyota’s existing chassis, suspension, steering and drivetrain are said to essentially remain, though with some detail improvements. These may run to wider tracks and uprated components in higher grades like the Rogue and GR Sport.

It’s also worth noting that the controversial 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is also believed to be undergoing modification, with an upgraded 48-volt hybrid system said to be coming.

Better still, rumours are also swirling of a possible replacement in time.

As we reported last month, a variation of the 240kW/630Nm 2.4-litre i-Force hybrid powertrain is said to be under development. Nicked from the latest Tacoma, this suggests that it may either support or even replace diesel power sometime later on.

We’ll bring you more information on the facelifted ICE HiLux as soon as it comes to light, but for now, is Toyota doing enough against its fierce competition at the mainstream, diesel end of the ute market?

And could the HiLux EPU/EV be priced competitively enough to succeed?

We'll have to wait and see how this mooted plan pans out. Watch this space.