New-Generation Toyota Hilux Tempts Fans With A Dozen Options

Hilux buyers will have a dozen different Hilux variants
to choose from when the new-generation ute arrives in New
Zealand in early 2026.

Across the range, the
new-generation Hilux has had extensive upgrades to
technology, driveability and passenger comfort, and all
packaged within a new exterior and interior
design.

Toyota NZ Chief
Executive, Tatsuya Ishikawa, says the Hilux needs virtually
no introduction to the New Zealand market, such is the
legacy and durability reputation of the ute, the mobility
mainstay of our economy for almost 50 years.

“Under
its newly designed skin, the 2025 Hilux is more ‘Hilux’
than ever before, built tough and ready to get the job done,
day in, day out,” Ishikawa says.

The new Hilux range
features four distinctive model grades – SR, SR5, SR5
Limited and Adventure, with all models powered by Toyota’s
trusted 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine,
mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or automatic
transmission, depending on the variant. Half of the 12
variants are available with a hybrid powertrain.

The
engine drives a compact motor generator using a belt system,
which in turn charges the new 48V lithium battery, small
enough to be installed under the rear seats to minimise
impact on cabin space. The belt system charges the battery
during deceleration, efficiently regenerating braking energy
which would otherwise be lost, whilst also adding additional
braking performance.

The extensive lineup ranges from
an entry level rear wheel drive, double cab wellside ute to
the range topping new Hilux Adventure, a four-wheel drive
double cab wellside ute powered by the hybrid 2.8L turbo
diesel engine.

In
between are 10 ute variations, designed to meet a range of
functional requirements and budgets, and in single, extra
and double cab configurations. The former premium Hilux, the
SR5 Cruiser has been replaced, for 2025, by the SR5 Limited
and Adventure variants.

Ishikawa says the range of
Hilux, from a two wheel drive or single cab SR to the top
specified SR5 Limited and Adventure grades, is designed to
meet a wide range of Hilux buyers from those who need a
tough no-frills ute to carry or tow equipment to jobs in the
field, to those who prefer a more refined and well-appointed
ute that might have multiple uses and passengers throughout
the week and weekend.

Getting the job done with the
SR

Externally, the SR grade features 17-inch steel
wheels, silver painted lower front bumper, side mirrors and
hood moulding, locking rear tailgate (excluding cab
chassis), side steps and four exterior colour
choices.

The new Hilux features a completely
redesigned modern interior, offering maximum storage space,
refined styling, while keeping essential off-road controls
within easy reach of the driver.

A new front seat
design has been introduced, featuring a wider layout and
enhanced cushioning for improved comfort.

The new SR
extra and double cab wellside ute has high-grade fabric
upholstery, leather-accented shift knob and steering wheel,
rear-seat air conditioning vent, smart entry and start,
wireless smartphone charger, eight-speaker audio system,
lifting the comfort and convenience amenity.

For 4WD
automatic variants, the SR wellside variants add a locking
rear differential, and for some models the Multi Terrain
Select and Downhill Assist Control.

An SR 4×4
double-cab automatic grade is also available with a 48-volt
hybrid system with an 8.4kW/65Nm electric motor generator
for improved driving feel during take-off, and a reduction
in fuel consumption.

Engineers also spent considerable
time refining Hilux noise, vibration and harshness
countermeasures further reducing in-cabin noise and
improving overall user experience. Newly designed cabin and
engine mounts minimise vibration transfer, helping reduce
driver and passenger fatigue.

Stepping up to the SR5
and SR5 Limited

The next grade in the Hilux range is
the 4WD double-cab-only SR5 and its premium SR5 Limited
grade, which introduces the new comfort-oriented rear leaf
suspension tune designed to provide a more compliant and
supple ride. SR5 customers can choose from a manual
non-hybrid or automatic transmission hybrid
powertrains.

The SR5 adds 18-inch gloss black and
bright machined-finished alloy wheels with larger front disc
brakes and ventilated rear disc brakes, high-grade
auto-levelling LED headlights, LED taillights and rear fog
lamp, privacy glass and auto retracting and heated exterior
mirrors.

Inside
the cabin, the SR5 features a few creature comforts, such as
front seat heating, dual zone air conditioning, and, for the
cooler climates, a heated steering wheel. The driver also
benefits from a 12.3-inch multi-information display and a
Multi Terrain Monitor (excluding manual transmission and Cab
Chassis variants).

The SR5 is also available as both a
wellside and cab chassis. There are three manual
transmission options in the range – an SR 4WD Double Cab
Chassis, SR5 4WD Double Cab Wellside and SR5 Limited Double
Cab Wellside. The manual transmission variants are not
available with the 48V Hybrid system and several features
such as Downhill Assist Control, parking support brake and
Multi Terrain Select.

The SR5 Limited adds black
leather accented seats, powered driver seat adjustability
and a JBL nine-speaker premium audio system (excluding
manual transmission).

Both the SR and SR5 are
available in Glacier White, Tensile Silver, Eclipse and, new
to the range, Ash. The SR5 and SR5 Limited are also
available in Emotional Red (excluding the Cab Chassis
variant).

Going on an Adventure

The top graded
Hilux Adventure takes all the features of the SR5 Limited
and upgrades with matte black alloy wheels, ‘mineral’
leather interior and a unique front bumper. It’s available
in six exterior colours, including two exclusive Adventure
colours – Frosted White and Sulphur.

2025 Toyota
Hilux Variants and Pricing Table

Model	Transmission	Towing (kg) unbraked	Towing (kg) braked	Price
2.8L Diesel Turbo 2WD
Hilux SR Double Cab Wellside	Six Speed Automatic	750	2,900	$49,990
2.8L Diesel Turbo 4WD
Hilux SR Single Cab Chassis only (requires tray, not incl. in price)	Six Speed Automatic	750	3,500	$50,990
Hilux SR Extra Cab Chassis only (requires tray, not incl. in price)	Six Speed Automatic	750	3,500	$53,990
Hilux SR Double Cab Chassis only (requires tray, not incl. in price)	Six Speed Manual	750	3,500	$52,490
Hilux SR5 Double Cab Wellside	Six Speed Manual	750	3,500	$58,490
Hilux SR5 Limited Double Cab Wellside	Six Speed Manual	750	3,500	$59,990
Hybrid 2.8L DT 4WD
Hilux SR Double Cab Chassis only (requires tray, not incl. in price)	Six Speed Automatic	750	3,500	$54,990
Hilux SR Double Cab Wellside	Six Speed Automatic	750	3,500	$56,990
Hilux SR5 Double Cab Chassis only (requires tray, not incl. in price)	Six Speed Automatic	750	3,500	$58,990
Hilux SR5 Double Cab Wellside	Six Speed Automatic	750	3,500	$60,990
Hilux SR5 Limited Double Cab Wellside	Six Speed Automatic	750	3,500	$62,990
Hilux Adventure Double Cab Wellside	Six Speed Automatic	750	3,500	$63,990

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